Page 44 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Winter 2020 Digital Interactive Issue.

As the Visionary, Founder & Mayor of the City prioritize. In Lary’s eyes, diversity is a mindset makes them feel like they belong, only results in
of Stonecrest, Mayor Jason Lary has a unique that needs to touch every aspect of a city and greater engagement and creativity that satisfies
foresight that only great leaders have – the community so that organization ensures that a basic, human psychological need. A city has
ability to see light years ahead. One of the everyone embraces and contributes to the city’s to go through the hard work of focusing on
cornerstones of Mayor Lary’s indelible vision diversity and inclusion culture. Greater diversity diversity and creating an inclusive culture so it
for the city is a strong diversity and inclusion and inclusion results in greater profitability and can get to the space of “belonging”.
strategy that will allow the city to attract top talent, value creation. Mayor Lary clearly understands
captivate preeminent companies, sustain strong that cities that enact change to deliver business
communities and drive innovative results. value and engage diversity and inclusion Empathetic leadership is key. Lary knows the
initiatives to service their constituents, outperform importance of making sure city and community
Diversity and inclusion is a company’s mission, cities who opt for a more homogeneous leaders are equipped with the ability to
strategies, and practices to support a diverse approach. understand and share the feelings of those
workplace and leverage the effects of diversity they serve. It is vital for these leaders to be able
to achieve a competitive business advantage. “What’s important is creating the right culture to explain why they care; why it matters, and
The City of Stonecrest has created a diverse from city hall to every nook and cranny of every why it should matter to those residents they
and inclusive work environment that is more neighborhood that makes up Stonecrest. It is serve. Part of this process requires tuning in to
adaptable, creative and that has become a about creating the right culture for all 55,000 empathy and putting themselves is “someone
magnet for top talent, individuals and families residents that make up our great city,” says else’s shoes” (so to speak) which is required for
to live, work, play, worship, shop and educate. the history-making Mayor. Lary believes in compassionate leadership.
establishing a sense of belonging for everyone.
Diversity and inclusion is an essential business Having a connection to each resident, and each From senior leaders to frontline employees, every
practice that high-performing organizations resident having a connection to the city, that individual must see and understand their role

44. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL