Meet Valerie J. Lyons

We recently connected with Valerie J. Lyons and have shared our conversation below.

Valerie J., so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

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My purpose emerged through a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth—a journey that continues to unfold every day.
From a young age, people would tell me I was special, unique, kind, and gifted. They acknowledged me for being a good listener with a good heart. Yet, I struggled to believe it. I was often my harshest critic, focusing on what I thought were flaws—too skinny, too dark, a lazy eye. When my parents separated at the age of seven, I carried deep feelings of abandonment and shame, but lacked the language to name or process my emotions, leaving me burdened with shame and guilt.

Over time, I found myself drawn to roles that revolved around connection and service—camp counselor, salesperson, secretary, vocational counselor, administrator, mentor, teacher, workshop facilitator, career coach, power networker, and team empowerment coach. I thrived in these roles, discovering a deep love for engaging with people, uplifting and guiding them, fostering connections, and championing their greatness.

Through extensive inner work and participating in transformational educational programs like Landmark and Momentum, I’ve embraced the power of self-awareness, possibility and personal growth. I’ve learned to surround myself with empowering, dynamic, joyful, and loving people who inspire me to keep growing.

My purpose became clear when I recognized my ability to help others transform their perception of themselves—guiding them to see their own greatness and power. It’s a privilege and joy to walk this path, using my experiences to inspire and uplift others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the Founder of Valerie J. Lyons Enterprise, bringing nearly 30 years of experience working with individuals, teams and groups. As a Team Empowerment Coach, I specialize in fostering open communication, cultivating trust, and facilitating challenging conversations to build a culture of connection, collaboration, and care in the workplace. Currently, I am thrilled to be developing a transformational program centered on Heart-Centered Self-Leadership, empowering individuals to lead with authenticity, compassion, and purpose.
Heart-Centered Self-Leadership is rooted in the ability to trust your unique voice and inner brilliance, using this trust to guide your decisions, set meaningful goals, embrace personal growth, and take ownership of your development. Its foundation rests on three key pillars:
1. Honoring Your Authentic Self-Worthiness – Recognizing and embracing your intrinsic value as a cornerstone for success.
2. Creating Your Vision of Success – Defining what fulfillment and achievement look like on your terms.
3. Developing Skills of Visibility – Learning how to confidently share your talents and contributions with the world.

In addition, I am thrilled to introduce a series of online courses designed to support individuals navigating employment searches or career transitions. These courses center on how AI can be used as a thought partner to enhance the career exploration, job seeking and networking process.

I work full-time as the Assistant Director of Student Affairs at Hunter College’s School of Education. In this role, I provide academic advisement to graduate students pursuing careers in the counseling field, a responsibility that aligns closely with my passion for supporting future counselors. Additionally, I have had the privilege of facilitating professional development workshops at Hunter College. One of my most impactful workshops, Power Network Your Way to Success, is inspired by my book, Power Networking From The Inside Out: Where Your Career and Your Well-Being Meet. This book has revolutionizes how job seekers approach networking, offering them a transformative perspective that combines career advancement with personal well-being.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I deeply believe in the power of possibility and the art of co-creating a life you love. For me, possibility means allowing myself to dream boldly without getting caught up in the “how to.” My approach is rooted in making intentional declarations, staying true to my word, listening to my intuition and taking consistent action toward my goals. By making requests without attachment to the outcome, I’ve been blessed with countless opportunities while cultivating an incredible network of supportive friends and colleagues.

Gratitude is my foundation—it sustains me daily. Whether it’s the simple joy of waking up, the kindness of strangers, being part of global communities, or the consistent flow of opportunities that come my way, I recognize these as blessings from God/the Universe.

For those just starting their journey, my advice is to surround yourself with uplifting people who genuinely love and support you. Don’t try to navigate life alone. Share your aspirations openly, allowing the universe to hold your dreams. Avoid overthinking—engage fully with the world. Be open to feedback, viewing it as valuable information rather than judgment. Trust your intuition; it never leads you astray. And always listen to your body—it communicates what aligns with your spirit and what doesn’t.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Rather than focusing on “who,” I attribute my growth and success to transformative educational programs and communities that have profoundly shaped my perspective and skills. Landmark Education, Momentum Education, Positive Intelligence, and Debra Driscoll’s Big Life Magic Community have all been pivotal in my journey.

These programs helped me uncover blind spots that once hindered my progress, enabling me to let go of the past, embrace forgiveness, and create a life rooted in possibility. They have enhanced my communication skills, particularly the ability to deeply listen for people’s commitments and intentions. I’ve also learned to view challenges and mistakes as gifts or opportunities for growth.

One of the most transformative shifts has been focusing on accomplishment rather than purely results. This approach allows me to appreciate every step of the journey instead of waiting for a specific outcome that may or may not materialize. Additionally, through Debra Driscoll’s Big Life Magic Community, I’ve cultivated the ability to listen to my body as a guide for decision-making and to trust and follow my intuition—both of which have been invaluable gifts

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.valeriejlyonsenterprises.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/valjlyons
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerie.lyons.56
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriejlyons

Image Credits

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