Her Story
About Carla
I've been in my field for over 10 years, and I'm currently in my position for about 20 months, coming up on 2 years. I work in the Utility Association, where I do contracts and manage sourcing event locations for all the events that the association provides for adult learning and education. My previous experience was contracting for a couple of convention centers, still doing that event planning, project management, and contracting. The organization I work with right now actually scooped me up - I'd been managing their account for the convention center for the last 10 years, so I got familiar with the organization, the staff, the leadership, and they offered a great opportunity for me to come on board and work for them solely. My main area of expertise is contracting, contract negotiations, and project management. On a typical day, I'm managing contracts, sourcing contracts, managing the finance side of contracts. Another hat I wear is I manage our large trade shows, so I do all of the exhibitor correspondence and manage those relationships. My most notable professional achievement so far is focusing on the contract negotiations and finding the best terms for our nonprofit association.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to personal drive. That's really what keeps me going and helps me excel in what I do. It's more important to me that I have my own drive to be successful in my performance, regardless of what other people think sometimes. I like what I do, and I feel good about what I do, and that internal motivation is what really pushes me forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received, especially from a negotiation standpoint, is to state what you want up front, and then don't say anything. It is the awkward silence that some people can't handle, which generally works towards your benefit. If you can handle the awkward silence, it really gives you an advantage in negotiations.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to listen thoroughly and speak up. I do believe I'm typically the one to be more so on the quiet side and the listening factor, but when it's relevant and important, you take the time to make a considerate, thoughtful comment, statement, or question. That is where I'm a big believer in negotiations - it's speak when relevant. And there's a lot of relationship managing, and it's important to be able to talk small talk and current events, that's good, but when it comes down to a professional negotiation standpoint, speak on the terms that you want, basically. And then I think the other one is to look for the leadership that you want to follow or emulate. That's important, too.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say that, as I was seeing my kiddo out the door, I would say, strive to do good. That's a value that I have - I strive to do good, and I want others around me to do the same. And it is, you know, be a driving force, but don't be overbearing, so know your audience. I always think of knowing my audience, what am I trying to get across, and having values means recognizing that audience and valuing each person, what they're going to perceive from my communication.
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