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As we close our Black History Month, Atlas Founder and CEO shares his challenges as a Black entrepreneur, why DEI should be top of mind, and how an Employer of Record supports diversity.
Your journey to becoming the founder and CEO of a successful company has been rewarding but challenging. Can you tell me about the hurdles you’ve faced as a Black entrepreneur?
My journey as an entrepreneur started long before Atlas, as have the challenges. But when I was on this path of growing a business, I knew I’d have to work twice as hard to overcome biases. Being a minority founder wasn’t always easy for me because I wasn’t always given the same opportunities as others.
When I envisioned a CEO, I had a preconceived notion of what that should look like: straight, white, older man — a stark difference from who I am. That left me with my insecurities and a fear of not meeting expectations. I constantly questioned what clients would think of me, my age, and my perceived lack of experience. Would they feel comfortable with me?
Ultimately, I was afraid my identity might hamper my company’s ability to land contracts and grow. In the early days of starting this company, I decided to present myself as a VP of Sales rather than the CEO of the company. For two years, I referred to myself as the VP of sales. After those two years, I realized I did the hard part of founding and leading this company to early success. So, telling a client I was the CEO should be relatively simple. Their responses were indifferent. While my fear didn’t go away, it relieved some of the pressure I put on myself.
What advice do you have for Black entrepreneurs who have faced, or will face, similar challenges?
Continue doing what you are doing but continue to learn. There are many things I’ve had to learn by just listening and stepping out of my comfort zone. Representation matters, and when people look at you, you reflect greatness. This world will tell you, you can’t, but we are living proof you can.
Remember, you come from a line of greatness, and although sometimes we feel we have to work twice as hard to get equal, it brings us closer to making it easier for the next. So, show your mind, ideas and power, but always remember your worth.
Atlas prides itself on creating equitable opportunities for talent in underserved locales. Why is this important to you?
As a minority CEO, I’ve faced many cultural and societal challenges. And these challenges have been present throughout my professional journey.
I want people we work with to feel comfortable in their own skin. At Atlas, we focus on representation and equality within the organization, not just to hit a quota but because we mean it. Therefore, diversity is one of our core values.
And this is reflected in the Employer of Record business model, which broadens the career opportunities for people working in underserved locales. Until Atlas, many organizations couldn’t access talent in countries they didn’t have an entity in. We’re enabling innovative companies and global talent to connect, an option that once wasn’t possible. We create opportunities for people wherever you are, and this is our foundation.
DEI is top of mind when it comes to many organizations’ talent strategies. How can companies ensure that DEI is more than just talking about initiatives, but rather implementing strategic plans to drive change for the better?
I speak from my experience of envisioning a CEO as a straight, white, older man. I knew I could lead a company to success, but I was afraid of what others might think. Part of that is because I didn’t see many people like me in leadership positions. So, that’s where it starts — ensuring there’s representation in leadership and throughout organizations.
Today, at Atlas, we enable representation at the top, setting the organization’s tone. We’re diverse and inclusive and you see that at all levels. Diversity brings forth different perspectives, life experiences and problem-solving approaches.
It’s especially important for us because we’re a global company, working with organizations and their employees around the world, which means we need to understand varying perspectives to address the pain points our customers have. Ultimately, diversity is good for leadership, employees and our customers. But organizations must look inward before moving forward with more strategic plans such as employee resource groups, support systems, and growth opportunities.
What is the most important aspect of Black History Month to you?
Representation, although it is the shortest month of the year, it gives us a chance to showcase who we are. There is a lot of Black American history that the world isn’t aware of. It allows us to rewrite and correct history books from maybe what was taken or hidden from the world.
Who is an inspirational Black figure who inspires you? And why?
My grandmother has been a major influence on me and my success. She grew up in Georgia, where her father owned multiple businesses, putting the family in the crosshairs of the KKK. Her strength, compassion, work ethic and nurturing character are attributes I admire in her. She influenced me to stand up for myself the day I chose to quit a job in hospitality and seek out a career where I could help people and when I was in doubt, reminded me that I come from the best of the best and the strongest of the strongest.
