2006: Women to Watch: Connie Harden
Posted On: Oct. 8, 2006 12:00 AM CST
Principal
Buck Consultants L.L.C.
San Francisco
Age: 58
Connie Harden joined Buck Consultants in 1991 after working for eight years as an attorney in the employee benefits groups of two law firms. She consults on a wide range of employee benefits legal issues and has served on an Internal Revenue Service task force to help the IRS develop COBRA health care regulations. More recently, she has been working to help clients implement innovative approaches in adopting consumer-driven health care plans.
Q: If you had the ability to change one thing about the industry what would it be?
A: "I would slow things down a bit so we could spend more time talking face to face. Although e-mail has revolutionized business communication and made us more efficient, it can also interfere with the synergy that flows from direct interaction."
Q: What advice would you give young women entering the industry today?
A: "First, figure out what you do best and what you care most about and do it wholeheartedly. Second, I’d suggest, learn the details but don’t forget the big picture—that is, think about policy issues and share your thoughts with others. Finally, hope more and fear less."
Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your career and why?
A: "Two wonderful lawyers and role models for me have been Mary Oppenheimer, who was a top employee benefits official for many years at the Internal Revenue Service, and Barbara Creed, a partner with the Trucker Huss law firm in San Francisco. They were great teachers and fearless in forging their careers."