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Leadership strategist & diversity expert

Carla Harris

Transform workplace success with Carla Harris, speaker, leadership strategist and diversity advocate. Carla works with organizations to maximize performance, develop effective leadership, and foster inclusion, delivering presidential-appointed expertise for Fortune 500 clients across multiple industries.

Trusted by Moss Adams

Carla Harris, Speaker | Senior Client Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Carla Harris

Carla Harris

Newark, United States

Typical fee range

$76k–100k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Carla

Newark, United States

Starting from

$76k–100k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Carla Harris's biography

At a glance

  • Chair of the National Women's Business Council appointed by Obama
  • Senior executive at Morgan Stanley specializing in revenue generation
  • Author of Expect to Win and Strategize to Win books
Carla Harris is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in multiple sectors, including technology, media, retail, telecommunications, transportation, industrial, and healthcare. In recognition of her expertise and achievements, President Barack Obama appointed her as the National Women's Business Council chair in 2013. Carla's passion lies in using her blessings to make a positive impact on others. Throughout her career, she has experienced both successes and personal challenges, which have shaped her unique perspective. As a senior executive, she is dedicated to offering valuable advice, tools, strategies, and wisdom to those who seek her guidance. Currently, Carla's role at Morgan Stanley involves enhancing revenue generation by fostering stronger client connectivity and penetration. Additionally, she has spearheaded various initiatives in equity capital markets and equity private placements, particularly within the consumer and retail industries. Carla is widely recognized as an exceptional speaker, having delivered impactful talks on a range of subjects, including maximizing success, effective leadership, and cultivating a strong presence. She has also authored notable books such as "Expect to Win: 10 Proven Strategies for Thriving in the Workplace" and "Strategize to Win: The New Way to Start Out, Step Up, or Start Over in Your Career." In summary, Carla Harris is an accomplished professional with extensive experience and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Her wealth of knowledge and passion for empowering individuals make her a highly sought-after figure in the business world.

Carla's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Strategize To Win
Carla Harris shares insightful strategies on achieving success and maximizing your professional potential through intentional actions and leveraging your competitive advantage in her talk, "Strategize To Win."
Leadership: Currency, Change, And Creating A Powerful Presence
If ten years ago you had invested $100 in a fund made up of the most customer-centric companies in the U.S. (According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index), your investment today would be worth over $650. Additionally, operations that put their customers in the center of their planning and execution attract the best employees and retain the best customers. They are repeatedly listed on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Chip Bell has worked with many of the most customer-centric operations—ritz-Carlton Hotels, USAA, AMEX, Marriott, Harley-Davidson—and shares the secrets of what makes them so successful. This provocative and powerful keynote can be tailored for first-line supervisors to senior executives. It provides the insights and tools for creating experiences that turn satisfied customers into loyal advocates.

Why we recommend booking Carla

Carla brings a wealth of experience from diverse sectors, offering unique insights and proven strategies for success that can transform your team or business. Her engaging speaking style and ability to connect with audiences ensure your event will be both enlightening and inspiring. Booking Carla means investing in actionable wisdom that will empower your team to excel in today's competitive landscape.

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Trusted by Moss Adams

Testimonials

Carla was amazing! The President of our company said she is in the top 5 speakers he has ever heard. The feedback from our group was phenomenal!

Camden

Carla Harris is the best keynote speaker I've seen in my 14 year tenure with Moss Adams. Thank you!

Moss Adams

I don't think I have every received so much wisdom.

Gail Davies

Featured Projects

Carla Harris - Lead To Win: How To Be A Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader In Any Environment book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Carla Harris for my next event?

What is Carla Harris's speaking style like?

Carla Harris draws on her career at Morgan Stanley and experience across multiple industries to present frameworks for professional advancement, structuring her talks around actionable strategies tied to concrete career stages such as starting out, stepping up, or starting over.

What topics does Carla Harris specialise in?

Carla Harris speaks on professional strategy and career advancement, leadership currency and influence, and building a powerful presence. She is a senior executive at Morgan Stanley and served as chair of the National Women's Business Council following her appointment by President Barack Obama in 2013.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.