Who Is Kyra Barker?

Introduction

Welcome to my journey. I’m Kyra Barker, a seasoned Business Strategist and Marketing Consultant with a proven track record ​of driving growth and transforming brands. With a wealth of experience across diverse industries, I have dedicated my career ​to helping individuals and organizations achieve sustained success. Throughout my career, I have established a reputation for ​excellence, sought by both entrepreneurs and executives for my marketing prowess and strategic insight. Marketing has been ​the foundation of my career and as I move forward, I am excited to explore expansive opportunities in the entrepreneurial ​space with a focus on wellness and well-being.

Strategic Media Planning and Campaign Management

I began my career orchestrating multi-market traditional media campaigns for Caribbean-wide advertising efforts for ​globally recognized brands like Amerijet, Benefiber, Copa Airlines, M&Ms and Toyota Japan. These campaigns spanned ​print, television, radio and out-of-home media, running simultaneously across all Caribbean territories. This role required an ​in-depth understanding of media consumption cultures across diverse regions. It involved thorough research and on-the-​ground insights to discover how the various populations are influenced by advertising. My work encompassed strategic ​planning, along with the execution and monitoring of these campaigns. This approach consistently delivered measurable ​results, establishing my reputation as a media strategist capable of navigating the intricacies of regional markets.

Campaign Leadership and Marketing Innovation

Throughout my career, I have excelled in creating and executing integrated marketing campaigns for retailers such as Courts ​and Lucky Dollar. These campaigns consistently achieved multi-million dollar sales targets, demonstrating my ability to craft ​strategies that deliver tangible results. With experience managing marketing budgets upwards of $30 million, I have designed ​and executed multi-channel marketing campaigns that included innovative community-based brand activations and in-store ​retail experiences. These initiatives have consistently driven consumer engagement and fostered brand loyalty, not only ​boosting immediate sales but also building long-term relationships with customers and successfully increasing market share ​year over year.

Digital Marketing Excellence

Entering the digital marketing space in 2010, I executed marketing campaigns on ​Facebook at a time when the platform was just beginning to be recognized as an ​advertising tool. Since then, successful strategies have been crafted for domestic ​and international brands such as ACCA, Ford, Fruta, Mitsubishi, Nestlé Orchard, ​and Pizza Hut. These efforts have consistently propelled clients’ brands to new ​heights across various markets, demonstrating an ability to adapt and innovate in ​an ever-evolving industry.

Before the rise of influencer marketing and the global focus on content creation, I ​was involved in a strategic shift for local brands to move them away from a ​reliance on stock imagery. Through this pioneering initiative, I encouraged the ​production of original video and photo content that authentically represented ​our region was encouraged, enhancing brand identity and audience connection.

Conference Programming and Speaker ​Engagement

With experience in conference programming, I have crafted engaging agendas ​and managed speaker coordination for high-profile events such as Tech Beach ​Retreat. This required a deep understanding of industry trends and audience ​expectations, which I integrated into every event to ensure maximum ​engagement and value. Additionally, I have moderated panels, facilitating ​meaningful dialogues that connect thought leaders and industry experts, ​fostering an environment of innovation and knowledge sharing.

Creative Direction and Digital Media

As a hands-on marketer, my role extended beyond strategy to the execution side of things, where I provided creative ​direction for print and television advertisements. This aspect of my work allowed me to utilize my experience in the fashion ​industry, where I have done creative direction for fashion projects appearing in newspapers and magazines. This background ​has enabled me to craft visually compelling narratives that effectively capture and engage audiences.

In the digital media sphere, I co-produced “The Business of Carnival” YouTube series, a project that explored the vibrant ​intersection of entertainment, culture and business. Created and hosted by Intellectual Property lawyer Carla Parris, the series ​highlighted the intricate dynamics of the carnival industry. Produced in a way that captivates and educates viewers, it ​demonstrates the powerful impact of combining cultural insights with entertaining content to create compelling online ​narratives.

Startup Mentorship and Venture Capital Initiatives

My engagement with the startup ecosystem has been characterized by meaningful contributions as both an advisor and ​mentor. I have exhibited startups at Web Summit in Lisbon, pitching them to international investors and gaining valuable ​insights that I relay to the founders I advise. With experience advising startups participating in accelerators like TechStars and ​500 Startups, I have guided founders not only locally but also in the US, UK, France, and Germany, advising them on refining ​their business models and go-to-market strategies. As a startup mentor with Do Good X and MassChallenge, I am tapped for ​my expertise in marketing, user retention and founder/investor relationships.

