“Kyle is a great journalist…but the thing is, she’s probably an even better human being.” – Gary Shapiro, 9News Anchor.
Kyle Dyer, a former television news anchor, is the founder and CEO of Kyle Dyer Storytelling. With 25 years of news anchor experience, Kyle has always been a wonderful communicator, but it wasn’t until a tragic accident that she learned how to be a good listener. Kyle Dyer Storytelling is dedicated to listening to people’s stories and effectively sharing those stories with the community.
Name
Kyle Dyer
Location
Denver
Current Title
Owner of Kyle Dyer storytelling
Education
B.S. in Journalism, University of Maryland
Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school? Did you know that entrepreneurship would be your calling?
My first job out of the University of Maryland was at the ABC station in Washington, D.C. I was chosen for a reporter training program in which I helped the reporters, producers and graphic artists with whatever they needed to get stories on the air. That led to a job on the assignment desk where I had a more active role in the news gathering by following up on leads and designating reporters to certain stories. Ultimately, I realized I wanted to be the person going out in the community, finding and sharing stories. Being in a newsroom is such a team-focused environment. I would never have imagined back then that I would venture out on my own as a small business owner. I actually still have a team, a much smaller yet hugely creative team, that helps me produce compelling stories. The entrepreneur spirit is alive in me in my desire to be proactive in finding and sharing stories that need to be heard.
What prompted you to start Kyle Dyer Storytelling? Have you always been a people person with a passion to help others tell their stories and find their callings? How did this passion start?
I have always been a people person, involved in the community, a great communicator, etc. But, I guess you could say the spark that led to Kyle Dyer Storytelling occurred out of something that happened in February 2012 (although I was not aware of it at the time). On a Wednesday morning, I got too close to a dog during a live interview segment and he bit my face. I needed a skin graft to repair my lip so my mouth was sewn shut with 70-something stitches for 10 days. For someone who is used to talking for a living as a news anchor, I had no choice but to only listen. People who had faced similar injuries reached out to me… they shared their stories. I listened. I listened to a lot of people who reached out to me from within my community and from all over the world. When the stitches came out and I could talk again, people wanted to hear my story. People listened to me. That was such a profound feeling… to be understood. I knew I was always a good communicator… but had I been a good listener? From there on out, I was able to hear people a lot more clearly and therefore, share their stories in a way that resonated with others. I discovered my passion and drive to connect with people, deeply listen to them and share their stories so that they are heard. My last two years at 9News in Denver, I focused a lot of my energy on telling stories that would engage people and make them a bit more connected to this community. I also found people were looking for those stories on the internet and my pieces were getting a lot of traction. Now as the owner of Kyle Dyer Storytelling, I refer to myself as a generative journalist. I generate news to build community.
What is your biggest piece of advice when it comes to communicating, marketing, and storytelling?
I think one of the most important aspects of communication with one another in storytelling, marketing and in life is listening, deeply listening to one another. We are all so busy these days that often we don’t stop and truly listen to someone.. and that is what makes it possible to connect with someone. Aren’t we all trying to engage, resonate and connect with others? Listen … deeply listen.. and it will happen. Everyone has a story. Everyone deserves to be heard.
What steps did you take to make the transition from taking this thing that was a passion and huge part of your life, and turning it into a business?
I left my corporate tv job on a Wednesday and formed my LLC the very next day. I had no overlap. I didn’t start building my business until after I left my news job. I wanted a clean slate so that I could devote 100% of my energy to my new venture. A friend recommended I hire Executive Suite Communication which helped me with my transition, branding, logo and website. That was a smart move for me and a huge boost that allowed me to really hit the ground running.
Tell us more about Kyle Dyer Storytelling. What’s your favorite part about your company and how do you think that it positively impacts your clients? What about it brings you the greatest sense of joy and fulfillment?
I love meeting the smart, innovative, problem-solving and passionate (the list could go on) people who are behind programs and organizations that are making a profound and positive impact on our community. It’s a joy to partner with them, work with their staff, engage with their clients to help them ‘find the why’ of the business and then capture that in a story that resonates with people who see it. When we see/hear a good story, we tell our friends.. and they may tell friends and then, it may get posted on social media… the more we spread the positive and strong stories in our community, the more engaged and connected we become. Well told stories are powerful. They have the power to unite us and make positive change.
As a business owner, what is the most challenging part of running your own company? Any secret sauce you want to share with future lady bosses considering making their side hustle dream their full-time reality?
I am a creative and content-driven business owner. Running a business was a bit of an unknown but it didn’t intimidate me. I have surrounded myself with people who share with me how to’s and insight. Connecting with women entrepreneurs through Denver’s The Commons on Champa has been incredibly beneficial for me and very inspirational. We have so much to share and learn from one another. If you’re thinking about jumping into the startup world, connect with as many entrepreneurs as you can, have lots of coffee dates, attend networking events.. people are happy to share their stories! If you listen, you will learn so much.
We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look/style?
My style has changed a lot since I left TV news. I have donated a lot of my “tv anchor dresses” to charity. I wear a lot of separates so I’m always looking for great, nice fitting and stylish pieces like the Body Bark line. When I’m out on a shoot, I need to look professional yet approachable… and be comfortable
Fun Facts:
One thing about me that may surprise people is…
This is a tough one because I think that since I was just myself on the air for so long that people really do know me and who I am. However, I have always loved to sing and when I was little I wanted to either star on Broadway or sing commercial jingles for a living.
My dream vacation destination is…
On a beach! Anywhere.. but I’m happiest along the Atlantic in Bethany Beach, Delaware where my family gathers every summer.
My all-time favorite lady boss and why is…
I’d have to say, my mom. She is super creative – an artist. The artistic side in me shows up in my writing and creativity. She really pushed me to be independent but also appreciate friends, family and a love for the community. Look at me now… I’d say she steered me in the absolute best direction! Love you, mom!
Thank you to Kyle for chatting with us about her journey and giving all of us future #SheShines women out there an extra push toward our passions. I personally agree that the easiest business to start is one you passionately believe in. If you’re passionate about your dream, others will be, too.
1 comment
[…] #SheShines With Kyle Dyer […]