Kerry Byler Atlanta
(She/Her)
Atlanta, Georgia
Covers:
Business & Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Management, Personal Growth & Learning, Community & Well-Being, Travel & Exploration, Writing & Inspiration
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first experience in journalism began through writing and sharing informative content about topics that interested me. I developed a passion for researching ideas, exploring different perspectives, and communicating information in a way that readers could understand and appreciate. That early experience helped me build confidence as a writer and strengthened my interest in creating meaningful content. Over time, I continued to develop my writing skills and explore subjects such as business, travel, leadership, and personal growth.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I’ve always appreciated the history of writing and journalism, including the role typewriters played in helping writers put their ideas on paper. While most of my own writing has been done using modern technology, I have an appreciation for the simplicity and discipline associated with typewriter-era writing. There’s something inspiring about a tool that encourages you to slow down, focus on your words, and let the writing speak for itself.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has transformed news by making information faster, more accessible, and more interactive. Stories can reach audiences within minutes, and readers can immediately respond, share perspectives, and contribute information.
At the same time, speed creates greater responsibility. Not everything shared online is accurate, so journalists and content creators have to be especially careful about verifying information and providing context. Social media can amplify both valuable reporting and misinformation.
I believe the biggest change is that audiences are no longer simply consuming news—they are participating in the conversation. That creates new opportunities for storytelling while making accuracy, credibility, and responsible communication more important than ever.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
My favorite fictional journalist is Lois Lane. I admire her curiosity, determination, and willingness to pursue a story even when the answers are not easy to find. She represents the qualities I associate with good journalism: asking questions, following the facts, staying persistent, and having the courage to explore a story from different angles.
What I find especially compelling about Lois Lane is that she is driven by more than simply getting a headline. She wants to understand what is happening and share information that matters to people. Those qualities make her an enduring example of the curiosity and persistence that can make journalism meaningful.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To me, being a journalist means being curious, asking meaningful questions, and having a responsibility to communicate information clearly and thoughtfully. It is about looking beyond the surface, learning from different perspectives, and sharing stories that can inform or inspire others.
Good journalism also requires accuracy, honesty, and a willingness to keep learning. Whether covering business, travel, people, or everyday experiences, I believe a journalist should focus on providing readers with useful information while treating every story with care and respect.
Ultimately, being a journalist is about giving people ideas and information that help them better understand the world around them.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
One of the funniest news-related hashtags is #BreakingNews when it’s used for something completely ordinary or unexpectedly funny. The contrast between the dramatic tone of “breaking news” and the everyday subject can make it surprisingly entertaining.
I enjoy the lighter side of social media because humor can make people stop, engage with a story, and sometimes even look at the news from a different perspective.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer pitches that are concise, clear, and relevant to my areas of interest. A strong pitch should quickly explain the story idea, why it matters, and what makes the angle interesting or useful to readers.
I’m particularly interested in thoughtful pitches related to business, leadership, entrepreneurship, travel, personal growth, and community. I appreciate when the sender has clearly considered the audience and provides enough background to understand the opportunity without overwhelming me with unnecessary information.
Most importantly, I value pitches that offer a genuine story or useful perspective rather than simply promoting a product or service.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use a combination of everyday digital tools to research, write, organize, and publish content. This includes web browsers and search tools for research, word-processing and editing software for writing, cloud-based tools for organizing information, and social media platforms for sharing and engaging with readers.
I also rely on photography and digital publishing tools when working on travel and visual content. The specific tools may vary depending on the project, but my focus is always the same: keeping the research organized, the writing clear, and the final content useful and engaging for readers.
What's your favorite social network?
LinkedIn is my favorite social network because it brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, writers, and people with diverse ideas and experiences. I enjoy discovering industry insights, following thoughtful conversations, and connecting with people who are passionate about business, leadership, travel, and personal growth. It’s also a great platform for learning and sharing ideas with a professional community.
Who do you wish followed you?
I’d love to have more entrepreneurs, business leaders, writers, travelers, and lifelong learners follow my work. I’m especially interested in connecting with people who are curious, open to new ideas, and passionate about personal and professional growth.
