CEO and Nonprofit Founder Michelle Hodgson Talks Wellness & Giving Back

For more than 20 years, Synergy has called the heart of Buckhead home offering proactive solutions to employers operating in a largely reactive industry. They’re a boutique employee benefits agency that acts on behalf of their clients to guide them through the complicated process of vetting out the best insurance for their most treasured assets—their people. Via a suite of innovative technology and HR services, they help curate efficiency in the benefits process, acting as an extension of the HR department and, as a result, allowing companies to run their business better.

What does it mean to “take a proactive approach to a reactive industry?”

We are always on the leading edge of what tools, technology and services are best for our clients. They are our first priority, but taking care of ourselves, each other and the city is an important part of what makes our team so balanced and strong. We believe that from a place of abundance we can give to others with our time and resources in the most holistic way.

What defines your company?

Synergy holds true to four basic principles: Culture, Service, Growth and Give Back. In these, connections are created in genuine goodness, and everyone looks out for each other. It gives us a North Star and common purpose, and we filter all of our actions around these guiding truths.

Why do you think it is so vital for for-profit businesses to partner with nonprofits?

It’s essential that for-profit businesses generate a purpose-driven mentality. Not only does our community rely on financial support and volunteerism, but companies who give together build great relationships with each other and find purpose in the bond that it creates.   

What is Children Helping Children?

Children Helping Children educates and empowers youth to be more philanthropic in our community. We use our Love and Light Loft at King Plow, our festival LOVEFEST in Piedmont Park and our newest addition, the LOVETRAIN, to give children and teens platforms to showcase their talents and execute in-kind donation assembly to benefit area children who need food, clothes, school supplies, etc. To learn more about Children Helping Children, please visit www.chcatlanta.org

Read more about Michelle Hodgson and Children Helping Children here.

What is your advice for readers looking to improve their health and wellness?

Have faith that something deeper than you is in charge, stay open and kind like children are, take care of your body, enjoy the freedom to express yourself and give from a full cup, because if you’re not taking care of yourself, then there is nothing left to give anyone else.