In the venture capital sector, I completed VC Lab’s 16-week Venture Capital Fund Accelerator Program, equipping me with the ​essential skills to raise and manage a venture capital fund successfully. Additionally, I serve as a scout for Ada Ventures in the ​UK and as a Venture Partner with the equity crowdfunding platform Republic. These roles leverage my insight to identify and ​support innovative startups poised for impactful growth. By facilitating corporate innovation, I help bridge the gap between ​emerging businesses and established companies, enhancing service delivery and product efficacy across industries.

Community Building and

Cultural Engagement

I have actively leveraged digital platforms to build communities and ​expand networks, fostering meaningful connections across the globe. ​FiredUp! Global was created to utilize these platforms, bringing ​together progressive thinkers from various countries to expand ​worldviews and share diverse perspectives. Initially launched on ​Discord, the community transitioned to Clubhouse during the ​pandemic, where we met weekly to discuss a wide range of topics. ​This initiative fostered a global dialogue on culture, innovation and ​personal development, demonstrating my dedication to nurturing ​diverse perspectives and encouraging intellectual exchange.

Additionally, I hosted a weekly cultural community chat called ​Huddled on the Swiss-based audio platform Angle. Participants from ​around the world celebrated multicultural diversity through food, ​music, cultural traditions and language exchanges. These virtual ​campfire chats provided a unique blend of entertainment and ​education, drawing participants into a deeper appreciation of global ​cultures.

Educational Foundation and Knowledge Sharing

My journey in marketing and business strategy is grounded in a strong educational foundation. I hold a Master’s Degree in ​Marketing and a BSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management, along with certifications in Public Relations and Marketing. My ​commitment to continuous learning led me to complete Seth Godin’s altMBA leadership program, which has equipped me ​with advanced leadership skills and a visionary mindset. These educational achievements have empowered me to lead with ​expertise and insight, paving the way for a career defined by strategic excellence and transformative impact.

I have been invited to guest lecture at my alma maters and have facilitated strategic marketing workshops in Trinidad, Tobago, ​New York, London and Barcelona. These engagements reflect my commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering the next ​generation of marketing professionals.

Strategic Consultancy Firm

Launching my strategy consultancy firm K8R, marked a significant milestone in my career. At K8R, we focus on building ​winning brands, driving transformative growth and achieving sustained success for organizations, individuals and conferences. ​My consultancy work is characterized by a personalized approach to assess, diagnose and treat each client’s unique ​challenges, ensuring tailored solutions are crafted to drive measurable impact.

Throughout my career, I have advised both domestic and international business leaders on marketing strategy, business ​operations and brand development. This work has not only reinforced my reputation as a trusted advisor but has also ​provided valuable insights into the intricacies of various industries, enabling me to deliver strategic guidance that is both ​practical and innovative.

Personal Journey and Advocacy for Wellness

My journey as a Stage 3 Rectal Cancer Survivor has profoundly shaped my perspective on life and work. This life-changing ​experience taught me the importance of prioritizing health and well-being alongside professional success. It has fueled my ​commitment to advocating for a more holistic approach to success, where wellness is integrated into every aspect of our ​lives.

Drawing from my own experience of overcoming cancer, I have embarked on a speaking career with a powerful message: ​“Surviving Success: Cultivating Wellness in a Marketer’s World.” Through this keynote and panel discourse, I share insights ​on balancing high-pressure professional environments with personal well-being, emphasizing that success should never come ​at the cost of your health.

In the works are entrepreneurial ventures that aim to create a lifestyle shift, focusing on pillars of fitness, nutrition and mindful ​productivity to place well-being at the forefront of professional life. By championing these initiatives, I hope to inspire others ​to prioritize wellness in their personal and professional pursuits.

Join Me on the Journey:

As I continue to explore and expand the boundaries of what it means ​to be successful, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we ​can redefine success, making it a holistic measure that values health ​and happiness as much as the bottom line.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking strategic guidance, a ​business leader aiming to foster wellness in your organization, or ​someone navigating your own path to balance, I am here to offer ​support, insights and a collaborative approach to achieving your ​goals.