BOSS Spotlight Feature: Kyra Kyles

Kyra Kyles, a co-founder of Myth Lab Entertainment, is a multi-platform media executive and former EBONY Editor-in-Chief and Senior Vice President, Head of Digital Editorial. A journalist and speaker on issues of representation, Kyra has won many awards over the course of her career, including being named one of Folio magazine’s Top 100 media executives, “Top 40 Under 40 Game Changers” and Chicago Defender’s “40 Under 40 to Watch.”

1. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?
The biggest obstacle in my industry is a lack of diversity, which is all too true for many lines of business.  I was able to overcome it due to my education at Northwestern University and extensive experience in high school and college as a writer/journalist, but in looking around at the newsrooms I worked in, it was saddening to me to see a group of people representing diverse cities with a very homogeneous staff.

2. What inspired you to break into your particular industry? 
I have wanted to be a writer/journalist since I was a very young child.  I remember sitting in front of the mirrors of dressing rooms when my parents were shopping and pretending to talk to “viewers.” 

3. How do you balance your personal and professional life or have you been able to find a balance?

I balance my personal and professional life by making sure to have a plan for myself.  By establishing priorities, both daily and weekly, and working along a quarterly timeline, I make sure I am staying on track but also building in time for my favorite activities, which include checking out plays, museums, traveling, new restaurants and reading sci-fi/horror novels.

4. What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."—Wayne Gretzky

5. Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?
My late father, who was a successful entrepreneur and mentor to his employees, is a big inspiration for me.  He was an executive salesman who went on to found his own medical equipment sales company and then became a Burger King franchisee.  My mother is another huge inspiration. Her incredible creativity, love for reading and writing, as well as an innate ability to come up with fun ways to impart her wisdom has been hugely influential on my own content production trajectory.  Last, but never ever least, my sister and Myth Lab business partner Kozi is #goals.  She is one of the smartest and most creative people I have ever met in my life.

6. What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong?
My (fully charged) laptop, an endless supply of notepads (old-school, I know), my beloved multicolor Pilot Pens, highlighters, and soooo many stick-it notes.

7. What is your definition of a BOSS?
A talented, resilient and focused individual who not only blazes trails for herself but also forges a path for her sisters.

8. Provide us with two words that describe you? Ex. "Success Coach" "Beauty Expert."
Writer. Executive.


Find out more about Kyra www.kyrakyles.com Twitter: thekylesfiles


Comments

  1. You are such a dynamic, ever-positive person. What is your advice for young women struggling to get a leg up in what is not always such a kind world?

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  2. Oh wow, thank you so much for the kind comment. I definitely try! I would say that you cannot compromise your values. Even if it may seem like backbiting, gossiping or stealing credit for others' work would provide some kind of advantage, know that when you engage in such behavior, you only make yourself part of a never-ending cycle. I advise acting your conscience and you will never regret your decisions and you will keep your dignity/self value no matter what happens. Of course, nobody is perfect but if you try your best, work hard and are kind, you can get far in life despite what some might have you believe. Thank you for the great question!

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