Joan with chimpanzee pal circa 2000
“The best brand stories don’t just capture attention — they become part of your audience’s world. That’s the kind of storytelling I love to do.”
— Owner/Storyteller, Joan O'Connor
At a startup pitch event for entrepreneurs seeking funding, I discovered my true calling: brand storytelling. Watching brilliant founders lose opportunities simply because they couldn't tell a compelling story was heartbreaking — and galvanizing.
When a Venture Capitalist friend asked if I would consult with his startups, I didn’t hesitate.
Using my expertise to help businesses succeed was thrilling — and Spotlight Monkey was born.
But the roots of my storytelling journey go deeper.
Hollywood Storytelling Methods
My career began in Hollywood, where I became an Emmy Award-winning producer dedicated to creating, directing, and writing nonfiction programs that entertained, educated, and connected with viewers.
My role as the Supervising Producer on the launch of A Baby Story, the groundbreaking series featuring labor and deliveries, showcased my ability to relate with viewers on a profound, life-affirming level. As part of the senior team on Big Brother 2, I played a pivotal role in transforming the show into a thriving multi-million-dollar franchise.
As Co-Executive Producer for Starting Over, a daily syndicated one-hour series dedicated to empowering women, I helmed the story and post-production departments. Steering the creative direction, I helped shape more than 175 episodes each season, leading to an Emmy award and a subsequent nomination.
My proudest moment came when our dedicated editors, whom I closely supervised, clinched their own Emmy, — a testament to collaboration, heart, and relentless creativity.
A Story Shift
When reality TV blurred too far into scripted territory, I knew it was time for a new chapter. Returning home to Chicago, I transitioned into casting, eventually becoming a partner at O’Connor Casting eventually becoming a partner, and member of the Casting Society of America (CSA). Casting was invigorating because performance is an exciting way to tell stories.
Working with iconic brands like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Disney deepened my understanding of performance, brand identity, and emotional resonance — essential ingredients for lasting brand loyalty.
The Spotlight Moment
Everything came full circle while sitting in that pitch event. I realized I wanted to use my storytelling talents to empower — not just entertain.
Spotlight Monkey became my platform for working one-on-one with businesses and personal brands to create authentic identities that connect, build trust, and drive growth. I bring a hallmark mix of fun, intuition, emotional intelligence, and respect to every project — because I know how much heart it takes to create something remarkable.
Beyond Business
Away from work, I’m happiest laughing with family and friends, surrounded by nature and animals.
I’m passionate about reducing single-use plastics, creating YouTube videos, and sharing true stories on stage at NPR’s The Moth.
A lifelong mentor and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, I live by Margaret Fuller’s words:
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candle in it.”
At Spotlight Monkey, that’s precisely what we do.