As we close our Black History Month, Atlas Founder and CEO shares his challenges as a Black entrepreneur, why DEI should be top of mind, and how an Employer of Record supports diversity.
Your journey to becoming the founder and CEO of a successful company has been rewarding but challenging. Can you tell me about the hurdles you’ve faced as a Black entrepreneur?
My journey as an entrepreneur started long before Atlas, as have the challenges. But when I was on this path of growing a business, I knew I’d have to work twice as hard to overcome biases. Being a minority founder wasn’t always easy for me because I wasn’t always given the same opportunities as others.
When I envisioned a CEO, I had a preconceived notion of what that should look like: straight, white, older man — a stark difference from who I am. That left me with my insecurities and a fear of not meeting expectations. I constantly questioned what clients would think of me, my age, and my perceived lack of experience. Would they feel comfortable with me?
Ultimately, I was afraid my identity might hamper my company’s ability to land contracts and grow. In the early days of starting this company, I decided to present myself as a VP of Sales rather than the CEO of the company. For two years, I referred to myself as the VP of sales. After those two years, I realized I did the hard part of founding and leading this company to early success. So, telling a client I was the CEO should be relatively simple. Their responses were indifferent. While my fear didn’t go away, it relieved some of the pressure I put on myself.
What advice do you have for Black entrepreneurs who have faced, or will face, similar challenges?
Continue doing what you are doing but continue to learn. There are many things I’ve had to learn by just listening and stepping out of my comfort zone. Representation matters, and when people look at you, you reflect greatness. This world will tell you, you can’t, but we are living proof you can.
Remember, you come from a line of greatness, and although sometimes we feel we have to work twice as hard to get equal, it brings us closer to making it easier for the next. So, show your mind, ideas and power, but always remember your worth.
Atlas prides itself on creating equitable opportunities for talent in underserved locales. Why is this important to you?
As a minority CEO, I’ve faced many cultural and societal challenges. And these challenges have been present throughout my professional journey.
I want people we work with to feel comfortable in their own skin. At Atlas, we focus on representation and equality within the organization, not just to hit a quota but because we mean it. Therefore, diversity is one of our core values.
And this is reflected in the Employer of Record business model, which broadens the career opportunities for people working in underserved locales. Until Atlas, many organizations couldn’t access talent in countries they didn’t have an entity in. We’re enabling innovative companies and global talent to connect, an option that once wasn’t possible. We create opportunities for people wherever you are, and this is our foundation.
DEI is top of mind when it comes to many organizations’ talent strategies. How can companies ensure that DEI is more than just talking about initiatives, but rather implementing strategic plans to drive change for the better?
I speak from my experience of envisioning a CEO as a straight, white, older man. I knew I could lead a company to success, but I was afraid of what others might think. Part of that is because I didn’t see many people like me in leadership positions. So, that’s where it starts — ensuring there’s representation in leadership and throughout organizations.
Today, at Atlas, we enable representation at the top, setting the organization’s tone. We’re diverse and inclusive and you see that at all levels. Diversity brings forth different perspectives, life experiences and problem-solving approaches.
It’s especially important for us because we’re a global company, working with organizations and their employees around the world, which means we need to understand varying perspectives to address the pain points our customers have. Ultimately, diversity is good for leadership, employees and our customers. But organizations must look inward before moving forward with more strategic plans such as employee resource groups, support systems, and growth opportunities.
What is the most important aspect of Black History Month to you?
Representation, although it is the shortest month of the year, it gives us a chance to showcase who we are. There is a lot of Black American history that the world isn’t aware of. It allows us to rewrite and correct history books from maybe what was taken or hidden from the world.
Who is an inspirational Black figure who inspires you? And why?
My grandmother has been a major influence on me and my success. She grew up in Georgia, where her father owned multiple businesses, putting the family in the crosshairs of the KKK. Her strength, compassion, work ethic and nurturing character are attributes I admire in her. She influenced me to stand up for myself the day I chose to quit a job in hospitality and seek out a career where I could help people and when I was in doubt, reminded me that I come from the best of the best and the strongest of the strongest.
