“I care about building a world that honors the dignity of every person.”
—Maven Kyle Maharlika-Roper

Miami-born artist Kyle Maharlika-Roper brings a mindful, detail-driven approach to operations and organizational design. At Studio Smokescreen, he leads operations for the inclusive animation studio, while serving as Chief of Staff to the CEO at Miami-Dade Innovation Authority.

A freelance consultant, he helps organizations translate big ideas into real, human-centered solutions through technology and process optimization. Rooted in SGI Nichiren Buddhist practice and inspired by his diverse identities, Kyle is committed to building workplaces and communities that honor everyone’s dignity. Click here for an intimate video essay with Kyle.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Kyle. This interview has been edited for brevity.

Who are you & where are you? A Miami-born artist and SGI Nichiren Buddhist in my paint-splattered home studio.

What do you care about, and why is it important to care about? I’m driven to build a world that honors everyone’s dignity because my practice teaches that everyone carries Buddha nature.

What are you currently reading? A rotation of 107 Days, The Count of Monte Cristo, and The Human Revolution.

What prompts you to pivot in your professional life? Listening to the people around me and my intuition.

What was the last thing to make you laugh? My husband—this time with a joke about chemical names that sounded like people we knew.

Who have you learned something from that serves you well? My sister taught me to earn respect by doing the work alongside people, not above them.

What do you do or call on when you get discouraged? I chant to reconnect with my strength and then lean on my husband, friends, and community.

What is your morning routine? Hydrate, tame the cowlicks, and ground myself with chanting before the day starts.

Do you make wishes at 11:11? I don’t make wishes, but I always notice it—it’s my sister’s birthday.

What is your zodiac sign? Aquarius sun, Scorpio rising, Virgo moon.

What do you do to restore your energy or rest? I sketch freely, walk a lot, and rotate between a scorching sauna and a shocking cold plunge.

What are you particularly good at? Turning tiny details and big ideas into something real.

Recall a meeting that could of been an email. None—I refuse to call meetings that waste time.

This piece is part of the ongoing Meet the Maven series.