March is Women’s History Month – an annual declared month when we take the time to look back in reverence at the many achievements of women throughout history, and celebrate the vast and inspiring strides women make today.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Customer Contact Week is introducing CCWomen to the 2019 CCW Vegas agenda, taking place this June at The Mirage, Las Vegas. CCWomen is developed by women for women in customer contact, designed specifically for our female attendees to build relationships, support and inspire one another, and path-find practical solutions to the myriad challenges women face in the workplace. Our goal is to raise the profile of women in customer contact, pursue success together, develop new skills, and learn the value and power of our community.

In support of CCWomen and in celebration of Women’s History Month, CCW has launched a two-part #CCWomenStrong campaign – a hashtag you can follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

In Part 1, we are highlighting female leaders in the customer contact industry, and inviting them to share their stories and words of wisdom. For Part 2 of the campaign, we are asking all female and male mentors in the industry to take the pledge to mentor and support the growth of women in the workplace and the next generation of female leaders. We would love for everyone to get involved and participate in this pledge. If you would like to join, simply download our #CCWomenStrong sign, print it out, take a picture of yourself holding it, and post the picture on social media with your pledge and the #CCWomenStrong hashtag. 

Interview with Carla Moore, Vice President, POS Strategy and Education, HBO

One of most inspiring #CCWomenStrong leaders for 2019 is HBO’s Carla Moore. Carla began working at HBO 20 years ago, and has since worked her way up from an entry-level sales trainer in Atlanta to her current position as Vice President of Point of Sale Strategy and Education in New York City.

In addition to her role at HBO, Carla is a transformation speaker, certified professional coach, and author of Crash: Leading through the Wreckage. She serves on the national board of NAMIC (National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications), and a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is passionate about sharing her story, has engaged over 10,000 people through her public speaking and life coaching, and has been featured in Chicago Tribune, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Bold TV, and many other media publications and outlets. Her mission is to inspire others to “Live the life you’ve imagined!”

We caught up with Carla to find out more about her story, why she believes it’s important for organizations to improve company culture in support of women, and what advice she has for the women leaders of the future.

How many years have you been in the industry? 

22 years in sales, strategy, human resources and leadership.

What inspired you to get where you are today?

When I was 40 years old, my life was spinning out of control. I was successful professionally, but personally, I had relinquished my power to self-doubt and years of insecurities. I transformed my life after a life-altering car crash that prompted me to lose over 150 pounds. In that “crash moment”, I made a choice to begin living my life with passion, purpose and power – and now I’ve committed my life to encouraging others to do the same. 

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

It’s not about perfection, it’s about progression.

How do you answer the question of whether women lead differently than men, especially in the customer facing industry?

Women bring a unique style and flavor that not only yields higher returns, but taps into the essence of the human spirit – let’s attribute that to our natural maternal instincts. Whether we are aunts, sisters, mothers or friends, women uniquely develop a culture that promotes inclusion and compassion – something our male counterparts can find challenging to foster.

Why is it important for companies to improve their culture to help women feel a sense of inclusion?

Diversity is one of the most important issues for any modern business. When women are comfortable and can express themselves in an authentic way, they are more likely to perform better, which increases engagement and contributes to the organization as a whole.

What does a community like CCWomen mean to you?

Women need to strategically build their network of support to fully tap into their greatest personal power. The CCWomen Movement helps others see the gifts, strengths, talents and abilities of women that may go unrecognized in the workplace. This is critical to the success of women leaders everywhere because, even today, more often than not, women are underrepresented in boardrooms across the nation. For that reason, mentorship and support are necessary to help inspire and support other women to not only be successful, but also strong in the process of becoming a success.

What is your advice for future women leaders? What are some things you wish you knew when you started your career?

My advice to future women leaders is to know your make and model. In order to really tap into your personal power, you must really know yourself. You have to identify the things that truly spark your passions. Self-knowledge is the foundation of any type of transformation. Take a moment to think about those moments that shaped who you are. Identify how those key moments can assist you in showing up with your most effective personal power throughout your career.

CCWomen at CCW Vegas 2019

Carla was a phenomenal speaker at CCW Nashville in January 2019. Beginning her headline address by breaking into a rendition of Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling Good’, she roused the crowd with her new dawn new day story that began the day of her car crash, and led her start leading a new life – the one she’d always imagined. “That’s when I got it,” she told us. “We already possess the power to change our very own lives. Living the life you imagined is about choosing it.”

This life-changing epiphany shifted Carla’s approach to leadership. Carla believes that the effectiveness of a truly inspiring leader is commensurate with self-awareness, clarity, and personal enlightenment – what she calls “enlightened leadership.”

“Enlightened leaders are more open to new thoughts and ideas from others,” she said. “When leaders are calm and relaxed in their own lives, it’s easier to allow freedom and creativity from other team members. It makes it easier to share the spotlight.”

Returning by popular demand, we’re thrilled to announce that Carla Moore will be leading our CCWomen Luncheon at CCW Vegas on Thursday June 27 at The Mirage, Las Vegas. The CCWomen Luncheon is a dedicated place for women at CCW Vegas to connect with other women in customer contact, share stories, ask questions, and make valuable connections.

Download the CCW Vegas 2019 Agenda for more information and insights.