As we close our Black History Month, Atlas Founder and CEO shares his challenges as a Black entrepreneur, why DEI should be top of mind, and how an Employer of Record supports diversity.
Your journey to becoming the founder and CEO of a successful company has been rewarding but challenging. Can you tell me about the hurdles you’ve faced as a Black entrepreneur?
My journey as an entrepreneur started long before Atlas, as have the challenges. But when I was on this path of growing a business, I knew I’d have to work twice as hard to overcome biases. Being a minority founder wasn’t always easy for me because I wasn’t always given the same opportunities as others.
When I envisioned a CEO, I had a preconceived notion of what that should look like: straight, white, older man — a stark difference from who I am. That left me with my insecurities and a fear of not meeting expectations. I constantly questioned what clients would think of me, my age, and my perceived lack of experience. Would they feel comfortable with me?
Ultimately, I was afraid my identity might hamper my company’s ability to land contracts and grow. In the early days of starting this company, I decided to present myself as a VP of Sales rather than the CEO of the company. For two years, I referred to myself as the VP of sales. After those two years, I realized I did the hard part of founding and leading this company to early success. So, telling a client I was the CEO should be relatively simple. Their responses were indifferent. While my fear didn’t go away, it relieved some of the pressure I put on myself.
What advice do you have for Black entrepreneurs who have faced, or will face, similar challenges?
Continue doing what you are doing but continue to learn. There are many things I’ve had to learn by just listening and stepping out of my comfort zone. Representation matters, and when people look at you, you reflect greatness. This world will tell you, you can’t, but we are living proof you can.
Remember, you come from a line of greatness, and although sometimes we feel we have to work twice as hard to get equal, it brings us closer to making it easier for the next. So, show your mind, ideas and power, but always remember your worth.
Atlas prides itself on creating equitable opportunities for talent in underserved locales. Why is this important to you?
As a minority CEO, I’ve faced many cultural and societal challenges. And these challenges have been present throughout my professional journey.
I want people we work with to feel comfortable in their own skin. At Atlas, we focus on representation and equality within the organization, not just to hit a quota but because we mean it. Therefore, diversity is one of our core values.
And this is reflected in the Employer of Record business model, which broadens the career opportunities for people working in underserved locales. Until Atlas, many organizations couldn’t access talent in countries they didn’t have an entity in. We’re enabling innovative companies and global talent to connect, an option that once wasn’t possible. We create opportunities for people wherever you are, and this is our foundation.
DEI is top of mind when it comes to many organizations’ talent strategies. How can companies ensure that DEI is more than just talking about initiatives, but rather implementing strategic plans to drive change for the better?
I speak from my experience of envisioning a CEO as a straight, white, older man. I knew I could lead a company to success, but I was afraid of what others might think. Part of that is because I didn’t see many people like me in leadership positions. So, that’s where it starts — ensuring there’s representation in leadership and throughout organizations.
Today, at Atlas, we enable representation at the top, setting the organization’s tone. We’re diverse and inclusive and you see that at all levels. Diversity brings forth different perspectives, life experiences and problem-solving approaches.
It’s especially important for us because we’re a global company, working with organizations and their employees around the world, which means we need to understand varying perspectives to address the pain points our customers have. Ultimately, diversity is good for leadership, employees and our customers. But organizations must look inward before moving forward with more strategic plans such as employee resource groups, support systems, and growth opportunities.
What is the most important aspect of Black History Month to you?
Representation, although it is the shortest month of the year, it gives us a chance to showcase who we are. There is a lot of Black American history that the world isn’t aware of. It allows us to rewrite and correct history books from maybe what was taken or hidden from the world.
Who is an inspirational Black figure who inspires you? And why?
My grandmother has been a major influence on me and my success. She grew up in Georgia, where her father owned multiple businesses, putting the family in the crosshairs of the KKK. Her strength, compassion, work ethic and nurturing character are attributes I admire in her. She influenced me to stand up for myself the day I chose to quit a job in hospitality and seek out a career where I could help people and when I was in doubt, reminded me that I come from the best of the best and the strongest of the strongest.
