Our CCWomen summits usually consist of breakout discussions, panels, and workshops—all providing wonderful learning opportunities, but not much of a space for attendees to share their thoughts on our greater stage..
It's why we launched our first CCWomen open mic at CCW Nashville, titled, "Sharing Community Voices on Careers that Didn't Go to Plan." Sharing requires courage and vulnerability, but our CCWomen room has historically been exceedingly supportive for all voices. So, we carved out time for participants who wanted to practice their storytelling and celebrate their career success, whatever that looked like.
Our first-ever volunteer was Kimberly Spence, Manager of Consumer Experience at Metropolis Technologies. In a brief post-summit reflection, she explores her CCWomen experience and how using her voice continues to empower her today.
Shiwon Oh: Thank you so much for setting the tone for our Community Voices session. What compelled you to share?
Kimberly Spence: Sharing something so personal was extremely outside of my comfort zone. I can confidently talk all day about CX strategy, AI, or building processes, but talking about experiences—some that were very hurtful—is difficult.
But I genuinely decided to challenge myself because I know how isolating it can be, especially when everyone around you seems successful. I wanted to be honest about my journey, so maybe, if anyone in the room was questioning their abilities because if how they'd been treated, they'd feel less alone.
SO: Which parts of your story did you want to highlight?
KS: When I was young, I used to hear, sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you. But they absolutely can. I wanted to show how deeply someone's words and decisions could affect your confidence. It might be controversial to share certain things, but it's my life.
As a teenager, I had a teacher announce to the class that Black people weren't meant for management. Years after, when I was a manager, someone questioned my ability to lead. There was that string starting from childhood that suddenly manifested in adulthood, and those experiences really stayed with me.
Even as I continued to build teams, solve problems, and do work I'm very proud of, there was still an emotional cost. I'm capable of delivering results, but I also still feel hurt and unsure of myself. Acknowledging this reality felt powerful. I never said it out loud to people before.
Afterward, women approached me and shared the parts of my story that resonated with them. Something I carried so privately became a point of connection, and I left feeling grateful that I spoke and was willing to trust my voice.
SO: How do you want to continue inspiring women leaders?
KS: Someone else's judgment doesn't have to become the limit that you place on yourself. Their thoughts can still hurt, but you know you're capable; you just need time and support to rebuild your confidence.
My experiences drove me to create spaces for others to feel heard. Through our women's group at my company, I was able to found Mosaic, Metropolis Technologies' first BIPOC affinity group. We're making waves, and it's so much fun. It's really cool to be able to create and lead a community we didn't have, but absolutely needed.
My journey continues to unfold. I have goals I haven't reached, and things I'm still figuring out. But there's value in sharing from this place, too—I don't have to wait until everything is resolved.
I hope someone hears my story and feels more confident speaking up. Pursue an opportunity. Ask for the respect that you absolutely deserve, even if you feel like you haven't earned it yet.
I'm still a work in progress, but I'm a very strong work in progress. I really am.
Looking to further your impact? Join our CCWomen+ community today—we'd love to give you the stage.
