Phoenix—CCA Global recognizes that as entrepreneurs, women face unique barriers to building successful businesses. To tackle these issues, CCA Global hosted its first-ever Women’s Forum Luncheon that featured a structured network program with a panel discussion and networking session during its 2020 Convention here. The luncheon opened with a kick-off discussion on the topic of the “Multiplier Effect,” the leadership philosophy outlined in The New York Times best-selling book by researcher and executive advisor Liz Wiseman. The program explored the five principles of effective leadership outlined in the book.
A panel discussion featured floor industry experts Chanel Clifford, vice president national accounts for COREtec; Ann McDermitt, vice president national sales of Shaw Industries; and Kelly Oberschlake, senior director sales at Mohawk Industries. The three panel members discussed the opportunities for women in the flooring industry along with tips for supporting women on their professional journey.
To accommodate all female members including owners, co-owners and designated management, Flooring America/Canada and the Floor Trader members met on Jan. 7 and Carpet One Floor & Home members met on Jan. 9 during their conventions.
“This inaugural Women’s Forum was a continuation of our efforts to support members with resources, programs and services to help their businesses grow and reap the enormous benefits of the cooperative experience,” explained Nicole Harding, vice president of CCA Global University, who organized the forum program. “We discussed the ‘multiplier effect’ coined by leadership expert Liz Wiseman as her work complements the way CCA supports our businesses. When we share our efforts, we are stronger together and multiply the success of our members.”
Why a Women’s Forum?
The National Academy of Sciences found that high-performing women have one thing in common: they have a tight-knit circle of other women who help them with “gender-specific private information and support.” But a survey of 800 female small business owners cited balancing work and family life, being taken seriously and gaining access to capital as their biggest barriers to success.
The CCA staff realized they had the opportunity to bring members together at Convention to specifically address these unique challenges and barriers females face in the industry and provide resources and professional development tools to help women work together and support one another.
During the forum CCA surveyed attendees to identify gaps in member services and will use the information to add to the summer convention program. Sponsors of the forum include CCA suppliers Mohawk Industries, Shaw and USFloors.