As we close our Black History Month, Atlas Founder and CEO shares his challenges as a Black entrepreneur, why DEI should be top of mind, and how an Employer of Record supports diversity.
Your journey to becoming the founder and CEO of a successful company has been rewarding but challenging. Can you tell me about the hurdles you’ve faced as a Black entrepreneur?
My journey as an entrepreneur started long before Atlas, as have the challenges. But when I was on this path of growing a business, I knew I’d have to work twice as hard to overcome biases. Being a minority founder wasn’t always easy for me because I wasn’t always given the same opportunities as others.
When I envisioned a CEO, I had a preconceived notion of what that should look like: straight, white, older man — a stark difference from who I am. That left me with my insecurities and a fear of not meeting expectations. I constantly questioned what clients would think of me, my age, and my perceived lack of experience. Would they feel comfortable with me?
Ultimately, I was afraid my identity might hamper my company’s ability to land contracts and grow. In the early days of starting this company, I decided to present myself as a VP of Sales rather than the CEO of the company. For two years, I referred to myself as the VP of sales. After those two years, I realized I did the hard part of founding and leading this company to early success. So, telling a client I was the CEO should be relatively simple. Their responses were indifferent. While my fear didn’t go away, it relieved some of the pressure I put on myself.
What advice do you have for Black entrepreneurs who have faced, or will face, similar challenges?
Continue doing what you are doing but continue to learn. There are many things I’ve had to learn by just listening and stepping out of my comfort zone. Representation matters, and when people look at you, you reflect greatness. This world will tell you, you can’t, but we are living proof you can.
Remember, you come from a line of greatness, and although sometimes we feel we have to work twice as hard to get equal, it brings us closer to making it easier for the next. So, show your mind, ideas and power, but always remember your worth.
Atlas prides itself on creating equitable opportunities for talent in underserved locales. Why is this important to you?
As a minority CEO, I’ve faced many cultural and societal challenges. And these challenges have been present throughout my professional journey.
I want people we work with to feel comfortable in their own skin. At Atlas, we focus on representation and equality within the organization, not just to hit a quota but because we mean it. Therefore, diversity is one of our core values.
And this is reflected in the Employer of Record business model, which broadens the career opportunities for people working in underserved locales. Until Atlas, many organizations couldn’t access talent in countries they didn’t have an entity in. We’re enabling innovative companies and global talent to connect, an option that once wasn’t possible. We create opportunities for people wherever you are, and this is our foundation.
DEI is top of mind when it comes to many organizations’ talent strategies. How can companies ensure that DEI is more than just talking about initiatives, but rather implementing strategic plans to drive change for the better?
I speak from my experience of envisioning a CEO as a straight, white, older man. I knew I could lead a company to success, but I was afraid of what others might think. Part of that is because I didn’t see many people like me in leadership positions. So, that’s where it starts — ensuring there’s representation in leadership and throughout organizations.
Today, at Atlas, we enable representation at the top, setting the organization’s tone. We’re diverse and inclusive and you see that at all levels. Diversity brings forth different perspectives, life experiences and problem-solving approaches.
It’s especially important for us because we’re a global company, working with organizations and their employees around the world, which means we need to understand varying perspectives to address the pain points our customers have. Ultimately, diversity is good for leadership, employees and our customers. But organizations must look inward before moving forward with more strategic plans such as employee resource groups, support systems, and growth opportunities.
What is the most important aspect of Black History Month to you?
Representation, although it is the shortest month of the year, it gives us a chance to showcase who we are. There is a lot of Black American history that the world isn’t aware of. It allows us to rewrite and correct history books from maybe what was taken or hidden from the world.
Who is an inspirational Black figure who inspires you? And why?
My grandmother has been a major influence on me and my success. She grew up in Georgia, where her father owned multiple businesses, putting the family in the crosshairs of the KKK. Her strength, compassion, work ethic and nurturing character are attributes I admire in her. She influenced me to stand up for myself the day I chose to quit a job in hospitality and seek out a career where I could help people and when I was in doubt, reminded me that I come from the best of the best and the strongest of the strongest.
