The Voices of Atlanta Small Business Diversity

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Atlanta promotes diversity in small businesses better than any other major American city. Here’s how you can boost diversity and increase revenues the Atlanta way.

The Roadmap to Diversity: Learning from Atlanta’s Small Businesses

Through dozens of interviews for this project with entrepreneurs, academics, government officials and diversity experts, we came to know the remarkable Atlanta small business community. Here are some of their most notable quotes about diversity and inclusion in small businesses.

Through dozens of interviews for this project with entrepreneurs, academics, government officials and diversity experts, we came to know the remarkable Atlanta small business community. Here are some of their most notable quotes about diversity and inclusion in small businesses.

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“Diversity is huge, but it’s tough: I had to figure out how to start a company, buy equipment and keep it running, and have a team that can do it all. In order to do that, you have to have perspectives from all people.”

Lawrence Sturkey, Founder, Community Electric — <a href="https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/article/synchrony/small-business-diversity-makes-a-big-impact">Small Business Diversity Makes a Big Impact</a>

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“In my lifetime, I've never seen conversations about diversity in the workplace happening at this scale. And within the last year, the conversations are going deeper, and I believe they're rawer than ever before.”

Janis Middleton, Executive Director of Multicultural & Inclusion Strategy, Guided by Good — 
<a href="https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/article/synchrony/how-to-deal-with-those-uncomfortable-diversity-conversations">How to Deal With Those Uncomfortable Diversity Conversations</a>

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“Many of our strongest diversity initiatives are led by our employees, with great passion for driving change.”

Michael Matthews, Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Corporate Responsibility Officer, Synchrony — 
<a href="https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/article/synchrony/learning-diversity-from-larger-companies">Learning Diversity From Larger Companies</a>

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“When I first started here, I knew all the Black employees, could count them on one hand, and it seemed like everyone was fine with that. The agency is so much more diverse now, and I’ve never worked with this many Black women in advertising before.”

Erica May, Director of Communications Strategy, 22squared — 
<a href="https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/article/synchrony/how-to-retain-diverse-employees">How to Retain Diverse Employees</a>

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“I felt like we’re in Atlanta, and we’re not successful until we make this an all-inclusive museum.”

Rhonda Matheison, former CFO, High Museum of Art — 
<a href="https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/article/synchrony/diversity-helps-small-businesses-find-success">Diversity Helps Small Businesses Find Success</a>

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“I like the Gandhi quote, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’. It starts with me personally. Are there unconscious blind spots that you may have?”

Ankit Patel, CEO and President, Classic Vision Care — 
<a href="https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/article/synchrony/how-to-deal-with-those-uncomfortable-diversity-conversations">How to Deal With Those Uncomfortable Diversity Conversations</a>

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“I want our firm to reflect not only the clients we serve, but the values we hold as a law firm.”

Lizz Patrick, Founder and Chief Client Officer, Patrick Law Group — 
<a href="https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/video/synchrony/4-tips-on-hiring-more-diverse-employees">4 Tips on Hiring More Diverse Employees</a>

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“Diversity of talent actually increases the bottom line. It helps drive innovation and creativity. And research has shown it improves business results.”

Cherie Caldwell, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, SalesLoft — 
<a href="https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/video/synchrony/4-tips-on-using-employees-to-help-you-recruit">4 Tips on Using Employees to Help You Recruit</a>

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All content on the Synchrony hub on Bloomberg.com is sponsored content.
The content is not Bloomberg editorial content and does not necessarily reflect the views of Bloomberg L.P., its affiliates or owner and does not reflect any direct or indirect endorsement of Synchrony, its affiliates or clients. This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual business, financial, legal, tax and/or other advisors with respect to any information presented. All statements and opinions in this content are the sole opinions of the interviewees.