YOUNGSTOWN 'Pull somebody up,' Dell exec says

THE VINDICATOR, YOUNGSTOWN
A Dell Computer executive with roots in Youngstown says diversity can be a secret to business success.
By CYNTHIA VINARSKY
VINDICATOR BUSINESS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Ted Bagley Jr. says he's living proof that everybody needs a hand to succeed in the work world.
For him it was Pete Starks, Bagley's cousin and a former Youngstown city councilman, who gave him a leg up.
Bagley was a college graduate working as a laborer at Youngstown Sheet & amp; Tube when Starks put in a good word for him at the General Electric Lamp Plant in Warren. Within two weeks, Bagley was on staff at GE and enrolled in its management trainee program.
"That's when he started his climb up the ladder, and he hasn't missed a rung yet," Starks said with a proud grin.
Bagley, now a human resources director for Dell Computer Corp., one of the world's largest technology companies, urged local business leaders attending a breakfast here Tuesday to give other young people a hand.
His idea of success: "I measure my success based on how many people I get promoted, not on how many I hold back," he said. "You have a responsibility to reach down and pull somebody up. ... Our young people need you."
Bagley's presentation at Oak Hill Renaissance Place focused on the importance of appreciating diversity in the workplace and was sponsored by Leadership Mahoning Valley. Starks, who served as 2nd Ward councilman in the city for 22 years, was among the group of Bagley's family members attending.
Now of Nashville, Bagley said Americans have a tendency to be uncomfortable with anyone who is different. They see being different as being flawed. That's why government quotas and laws regulating diversity have become necessary, he said.
Instead of focusing on rules and regulations, Bagley urged his audience to consider the competitive advantages of diversity by seeing the value of differences and seeking qualified people "in every shape and color."
How to diversify: "Diversity is not accepting less. I'm not telling you to go out and hire unqualified people. If you do, your business will fail," he said.
Bagley said he teaches workshops and seminars on diversity for Dell in his position as human resources director for Dell's Small Middle Business Group.
He stressed that diversity is about inclusion, so it's important to include white males, as well as women and men representing ethnic and racial minorities, in any company's diversity effort.
Bagley grew up in Birmingham, Ala., then earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Franklin Business Law School in Columbus.
He served three years in the Army, including a tour of duty in the Vietnam War and an assignment as a member of the President's honor guard. He earned a master of education degree in counseling from North Carolina Central University.
Bagley spent more than 20 years with GE, serving as manager of employee relations and later as manager of human resources and community relations before joining Dell.
Based in Austin, Texas, Dell ranks 48th on the list of Fortune 500 companies.