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As we close our Black History Month, Atlas Founder and CEO shares his challenges as a Black entrepreneur, why DEI should be top of mind, and how an Employer of Record supports diversity.
Your journey to becoming the founder and CEO of a successful company has been rewarding but challenging. Can you tell me about the hurdles you’ve faced as a Black entrepreneur?
My journey as an entrepreneur started long before Atlas, as have the challenges. But when I was on this path of growing a business, I knew I’d have to work twice as hard to overcome biases. Being a minority founder wasn’t always easy for me because I wasn’t always given the same opportunities as others.
When I envisioned a CEO, I had a preconceived notion of what that should look like: straight, white, older man — a stark difference from who I am. That left me with my insecurities and a fear of not meeting expectations. I constantly questioned what clients would think of me, my age, and my perceived lack of experience. Would they feel comfortable with me?
Ultimately, I was afraid my identity might hamper my company’s ability to land contracts and grow. In the early days of starting this company, I decided to present myself as a VP of Sales rather than the CEO of the company. For two years, I referred to myself as the VP of sales. After those two years, I realized I did the hard part of founding and leading this company to early success. So, telling a client I was the CEO should be relatively simple. Their responses were indifferent. While my fear didn’t go away, it relieved some of the pressure I put on myself.
What advice do you have for Black entrepreneurs who have faced, or will face, similar challenges?
Continue doing what you are doing but continue to learn. There are many things I’ve had to learn by just listening and stepping out of my comfort zone. Representation matters, and when people look at you, you reflect greatness. This world will tell you, you can’t, but we are living proof you can.
Remember, you come from a line of greatness, and although sometimes we feel we have to work twice as hard to get equal, it brings us closer to making it easier for the next. So, show your mind, ideas and power, but always remember your worth.
Atlas prides itself on creating equitable opportunities for talent in underserved locales. Why is this important to you?
As a minority CEO, I’ve faced many cultural and societal challenges. And these challenges have been present throughout my professional journey.
I want people we work with to feel comfortable in their own skin. At Atlas, we focus on representation and equality within the organization, not just to hit a quota but because we mean it. Therefore, diversity is one of our core values.
And this is reflected in the Employer of Record business model, which broadens the career opportunities for people working in underserved locales. Until Atlas, many organizations couldn’t access talent in countries they didn’t have an entity in. We’re enabling innovative companies and global talent to connect, an option that once wasn’t possible. We create opportunities for people wherever you are, and this is our foundation.
DEI is top of mind when it comes to many organizations’ talent strategies. How can companies ensure that DEI is more than just talking about initiatives, but rather implementing strategic plans to drive change for the better?
I speak from my experience of envisioning a CEO as a straight, white, older man. I knew I could lead a company to success, but I was afraid of what others might think. Part of that is because I didn’t see many people like me in leadership positions. So, that’s where it starts — ensuring there’s representation in leadership and throughout organizations.
Today, at Atlas, we enable representation at the top, setting the organization’s tone. We’re diverse and inclusive and you see that at all levels. Diversity brings forth different perspectives, life experiences and problem-solving approaches.
It’s especially important for us because we’re a global company, working with organizations and their employees around the world, which means we need to understand varying perspectives to address the pain points our customers have. Ultimately, diversity is good for leadership, employees and our customers. But organizations must look inward before moving forward with more strategic plans such as employee resource groups, support systems, and growth opportunities.
What is the most important aspect of Black History Month to you?
Representation, although it is the shortest month of the year, it gives us a chance to showcase who we are. There is a lot of Black American history that the world isn’t aware of. It allows us to rewrite and correct history books from maybe what was taken or hidden from the world.
Who is an inspirational Black figure who inspires you? And why?
My grandmother has been a major influence on me and my success. She grew up in Georgia, where her father owned multiple businesses, putting the family in the crosshairs of the KKK. Her strength, compassion, work ethic and nurturing character are attributes I admire in her. She influenced me to stand up for myself the day I chose to quit a job in hospitality and seek out a career where I could help people and when I was in doubt, reminded me that I come from the best of the best and the strongest of the strongest.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
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