Let's Connect with Greg Did Lyons...

Welcome to my humans of LinkedIn project. I am a writer and I love people and connecting, so I have created The LinkedIn Connection.?

Every Friday I highlight another up-and-coming professional that I’ve connected with. You get an in-depth look at their life, lessons they have learned, and what they are doing here on LinkedIn.?

I am having a blast meeting these talented people. I hope you do too!?

When I was getting to know my connections on Linkedin, I saw that Greg offered a virtual coffee chat, so I signed up. I remember the chat because I was running late and did it in my car. I also had been so busy that I hadn't had time to look back at his profile.

I was delighted to meet an awesome single dad from Australia who was dedicated to helping companies support parents in the workplace. His story was incredible. Since then he has been a constant support to me on Linkedin and I am so happy to feature him this week. meet Greg Lyons

Who are you??

I am currently a work in progress.

So right now, I am a newly single Dad (not by choice, Julie) with two caring young sons, 5 and 2.?

I am focused on always being authentic and kind; and becoming comfortable showing all my emotions.?

I am also learning to be okay with excelling in a public environment. I often pull back my effort to avoid winning something, and consequently, avoid being put in situations where I am in full view of a large group or in the public spotlight.

I am in the 19th year of my career in a range of telecommunications and arts roles (policy, program, stakeholder management) in the Australian Government.?

Academically, I am studying for a Master of Business Administration (Executive) at the Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW Sydney). Previously, I achieved a Bachelor of Art History and Curatorship from the Australian National University, and Diploma of Graphic Design.

As I type this, I am contemplating when it’s the right time to invest full-time into my own executive coaching and leadership business.

I still dabble a bit in graphic design and marketing from my earlier career.

Community-wise, I volunteer as Co-Leader of Canberra Dads Playgroup, Executive Member of my son’s school Parents and Citzens Association, and Co-Leader of Man with a Pram.

I enjoy fitness, soccer, cricket, learning and immersing in many different cultural experiences.

I am also actively joining new communities, digitally and in real-life, so feel free to invite me along to an event.

Top 3 accomplishments?

1.? ? Being an always-on active Dad of my two young caring children. I have always wanted to be a father and be there for my kids much more than mine was for me. I am achieving this aspiration.

2.? ? Improving telecommunications resilience in Australia resulting in saving human lives during natural disasters. I could go on and on about this, so perhaps it’s better to share this link to more information (for those who want to know more): Improving resilience of Australia's telco networks.

3.? ? Determining my core personal values which guide every decision I make:?

a.? ? My family

b.? ? Health & wellbeing?

c. ? ? Continuous learning?

d.? ? Respect, and?

e. ? ? Integrity.

Why are you on LinkedIn??

As a recently separated Dad, my oldest son genuinely asked to live with me full-time. I thought this might happen in his teenage years, not so early as this.

After a great amount of conscious and deep reflection, I decided that I needed to be always available outside school hours for him. It was clear he wanted more time with me.

In quick succession, I:?

·? ? ? signed up for a free Get Clients on LinkedIn training course?

·? ? ? became an active participant in Social Saturday, and?

·? ? ? was rejected to work essentially half (part-time) by my current employer.

I have a tension about why I am on LinkedIn. I am here to truly engage and make meaningful individual connections. I am also here to build my profile and possibly open up opportunities to build a small business, in executive coaching and leadership, to help others, and also provide me more flexibility to care for my sons when they need me.

1. What services do you offer??

Right now, just one.

My Greg Did Lyons Organisational Executive Coaching Program.?

Are you ready to DREAM + BELIEVE + ACHIEVE! ?

1-2 sentences, if I was chatting with a friend and they said….I would know to refer them to you??

“I have high performing staff member/s. I don’t have the capacity to guide them as much as I would like. I have noticed they are:?

·? ? ? at risk of burning out soon (passion is a risk factor)

·? ? ? reluctant to pursue their career aspirations?

·? ? ? wishing they could be more engaged with their family, and/or

·? ? ? giving up too much of their personal life.”

Favorite quote??

Can I put a “u” in favourite, Julie?

For those that have watched my Lead with Kindness: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion webinar recently, this would be familiar:

“One of the criticisms I've faced over the years is that I'm not aggressive enough or assertive enough, or maybe somehow, because I'm empathetic, it means I'm weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.”

- ? ? ? Jacinda Adern, New Zealand Prime Minister

Most transformational book??

I am reading my most transformational book right now: Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery.

I won’t write too much here as there are a lot of sensitivities about others in my story. In mid 2020, I was hospitalised and diagnosed with severe melancholic depression with catatonia and anxiety.?

My psychologist recommended I read this book. As I continue reading this, it is becoming apparent that I may have been misdiagnosed, and rather experienced extreme burnout.

I am literally going through this transformational outlook right now, almost halfway through this book. Tap my notification bell if you want to know more (I will share once I know more, myself).

Favorite person/guru you follow and why??

I don’t want to follow you; I prefer to connect. When I click connect, I follow you anyway.?

I’m an introvert, and thus, not a fan of small talk. Although, I will engage with you meaningfully. So, if you get a connect request from me without a note, it just means I don’t have anything meaningful to say to you… yet!

Sometime ago I was contacted by Nausheen I. Chen in response to my open offer for a no-pitch promise virtual coffee chat.?

Early in our chat, I asked a seemingly innocent question, that resulted in quite a complex and personal story shared by Nausheen. In response, I was candid too, and shared my complex and intimate personal situation at the time.?

Since then, I have actively engaged with Nausheen’s growth here on LinkedIn via her posts, which provide such great value to others (including me) on how to “Speak As A Leader”. Check out her podcast. Nausheen questions her guests thoughtfully and does not let them off lightly. Consequently, Nausheen elicits deeper insights from them which provides us all greater value for our time investment.?

Advice you would give someone starting out on LinkedIn or in networking?

When you think of something positive or kind about someone, just say (or type) it to them. Try it and let me know how it goes.

Specifically, on LinkedIn, the greatest value is in the conversations in the comments of a post.

3 ways we can help support you on LinkedIn??

1.? ? Tell me what you want to know from me. I’ll then share my answer with our LinkedIn community (you remain anonymous if you DM me).

2.? ? I am currently open to trying new things to see where a new career path may take me. So, ask me to collaborate or do something with you. (Hot Tip: Read my profile first)

3.? ? Introduce me to senior leaders and HR managers in your organisation and tell them why you think they should engage me as their organisational executive coach. This will cost you nothing, however, would be so valuable to your organisation and me.?

Anything else you want to say??

DREAM + BELIEVE + ACHIEVE!