I also hope to reach readers who enjoy practical insights about business, leadership, travel, and everyday experiences. Ultimately, I’m less interested in the size of the audience than in building a community of thoughtful people who value learning, meaningful conversations, and sharing ideas.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I’ve always been interested in learning, exploring ideas, and sharing information that can be useful to others. Writing gives me an opportunity to turn experiences and observations into stories that inform, inspire, and encourage people to look at familiar subjects from a new perspective.
My interests in business, leadership, travel, and personal growth naturally led me toward creating informative content. I enjoy researching topics, understanding different viewpoints, and finding ways to communicate ideas clearly.
For me, journalism is ultimately about curiosity and connection. It is an opportunity to keep learning while sharing knowledge and experiences that can make a meaningful difference to readers.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I didn’t have a formal role with my high school newspaper, but my interest in writing and communicating ideas developed over time through my professional and personal experiences. As I became more interested in business, travel, and sharing useful information, writing became an increasingly important way for me to connect with others and express my perspective. Those experiences eventually helped shape my approach to creating informative and meaningful content.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The stories I’m most proud of are the ones that turn everyday experiences into useful insights for readers. I particularly value my work around business, leadership, travel, and personal growth because these subjects allow me to share practical lessons while connecting with people on a personal level.
I’m especially proud of stories that encourage readers to look at challenges differently, remain open to learning, and recognize opportunities for growth. For me, the greatest measure of a story is not simply how many people read it, but whether it leaves someone with a new idea, a useful perspective, or the motivation to take action.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
My advice to aspiring journalists is to stay curious, ask thoughtful questions, and never stop learning. Good journalism starts with a genuine interest in people and the world around you.
Take the time to research your subjects, verify information, listen carefully, and present stories clearly and responsibly. Writing consistently is also important—it helps you develop your voice, strengthen your communication skills, and become more confident.
Most importantly, be patient and persistent. Building credibility takes time, but staying committed to accuracy, integrity, and meaningful storytelling can create a strong foundation for a lasting career.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is during regular business hours, preferably earlier in the day when I have dedicated time to review new ideas. I appreciate concise, well-researched pitches that clearly explain the story, why it matters, and why it would be relevant to my audience. Pitches related to business, leadership, travel, entrepreneurship, and personal growth are especially welcome.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitches are the ones that immediately communicate a strong idea, explain why it matters, and offer a clear connection to the audience. I especially appreciate pitches that bring a fresh perspective to familiar subjects rather than simply promoting a person, product, or company.
A great pitch makes me curious. It gives me enough information to understand the story while leaving room to explore the subject further. The strongest pitches I’ve received have been concise, relevant, well-researched, and focused on providing real value to readers.
For me, the best pitch is ultimately one that makes me think, “That’s a story worth telling.”
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitches are usually the ones that are too vague, overly promotional, or clearly sent without considering the audience. A pitch can have a good idea behind it, but if it doesn’t explain why the story matters or provide a clear angle, it becomes difficult to evaluate.
I appreciate pitches that are concise, relevant, and thoughtfully prepared. The best pitches show an understanding of the subject, the audience, and why the story is worth telling. For me, a strong idea presented clearly will always stand out.
What's your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is a good cup of coffee. I enjoy it as a simple part of my daily routine, whether I’m starting the morning, taking a break from writing, or spending time thinking through new ideas. There’s something about a quiet cup of coffee that creates the perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and recharge.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I’m most likely exploring new places, enjoying the outdoors, or spending time with friends and family. I enjoy traveling and discovering new experiences that offer a fresh perspective on life. I also value meaningful conversations, staying active, and making time for the things that bring balance and inspiration to my day. For me, stepping away from the screen is a great way to recharge, stay curious, and find new ideas to bring into my work.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Aside from my own writing, I enjoy reading Forbes for its insightful coverage of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. I appreciate how it highlights successful individuals, emerging ideas, and practical lessons that can inspire personal and professional growth. Reading different perspectives helps me stay curious, informed, and motivated to keep learning.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
One common misconception is that business and travel writing is simply about sharing information or describing experiences. In reality, there is much more to it. Good coverage requires research, curiosity, careful observation, and an understanding of what readers genuinely want to know.
Whether I’m writing about business, leadership, travel, or personal growth, I believe the goal is to go beyond the obvious and offer useful perspectives. The most valuable stories are often the ones that connect information with real experiences, practical lessons, and ideas readers can apply to their own lives.
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