We had the good fortune of connecting with Roy Broderick Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Atlanta influences everything, and I know just about everyone in Atlanta–whether they move in creative, corporate or civic circles. And if I don’t know them I know someone who does. That is not hyperbole. It’s a fact. Understanding the “power of relationships” has been the secret sauce of me building both my personal and company’s brand. Whether it was clear to me how someone could possibly help me or just someone I was connected to through my network, I treated each relationship like it was me meeting a superhero. This included impromptu lunch meetings, coffee chats, or very early dinners but I made sure to understand the person behind the title; what did they like, where was their hometown, did we have similar values? These were all questions that I’d ask and just like in any partnership, I shared my story which oftentimes felt like a testimony about all I had achieved and been blessed to go through. So while in Business, the saying “it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know” was something I captured at a very young age. I thought it would be fitting that I lean in and ensure I shared those resources for others to allow them. a seat at the table. I must admit that I look back and sometimes say “wow how could a kid from a middle-class family in Southwest Atlanta, turn into a connector,–the bridge between communities, cultures, and creative ideas?” But I remember that it all starts with an introduction.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 2016, I founded the Authentique Agency, a marketing consulting firm focused on leveraging the power of Identity. Today’s consumer is savvy, engaged, and informed. They see through traditional marketing ploys, and prefer raw and real, over polished and poised. In a culture of scripted realities, and Fyre festivals, authenticity is valued more than ever. At Authentique, we believe that in the battle for hearts, minds, and eyes, there is nothing more powerful than being true to who you are as a brand or as a business. While I have been lauded by Black Enterprise magazine as a “young marketing genius”, entrepreneurship hasn’t been the easiest task, however, in a recent post on LinkedIn I reflected on some lesson’s I have learned over the years: First things first, #1, “God is in control.” Through the ups and the downs, the tears, and the smiles, we have truly been blessed to evolve and know who we are as a company. A marketing agency that truly believes in being a voice for underrepresented groups and who stands by its pillars when selecting clients, partners, and vendors. Three other lessons at the top of the list… 2. It’s all about the power of a relationship; this includes your smallest clients to your vendors. Appreciate them all and be consistent. 3. Believe in the vision and don’t care about who can’t understand it…it’s yours. This includes the future of your company, your invention of a lifetime. Do your research and stay innovative. 4. Create your super team and lean in; these people are your encouragement, shoulders to cry on, folks who can talk you off the bridge whenever you want to quit, and most importantly keep you accountable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A few of my favorite places in Atlanta include: -CULTURE & ARTS: The High Museum of Art and Edgewood Ave shops and stores. -EAT Twisted Soulcookhouse, Virgils Gullah Kitchen, Le Petit Marche -RELAX: iwifresh garden day spa

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this to my team at the Authentique Agency…I couldn’t do what I do without YOU!

Website: roybroderick.com and AuthentiqueAgency.com
Instagram: Royalitea & AuthentiqueAgency
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roybroderickjr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthentiqueAgency

Image Credits
Visual Renaissance Photography

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