Meet Roberto Lagares: Visual Storyteller (Photo/Video)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roberto Lagares and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roberto, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
work life balance is always changing. We have to accept that at times, work may weigh heavier than life, however what we don’t have to accept is the scales tipping beyond control. The lines may blur at times, that doesn’t mean we need to run ourselves into the ground trying to “hustle” and “out work” the room. I have found myself becoming more in tune with my self as a person. What can I handle? When do I say no? When SHOULD I say no? The work we produce in the creative field has a special attachment unlike many other professions. It is a part of us. So this balance is delicate. But I try to stay mindful that if I am not careful, if I don’t take time to my self, to be centered I actually hurt the work I am trying to produce by not being at my best physically, mentally, or in my life relationships. The hustle culture can be damaging. Don’t confuse this approach with being too hands off, or “soft” as one may say. When your focus is on the work, be an absolute animal. Be the best, be your own biggest fan, you shouldn’t hold back or feel you can take it easy. Just remember to check in with yourself. Are you getting enough sleep, are you taking the time to replenish yourself so you can create at the highest level?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Everyone is unique. As cliche as that sounds. No two people view the world the same. I have come to terms with that. However, I can’t say that is “what sets me apart” because to be honest the answers are out there for everyone. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel as an artist. We just have to do two things, or at least this is my perspective to it. We have to first stay curious. Explore what exists, ask questions, learn, absorb, let the mistakes of others be a guide to creating mistakes for yourself. It is a balance between learning from others to be efficient and being curious enough to make mistakes on your own to grow. If you learn from others, you’ll get smart from behind them. If you learn from your own mistakes you can actually lead the pack at times. Secondly, you have to care. Thats it. CARE. As humans we do this instinctively however the market, the culture that holds the money in their pockets has invented ways to separate that human element from the equation. We live in a society where growth is the metric we care about. How do I expand? How can we 10x last years results? Lets do more! Hire more! But if we just care, just give a damn about what value we provide to whomever we are providing for. The work we do shows that. It will not be overlooked. Humans care about others, about stories, about the why in what we do. We create feeling, emotion, connection this way. The answers have been in front of us this entire time, but temptation, fame, trends, these are the things that separate us from those essentials. So to sum this up, I would say recognizing this, and truly believing in holding these values, that is what separates me. I truly believe, good people, who do good work, can and will achieve anything their hearts lead them to do. It isn’t easy, especially when it can feel like the world is moving the opposite direction. But its this lesson that I have learned has the largest return on investment, and no spreadsheet, or corporate meeting room can tell me different.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So this is tough because I am located in Rochester, NY. With things the way they are, I am hitting a few spots. Were going to Ugly Duck Coffee for the best service and cafe drinks in the land. At some point we are getting a garbage plate from Stevie T’s because you can’t come to Rochester and not at least experience it. To chill we may go to one of the beautiful parks we have, this time around we can hit up Cobbs Hill. Then we would get some Dinner at Roux on Park Ave because French cuisine is my favorite. To top it all off we go to the Daily Refresher for the best cocktail experience and environment in the city. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife. She has been the foundation to my success. She offers me the stability that allows my creative mind, ideas, work flow effortlessly. She has the patience when my mind hits a block. The awareness of what I need to overcome that and the courage to push me to get off my behind and recognize I know what the hell I am doing. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am. I couldn’t have achieved the balance and success I have and will continue to gain.

Website: rbrto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rbrto.fl/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-lagares-5a30619b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rbrtofl

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/robertolagares