Kyle Ballarta: Why the World Needs You To Unleash Your Inner Artist

Kyle is an entrepreneur, strategic advisor, Investor, and artist.

Mr. Ballarta advises on pioneering strategies that reconcile traditional schools of thought and new media theory to match quickly evolving industry landscapes. Kyle advises as a board member and advisor to numerous companies and non-profits with his ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the new digital era. He sits on the Board of Directors for Oscar-winning charity, A Reason To Survive, as well as Global Natural Healthcare Trust, The Texas Police Association, Payr, and William Painter Eyewear.

Kyle Ballarta is a member of the intial team at LifeProof, a San Diego based company that has grown its force from three people to over 250 employees on three continents in two years. LifeProof’s meteoric growth has lead to its successful acquisition by industry leader Otterbox in a short period of time.

Kyle holds an MBA with a focus in Digital Media Management from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, A BFA from the California Institute of the Arts, is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, and has two executive certificates from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

Favorite Success Quote

“Every entrepreneur is an artist and every artist is an entrepreneur” – Anonymous

Key Points

1. Where We Want to Go Isn’t Necessarily Where We Need to Go

We all have plans, we all have dreams, we all have goals and desires.

But at the end of the day, there will be times where life has something different in store for you.

And many people find this disheartening.

But what you should realize is that whenever your dreams or plans come grinding to a swift halt, it is often the universe’s way of (not so) gently nudging you in a different direction.

A direction where your skills and talents will be better utilized.

A direction where you will be more fulfilled, more alive, and more on fire than you have ever been before.

If you can embrace these changes that life throws at you and pivot instead of complaining, you will find that doors open up where you didn’t even know doors previously existed.

2. Life Altering Challenges Are a Blessing in Disguise

It is often the things that are the most painful in our lives that become the most meaningful.

The things that shake us most are what shape us most.

So whenever life happens and challenges arise, whether they are in your health, your relationships, or your finances, look for the silver lining.

What can you learn from this pain?

How can this pain help you to transform other people’s lives?

How can this pain serve to spring you into a level of success and fulfillment that you have never experienced before?

3. Appreciate the Small Things in Life

Life is fleeting and precious.

All too often we get caught up in the daily grind so much that we forget to appreciate the small things in life.

We don’t stop and enjoy the precious moments that we are blessed to live.

From the trees bending in the wind, to the kiss of a beautiful woman, to the ocean crashing against the shore, learn to stop and take life in like you never have before.

Because at the end of the day, no matter how much money you make or how successful you are, the moments of gratitude and serenity are what truly shape us.

4. Teams Are Essential to the Success of Any Venture

Entrepreneurial success is predicated on the team that you have around you.

While you can succeed as a solopreneur, if you want to build an industry disrupting company, then you are going to need to build up a team that can help you fill the gaps in your own skillset and abilities.

Seek out good people and find others who are better at what they do than you are.

When you are surrounded by like minded, motivated, and talented individuals, success is almost inevitable.

5. The People in Your Life Are the Measure of Your Success

The measure of your success is not how much money you have in your bank account or how many pounds of muscle you have packed onto your frame.

The measure of your success in life is the number of people with whom you genuinely and deeply connect and the number of people who you know that you can count on in times of need.

We are social creatures and we are wired to live in community.

If you do not have a tribe that you can call on, who you love, and who loves you, then no amount of money will make you a success.