We develop inclusive cultures and leaders that embrace and celebrate individuality, authenticity, and effectiveness to enhance the employee experience.

Out of necessity, The Atkins Impact Consulting firm was founded in the greater Houston, TX area to help businesses get one thing right: Fostering and aligning an inclusive culture to their business results.

The Atkins IMPACT is a global boutique coaching and consulting firm founded on the mission to “level the playing field” where every person can contribute and thrive.

Our values are in our name and is the cornerstone of our company. We aim to provide our clients with experiences and solutions that make an I.M.P.A.C.T.

Intentional - Measurable - Proven - Actionable - Customized - Transformational

Our Philosophy & Pillars

Leaders and organizations who embrace and leverage the differences and uniqueness of the human experience inspire trust, foster collaboration, and spark innovation. We help organizations cultivate emotionally intelligent and culturally agile leaders who understand the power of creating environments where employees are encouraged to stay, contribute, and thrive. We leverage DEI principles as a mechanism for workplace culture transformation, not a desired outcome. DEI is not what we do, it’s how we do it.

Diverse, high performing teams

Authentic and inclusive leaders

Fair and consistent habits and processes

Engaged employees with a sense of belonging

Meet The Team

CEO, Founder and Global DEIB / Organizational Effectiveness Strategist

Shayla N. Atkins, PHR, SHRM-CP, LSSBB

With over 15 years of strategic HR senior leadership in Fortune 500 companies and leading consulting firms, a Lean Six Sigma black belt and certified coach, Shayla N.

Atkins is now the Founder and CEO of The Atkins IMPACT Consulting Firm. As a global award winning business and leadership strategist and a leading authority in DEIB and Organizational Effectiveness, Shayla and her team leads global organizations and leaders in achieving their business growth, innovation and transformation goals through the cultivation of inclusive and equitable cultures and the hiring, development and retention of diverse high performing teams with proven strategies that stick.

Shayla believes “Authenticity Is The New Leadership Capability & Currency”, is the key to unlocking human potential.

As a master trainer and facilitator, Shayla and her team leads comprehensive and immersive learning and development programs, training workshops and executive coaching rooted in inclusive and human centric leadership principles to increase employee engagement, productivity, wellness and retention.

Receiving the 2022 recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award presented by President Joseph R. Biden, , Shayla’s proven track record and extensive leadership expertise has earned her invitations to speak on some of the largest stages across the country and virtual global audiences. As a highly sought after powerhouse, high impact speaker and best selling author of “Black Women Lead With S.P.I.C.E., she has graced numerous stages, has been featured in over 100 publications and in the homes of millions on major TV networks and publications.

Notable Achievements and Experience:

  • Certified DEI Leader

  • Prosci Certified Change Leader

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

  • Certified Professional in Human Resources

  • Global DEIB Leader

  • Best-selling Author and Keynote Speaker

Gary R. Atkins

Gary leads our Equity Builders division, whose primary responsibility is to narrow the construction industry’s equity gap. As our Business Growth and Strategic Partnership Consultant, Gary collaborates with general contractors and diverse small business owners to create win-win B2B scenarios on large-scale construction projects.

Gary is a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and boasts over 20 years of project management, hands-on experience, and leadership from one of the largest general contractors in the country. As an accomplished project manager, Gary is an expert in building strategic relationships and growing diverse construction firms, improving their positioning and capability to compete at the next level.

Gary has worked with a diverse portfolio of clients such as, Four Seasons Hotel, Pinnacle Casino, Edward Jones, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Childrens’ Hospital, and Veterans Affairs Hospital.

He has worked in various construction markets such as healthcare, labs, education, utilities, training centers, museums, and multicultural centers ranging from $500K to $1 Billion in project cost.

As a certified Quality Assurance and Construction Management expert, Gary recognizes the business and wealth inequities and devotes his talents and passions to the development of minority-owned construction firms to win large-scale projects.

Notable Industry Achievements:

  • ACE of Greater Houston Mentor of the Year

  • National Association of Minority Contractors of Greater Houston - Member

  • Associated General Contractors of Greater Houston Diversity Task Force – Past Member

  • Associated Building & Contractors Diversity & Inclusion Committee - Member

  • Certified LEED AP BD + C

  • St. Louis Business Journal 30 under 30 award recipient

  • Associated General Contractors of St. Louis Construction Leadership Council – Past Member