What's Your Story, Kyle Rogers? From baritone to boardroom, how one man’s winding path found purpose in people.

In this energetic and honest episode, we sit down with Kyle Rogers SHRM-Sarasota President, HR leader, culinary school grad, and passionate community builder. From his roots in Michigan to his current leadership role in Florida, Kyle’s story is filled with unexpected turns, life lessons, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive. Whether he’s leading HR initiatives, mentoring future leaders, or whipping up tofu at home, Kyle brings a mix of humor, heart, and hustle to everything he does.Key Topics Discussed:From culinary student to HR powerhouse:Kyle shares how a love of cooking led to a three-year apprenticeship at a private airport kitchen, but eventually inspired a career pivot after one impactful conversation with an HR director.Coming out and growing up fast:Living independently at 18, working long hours, and coming out as gay in the early 2000s, Kyle reflects on what it meant to grow up quickly and the lessons in resilience, identity, and self-worth it taught him.The power of lifelong learning:Despite being a self-described "C student," Kyle pursued both a bachelor's and master's degree, proving that grit and curiosity can be even more important than grades.Building a life with intention:From meeting his now-husband Chris, to buying homes and managing rental properties, Kyle discusses balancing ambition, love, and logistics and how having a clear vision helped guide his personal growth.Leading with people in mind:As President of SHRM Sarasota, Kyle talks about the chapter’s upcoming rebrand, the importance of human-centric leadership in HR, and why the old-school "personnel" mindset is out of date.Mentorship, friendship, and finding your tribe:From high school bandmates to his culinary "fantastic five," Kyle reflects on the importance of relationships at every stage of life and why friends who show up matter most.Redefining work-life balance through structure:Kyle shares how he and Chris manage full lives with tools like weekly planning, setting clear goals, and starting the day with CrossFit (yes, 6 a.m. workouts!). Memorable Quotes:“You don’t have to go to Harvard to be successful, you just have to listen to your gut.” – Kyle Rogers“I went from zero to adult in 18 months. Rent, bills, insurance I figured it out.” – Kyle Rogers“There’s no one-size-fits-all life. You have to be your own self and write your own story.” – Kyle Rogers—-----------------------------------------------------Where to listen & watch:YouTube: https://youtu.be/FIXe3W76PbYApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mtkxjcezSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/yhkw24v7Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2hnfynpmConnect with Kyle:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylezrogers-ms/SHRM Sarasota: https://www.myshra.org/If this episode inspired you, subscribe, rate, and review our podcast! Your support helps us reach more people and continue sharing powerful stories.Follow us on:Instagram: www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaksFacebook: www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaksLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarcoWebsite: www.jaimemarco.comHave feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at [email protected]