Owner: Bernadette Davis
Business: BDC Strategy Group
Locations: Atlanta, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas
Year Founded: 2014
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BUSINESS BASICS
Small Business Xchange (SBX): Tell us about your business. What do you do, and who do you serve?
Davis: BDC Strategy Group is a boutique communications and public relations agency that provides strategic counsel in employee communications, content development, executive communications, public relations, and issues management. We serve small businesses and Fortune 50 companies; nonprofit organizations; and individuals with both communications strategy and execution.
SBX: What inspired you to start BDC Strategy Group?
Davis: I was inspired to start the business because I wanted to use all of the skills I’d gained (editorial, media relations, employee communications, and executive communications) to projects AND create a flexible life for myself.
SBX: What’s the story behind your business name?
Davis: I started my business in 2014 as a one-woman shop, so the agency’s original name, Bernadette Davis Communications, made sense. Over time, I built the business by increasing clients, work streams, and staff.
We rebranded a couple of years ago for two reasons — to take my full name out of the company name and to create an umbrella under which we could grow multiple verticals. When the company was still Bernadette Davis Communications, people often assumed I still was still operating as a solopreneur. That was limiting our opportunities, and it wasn’t an accurate reflection of who we are. We are a growing team and that means we have capacity to take on more and larger projects. I also saw that we would benefit from growing the types of work we do and that within the BDC Strategy Group we could launch other verticals — like the work we are doing with nonprofits and our AI transformation work.
DAY-TO-DAY INSIGHTS
SBX: What does a typical day look like for you?
Davis: As the owner with a great team, a big part of my day every day is administration for the business and new business development. One of the great things I’ve built into my work life balance is the ability to walk to and from work. I’ve designed my life so that, no matter what else happens, I have outside time built in to open and close my day.
So, beyond that walk to the office, here’s what a typical day looks like…
I reserve quiet time each day to consider opportunities, devise business strategies and envision the next-level state for the company. (Sometimes that time is in the morning, but on other days, afternoon/evening works).
I review social media — LinkedIn is my go-to for social — and news. Because we are a communications agency, being well versed in what’s happening in the world is very important to our business. As I have for my entire career (since my days as a newspaper reporter), I read stories from multiple news outlets every morning (usually The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post), and I listen to news updates via streaming as well (NPR hourly news update and ABC News’ “Start Here” podcast).
My day is usually scheduled with calls with my team and client calls where we share updates about the work we’re delivering as well as insights about topics and trends relevant to their business.
I also have blocks for new business development, which includes reviewing RFPs, outreach to potential clients and past clients, reviewing content from our team (case studies and content we share on our channels), and continuing to build our networks and pipeline.
And I’m very fortunate to be in community with great business leaders who either own their companies or are leaders in other enterprises. Usually, I have 112 calls each week that are touch bases. Sometimes that touch base includes me asking for support or insights and sometimes I’m able to provide support for someone else.
SBX: What’s your favorite part of running BDC Strategy Group?
Davis: I love making things easier for our clients. We always want to operate in a way that helps them solve their challenges and show up in the best way possible. Collaboration, grace and precision are key parts of how we do that.
SBX: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Davis: The biggest challenges I’ve faced are outside of the business, but have had a big impact on why I’m in business. When I started my business, I was the caregiver for one of my parents. I had to learn so much about how to be a caregiver and make those decisions. And the time required, and the challenges made me want a more flexible working life. That’s part of what spurred me to start my company. I’m so grateful for the gift of flexibility in my life and I place a high value on being able to take care of myself, my family, and my team because of it.
SBX: What’s one tool, app, or resource you can’t live without?
Davis: I won’t limit myself to one app, but audio books are one of my favorite ways to unwind.
ABOUT THE OWNER
SBX: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Davis: My dear friend Tina McElroy Ansa (who passed away in 2024) would remind me, “We are in the present moment!” I have that on a sticky note in my office to remind me — focus on the present, don’t get stuck in the past. Do what you can now. It helps me refocus on what I need to do now. The mistakes of the past need to be left in the past. And even the success of the past is behind you. What are you doing today?
SBX: Who is someone you admire, and why?
Davis: Nicole Cober Johnson, the visionary founder of The BOW Collective, an organization created for the top 1% of Black women business owners is a constant inspiration to me. She has taken her decades of business knowledge and created an organization of owners who are achieving incredible goals. Her story of resilience is a very powerful reminder of how to thrive even amid great business and personal challenges. And her positive, uplifting spirit is undeniable.
SBX: If you weren’t running this business, what would you be doing?
Davis: I’d be a writer focused on culture — reviewing film and movies and working on my own novels and screenplays. I might have a part-time job at a bookstore.
SBX: Coffee or tea?
Davis: Both … but coffee is the first priority.
SBX: Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
SBX: Favorite book, movie, or podcast?
Davis:
- Book: Thick: And Other Essays, by Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom
- Movie: Marvel Studios’ Black Panther
- Podcast: Vibe Check
SBX: What’s your dream vacation destination?
Davis: If I have to choose just one, it’s Guadeloupe. All of my favorite things in one place — a French-speaking locale, beautiful beaches, mountains and waterfalls, Caribbean and French food, and so much more.
LOOKING AHEAD
SBX: What’s next for BDC Strategy Group? Any exciting plans or goals?
Davis: We are looking forward to more growth in 2026, particularly with nonprofit and corporate impact work. This month (September) we are launching nonprofit packages designed to help smaller organizations position themselves for 2026.
We have built out our AI transformation services and have added a Chief AI Officer to our team.
And we are expanding our outreach to clients with a focus on supporting employee communications and impact efforts (social responsibility, sustainability, and similar opportunities).
SBX: How can people support your business?
Davis: People can support us in multiple ways:
- Work with us.
- Refer us to businesses and leaders who need a great strategic communications partner.
- Subscribe to our newsletter and share it!
SBX: Where can people follow you online?
Davis:
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