Shayla Atkins is a distinguished motivational speaker, global DE&I expert, and leadership and business strategist boasting nearly two decades of corporate experience. As the CEO and Founder of The Atkins Impact Consulting Firm, she champions diverse voices, specifically women and people of color. Shayla also established the Solo 2 CEO Academy, aiding women of color leaders and entrepreneurs in advancing their careers and businesses. She has been honored with numerous awards, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the Top 500 Global Entrepreneurs Award. Shayla has graced major corporate stages, devised global DE&I strategies, and conducted training to boost workforce representation and inclusive leadership. She is a bestselling author, with her book "Women Who Lead with S.P.I.C.E." empowering readers to attain greater recognition and influence.
Shayla's foray into human resources (HR) occurred by chance. Initially working in supply chain, she transitioned to HR when her company centralized and restructured several support functions. Shayla discovered an opportunity in HR to help people, particularly in talent processes and compensation. DE&I became an integral aspect of her HR work, as she consistently aimed to incorporate DE&I into various HR functions and processes. Over time, her expertise in organizational effectiveness, development, and process background positioned her as a leader in global DE&I endeavors. Shayla maintains that aligning passion, proficiency, and purpose is vital for long-term success, a balance she found in her DE&I work.
During the pandemic, Shayla founded The Atkins Impact Consulting, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion firm. The company's core values are represented by the acronym IMPACT, and its mission is to level the playing field by collaborating with purpose-driven businesses. The Atkins Impact Consulting focuses on partnering with organizations genuinely committed to fostering inclusive and equitable environments rather than those treating DE&I as a mere formality. The firm offers leadership coaching and development programs for targeted populations, including women of color, as they recognize that representation at the top is essential for lasting change. Shayla takes pride in her company's work and eagerly anticipates continuing to make a difference in the DE&I sphere.
Shayla underscores the significance of authenticity as a catalyst for millions, particularly in cultivating women leaders and entrepreneurs. This principle of authenticity lies at the heart of The Atkins Impact Consulting's leadership development programs. Drawing from her personal experience in corporate America, where she spent over a decade conforming and code-switching to fit the dominant culture, Shayla asserts that authenticity fosters clarity and confidence, shaping how we present ourselves and lead others in our businesses and careers. She stresses the importance of staying true to oneself and building a leadership brand that is both genuine and effective.
Shayla explains that the Solo to CEO Academy aims to empower women of color in leadership and entrepreneurship. The Academy's name represents the journey from navigating corporate America solo to becoming the CEO of one's career and life. The Academy offers The Atkins Impact Consulting's signature SPICE program, which assists women in understanding and embracing their core selves before effectively serving and leading others. SPICE encompasses the five leadership skills developed through the program: savvy, performance, image, communication, and exposure. The Solo to CEO Academy concentrates on professional leadership development for women of color in leadership roles.
Shayla's approach to training senior leaders in HR and DE&I functions begins by examining the business strategy and desired outcomes. She inquires how DE&I integrates into the organization's strategy and what the training aims to achieve for the company. Shayla links the training to key metrics and results, such as improving employee engagement, reducing turnover, and enhancing organizational health. Her approach ensures that the training is not merely a formality but is effective and quantifiable. She also takes into account the organization's specific needs, such as establishing psychologically safe spaces for employees or training on cultural competency in diverse, hybrid environments. Shayla's objective is to create a long-term engagement that is both effective and measurable, rather than merely ticking boxes.
Shayla's book, "Women Who Lead with S.P.I.C.E.," is the culmination of Shayla's years of personal experience, research, and analysis. As a recovering perfectionist, she sought to create a comprehensive guide for women, including growth exercises within the book itself. Readers can expect to learn from her personal stories and gain practical advice on how to change, suppress, or grow as individuals. The book is crafted to help women build their personal board of directors, improve communication skills, and develop confidence and authenticity as leaders.
"Spice" represents five key capabilities, skills, or traits crucial for women's success. The book teaches not only how to develop these skills, but also when to utilize them in advancing one's career. Shayla highlights that performance alone isn't enough to reach senior leadership positions; it's about being savvy, managing one's image, and guiding others to perform.
Shayla has received accolades for her leadership, commitment, and contributions to her community and future generations, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden. This award holds special meaning for her, acknowledging her humble beginnings and deep commitment to community service. The Lifetime Presidential Award is a Community Service Award that requires recipients to complete thousands of hours of service. For Shayla, the award testifies to her dedication to giving back to her community and helping others excel.
Shayla's brand and personal mantra revolve around the concept of "lifting as we climb." She advocates for building networks and serving the community collectively, rather than climbing alone. The award confirms that her efforts are making a difference and motivates her to keep striving toward leveling the playing field and serving others.
Although originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Shayla remains connected to her roots while also serving her new community in the Houston area. Regardless of her specific role—whether consulting, coaching, or serving—her primary focus is always on developing and supporting others.
Shayla offers valuable advice for women starting their own businesses or leading in their industries. For those starting businesses, she emphasizes playing to one's strengths, leaning into them, and building a business around them. Ensuring that passion, proficiency, and purpose are aligned is vital, as running a business requires consistent dedication to the same tasks and topics. For women leading in their industries, Shayla recommends similar advice: play to one's strengths, seek out roles that complement and enhance them, and build a team that rounds out one's experiences while focusing on personal strengths. Taking career risks is acceptable, but prioritizing areas of excellence is crucial.
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