Autodesk Life
Each year, the Autodesk Black Network (ABN) employee resource group (ERG) holds an in-person summit where members can unite as one connected community and discuss how to best elevate each other, whether it be career, purpose, or skills. This year, attendees gathered the week leading up to Juneteenth in Atlanta, Georgia, where they attended a variety of events under the theme Unite & Elevate, including keynote presentations, networking sessions, LUMA workshops, panel discussions, and a fireside chat with Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost.
ABN members from across Autodesk attended the summit, representing sales, marketing, consulting, HR, research, technical solutions, customer success, and more. As we have a strong Business Development Representative (BDR) community in Atlanta, we connected with three ABN members from the BDR team to learn about their experience attending the summit:
Adam Keys is a Territory Senior Business Development Representative and plays a crucial role on the Outbound Expansion team and brings valuable experience and knowledge to his position. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Adam operates from a vibrant business hub. His passion lies in ensuring customers achieve their goals with utmost efficiency. He strives to deliver exceptional service and help customers navigate their business challenges. Adam consistently goes above and beyond to ensure outstanding outcomes for both clients and the organization.
Kayla Wilson is a Business Development Representative located in Atlanta, Georgia. With a passion for nurturing customer relationships, Kayla directs her efforts toward fostering strong connections with clients. As a testament to her exceptional leadership skills, she holds the position of one of the Site Leaders for the Atlanta office. Kayla is a member of the Atlanta Women’s Network as well. Building customer relationships and promoting the advancement of women exemplifies her passion and commitment in every endeavor she undertakes.
Anthony Harvey is a Sales Development Representative based out of Atlanta, Georgia. He has excelled in building strong relationships with customers and guiding them in selecting the ideal construction management software that aligns with their requirements. Anthony’s dedication to delivering the best customer experience is a driving force behind his work. His passion for ensuring customer satisfaction shines through in every interaction.
How does the ABN Summit contribute to ABN’s overall efforts to support Black employees at Autodesk?
Adam: The ABN Summit addressed the issue of implicit bias and its impact on Black employees. Through open discussions and increased awareness, the summit contributed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace. It encouraged organizations to implement policies and practices that mitigate bias, promote diversity, and create a level playing field for all employees.
Anthony: By highlighting the achievements and success stories of Black professionals, the summit instilled a sense of inspiration and motivation. Attendees were able to witness the tangible impact that Black employees have made in various industries, which further solidified their belief in their own potential.
Kayla: The ABN Summit played a significant role in contributing to the overall positivity for Black employees. It highlighted the value of ERGs as powerful support systems, fostering a sense of community and empowering individuals to thrive in their careers. The sessions focused on professional development, mentorship opportunities, and networking, which all greatly contribute to creating a more positive and inclusive work environment.
What specific topics or themes were most impactful for you during this year’s summit?
Anthony: The theme of community and empowerment at this year’s summit had a profound impact on supporting Black employees. It created an environment where individuals felt a strong sense of belonging, unity, and support. By emphasizing the power of community, the summit fostered connections, encouraged collaboration, and provided a space for Black employees to come together and uplift one another.
Kayla: One of the topics that resonated with me the most was the importance of representation and inclusion in the workplace. The sessions dedicated to exploring strategies for increasing diversity in leadership positions and creating inclusive environments were particularly enlightening. It emphasized the significance of having diverse voices at decision-making tables and fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.
Adam: One specific topic that stood out to me was being able to contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive environment to maintain mental health and well-being within the workplace. It was impactful and made me feel as though there was a place for everyone to feel welcomed and have a sense of belonging.
Were there any inspiring stories that came out of this year’s summit?
Kayla: Overall, the summit was a transformative experience for me. It provided valuable insights into various aspects of diversity, inclusion, and career advancement. It fostered a positive and supportive community for Black employees, emphasizing the importance of representation and empowerment. I left the summit feeling inspired, motivated, and equipped with new knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact – both in my own career and in advocating for positive change within my organization. I really love that Autodesk held the ABN Summit; I had an amazing time connecting with my peers and reinforcing that sense of belonging.
Anthony: The inspiration derived from the summit’s theme of community and empowerment further fueled the effort to support Black employees. It reinforced the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces, promoting diversity, and amplifying the voices and contributions of Black professionals. By creating a space that celebrated the collective strength of the Black community, the summit contributed to the ongoing efforts to uplift, support, and advocate for Black employees in their professional endeavors.
Adam: I had the chance to speak in a panel discussing how we can prioritize mental health and well-being in a corporate environment. The panel gave all of us a safe space to share our experiences and empathize with one another. I can’t say enough about how much the ABN Summit made me feel appreciated as a Black employee at Autodesk!
Learn more about Autodesk Black Network here.