At TPx, we believe our employees are what powers our business. We have many talented individuals working across the organization, and would like to take take the time to shine a spotlight on what drives these individuals. In this month’s Employee Spotlight, we would like to highlight Karla Bland, a Manager, Customer Success at TPx.
Interview with Karla Bland
What led you into your current role?
I was at a point in my career where I wanted to be a resource to a team, and my current role allows me to do that by providing guidance, supporting others, and assisting with personal growth and development of the Customer Success team. I am not just a leader, but a cheerleader for my team, celebrating accomplishments and growth. My role allows me to help drive our commitment to providing a quality customer and employee experience.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
Doing what I can to support our customers is what motivates me every day along with showing up for my team who are an amazing group! Our people are what makes TPx great.
What brings you the greatest satisfaction in the work you do?
The greatest satisfaction for me comes with forward momentum. That momentum can take form in a few different ways, like when a member of the Customer Success team is excited because they have had a break through with a customer or when someone sets a goal for themselves and is on track to reach it.
What has made the biggest impact on your professional life and what has helped you grow professionally?
I joined TPx in 1999, back when it was formerly Telepacfic. When I started, I knew nothing about the telecom field. I was surrounded by people who brought decades of experience to the table along with a vast wealth of knowledge on translaions, switch and engineering. I have always been a curious person, so when I had questions, these employees would take time to answer my questions and show me how something worked or was configured. Having fellow co-workers help further my education and have invested interest in my success has made an impact on me professionally. I have tried to pay it forward and do the same throughout my career. Teaching and passing of knowledge has helped me to better understand subject matter, and because of that, I make it a priority to help others gain a deep understanding of the subject matter at TPx.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Remove emotion from decision making and rely on facts.
What’s the one topic you never get tired of learning about?
Airplanes and flight. It never gets old!
What is one thing people may not know about you?
During college, to off set the expense of room and board and earn extra money, I worked as a resident assistant in a dormitory for 3 years and officiated intermural basketball for men’s, women’s and co-ed games in the evenings during basketball season ($25 per game!)
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
Trying to stay healthy!
Outside of work, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love hanging out with family and spending time with animals. I also enjoy exploring the city of Houston and all it has to offer.
Why is an inclusive workplace important?
I find this an interesting question when posed to a person of color (POC) or anyone who is in a marginalized group, where the onus is placed on the before mentioned groups. It’s important to start or have this dialogue across all individuals, not just those in marginalized groups. I would like to pose these two questions to everyone: 1) Why is an inclusive workplace important to anyone? 2) If this question was asked to someone who is not a POC or in a marginalized group, would it be something that is not a conscious thought because it has not had to be considered? It is the responsibility of each of us to ask these questions and more importantly ask “what can be done to create a more inclusive and safe workplace?”
Interested in joining the team at TPx? Visit our About Us page to learn more or check out open positions on our Careers page.