Shelly Einhorn first got a taste of working for CCC in 1995, when she joined the team as an enterprise assurance lead. She left the company four years later to build her own department at a digital advertising media firm, but she couldn’t stay away for long.
“I realized I was missing the pace, challenge and focus of working for a SaaS company where technology doesn’t just support the business, but rather where technology is the business,” said Einhorn.
She returned in 2006, and today, she serves as the company’s VP of telematics technology, overseeing the development, support and operation of CCC’s telematics software products and hyperscale platform.
“We have nearly 40 years of unique data we continue to leverage,” said Einhorn. “This data, coupled with the CCC team’s drive to evolve, has pushed us into the next revolution of telematics and casualty markets.”
She’s also spearheading CCC’s Austin office growth as the company continues to build out a local presence. We spoke with her about Austin tech, CCC’s culture and her advice for others looking to grow in their careers.
How has CCC changed since you originally joined the team?
Like many growing companies, CCC now spans multiple locations in and outside of the U.S. We have had to find ways to enable collaboration and strong team partnerships no matter where people are located. Culturally, CCC still has the same heart and personal focus it did in the late 90s, but we have worked hard to find ways to ensure our teams are able to feel connected and collaborative, irrespective of their locations.
Technology doesn’t just support the business — technology is the business.”
You’ve held multiple leadership roles since you returned in 2006. How would you describe your leadership approach?
Most of these roles came about because I saw opportunities for change or improvement, and I was willing to offer up solutions that make things better. Leadership for me has always been a matter of mindset, and not about my title or level at the company. I am a big believer that no matter what your role or position in the company, you will always have opportunities to lead.
I also believe that leadership is a balance of hiring the right people and supporting them to succeed while at the same time setting the tone and focus so that everyone is working in the same direction for success.
What advice would you offer to people looking to grow within their organization?
Step in. CCC is an amazing, rich environment with opportunities in so many areas. Do not allow your title or your current role to define you. If you have interests in areas outside your current position, make it known. Seek out mentors and colleagues in other areas that excite you. Own your growth and be a person who drives solutions.
How does your Austin office compare to CCC’s headquarters in Chicago, from a cultural perspective?
Austin and Chicago are both driving innovation and expanding into new technology and business. Regardless of location, both offices embrace collaboration and a desire to be one team. Having recently made the cross-country move from Chicago and having the experience of working in both office locations, I would say there are more similarities than differences.
Although, we have a lot more cowboy boots in the Austin office than we do in Chicago. Also, don’t tell HQ up in Chicago, but the Austin team can wear shorts in the office.
