The Interview – Carol Moore

Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.

I have been blessed to have a career in the public assembly industry for 44 years.  This is the industry that manages venues such as convention centers, arenas, performing arts centers, stadiums, etc.  When I started working in this industry, frankly, I was just looking for a paycheck as I was very young.  But I quickly discovered I liked the industry and the fact that every work day was different due to the various types of events held in the venues.  I have worked in arenas, convention centers, performing arts centers and conference centers.  I haven’t worked in a stadium – I much prefer the smaller venues so I can get to know the clients.

Best piece of business advice you’ve received.

As I mentioned when I first started in the industry I was VERY young and also quite shy and timid.  One day I was told by my boss to hold all his calls and he closed his office door.  The wrestling promoter called and was very insistent that he talk with my boss.  I kept trying to explain, to no avail, he couldn’t be disturbed.  I finally gave in and tapped softly on my manager’s door and apologized profusely telling him the wrestling promoter was insistent on talking with him.  He looked at me and said “Carol, you are too passive.  You need to learn how to be assertive, but not aggressive.”  I went back to my desk and thought about his advice and took it to heart.  I think he might have lived to regret those words later on!

If I had it to do over …

I would have married later in life and went to college right out of high school.  Instead, I married right out of high school, began working at the Macon Coliseum and City Auditorium, and  went to college at nights.  This was difficult as I worked nights, evenings and weekends.  I certainly didn’t choose the easy way!  Plus, if I had gone to college right out of high school my parents would have paid for my education instead of me.  But, I was young and knew it all back then.

You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?

Oh man that’s a really, really hard choice to make.  I would have to say Alan Jackson Greatest Hits, Allison Kraus & Union Station Live and Bruce Springsteen Greatest Hits.  As far as books, I would take the Outlander series (it all counts as one, right?!), The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and the latest Harlan Coben book.  Only being able to take three albums and three books was like asking me to pick only one of my fur babies – impossible.

Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.

I have bungee jumped in my younger years. What was I thinking?!

You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why

I would invite my mom, who died in 2012, because I miss her every moment of every day.  God would certainly be on the list as I have some curiosity questions for him.  I would also invite Amelia Earhart because she was such a pioneering woman back in the day and I want to know what really happened to her.  Princess Diana would certainly be on the list as I was/am such a huge fan of her.  And, last but not least, I would invite Robin Williams to add some humor to the evening.  I love humor and having fun!

Name an as yet unfulfilled dream
 
Top of my bucket list is to go on a Viking River Cruise, although I can’t decide exactly which areas I want to see as I want to see them all!  All I need is lots of money and I can just take each and every one of them.  Donations are accepted!

If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …

Retired and traveling the United States, Europe, and Scotland.  I love what I do and really can’t see myself doing anything else.

Your go-to food.

I love chocolate — what’s not to love?!  I would waller in it if I could.

Favorite movies(s)

Forest Gump
Steel Magnolias
Beaches
Fried Green Tomatoes
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Seems to be a southern theme going on here.

Dogs or cats?

Definitely dogs.  I’m highly allergic to cats and can’t be around them.

Your favorite quote and why

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. —Maya Angelou

I have tried to live my life by this quote – always treat people the way you want to be treated.

Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished

On a personal level, I’m glad I had my son, Justin, who has become a talented, funny, wonderful family man.

On a work level, I am glad I have been given the opportunity to open an arena, convention center and conference center during my career.  Being able to do this has allowed me to put my stamp on how things are done.

What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own

Slow down and enjoy life more