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SRQ Magazine | Women Who Roar 2022 Awards Showcase | Kristie O'Kon
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE INDUCTEE | 2022
KRISTIE O'KON
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT RELATIONS/ GRAPEVINE COMMUNICATIONS
WHEN YOU FIRST MEET KRISTIE O’KON, YOU’RE STRUCK BY HER PERSONALITY. It’s kind yet candid and remains consistent every time you interact with her. She is a person who is as intent on learning your story in order to reach your heart as she is focused on saying the right words to put a smile on your face. It’s a pleasing blend of patience, honesty and humor, resulting in an ease of conversation and knowing you’re with someone who genuinely cares. That’s because she does.
This grounded, tell-it-like-it-is approach to building relationships based on straightforward authenticity was developed following a life journey in which things were considerably more unpredictable. In fact, with Kristie’s background full of speedbumps and obstacles, the only consistency was chaos. To hear her story is to root for the hero who encounters adversaries at every turn. She faced the early-on illnesses and deaths of her parents and became the support system for her siblings, a responsibility which impeded her pursuit of higher education. And from years of enduring mental and physical abuse causing her own personal battles with self-confidence and self doubt, there always seemed to be a hurdle to overcome just to get ahead.
But for Kristie, those struggles led to strategies. The setbacks encouraged steps up. And myriad challenges became meaningful life lessons which taught her that you never know where someone has been or what they have been through. To have empathy. And kindness always goes a long way. This deep-seated consideration for the unique experiences and life testing luggage each person carries has translated perfectly for her professional role as Director of Client Relations with Grapevine Communications – a position which demands compassion and candor.
Kristie is a mother to two teenaged sons, a wife to her husband of almost 12 years, a devoted employee and always a student. She understands that you can be grateful for your success while remaining thankful for the hard times. In her words, “Nobody ordinary ever accomplished something extraordinary.”
Grapevine Communications | 5201 Paylor Lane | Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941.351.0024 | GrapeInc.com
