Our main objective here at the National Coach Academy is to enable aspiring coaches to reach their full professional potential. One of the most effective ways to educate students about the world of coaching is by offering them a window into the world of real, practicing coaches and showing them all the different ways coaches make a difference in the lives of their clients.
We hope today’s interview adds another insightful glimpse into the dynamic world of coaching.
Today we are interviewing Chris M. Lyon. Chris is an Intuitive Coach and Relationship Consultant based in Gold Canyon, Arizona.
NCA: Can you describe your coaching practice and the kinds of clients you typically work with?
Chris: My specialties are relationships, sensitives and confidence. However, my work has evolved into quite a varied practice, I work with individuals, couples and executives. A typical day may include working with people who want to improve or save their relationship, a high-level executive who wants to gain professional advantage, a sensitive person who is managing a life transition, or a troubled teen who is building self-esteem and confidence. I work with clients from all over the world. I work out of my local office or by phone/skype/zoom.
NCA: What initially got you interested in this career path and what kind of degree or certifications did you need to complete, if any?
Chris: My education was in Communications and Psychology. I was a manager and leader in the corporate world until a significant loss changed things for me. I followed my inner-guidance because I was always a natural at helping people with changes, but didn’t desire to be in an enabling or co-dependent role with those who don’t want to change. I was drawn to the field of Life Coaching. I studied locally with Thomas Leonard, the “Father of Coaching”, became a founding member of his Graduate School of Coaching and joined his R&D group. From there, I studied with many programs and became certified with Bennett Stellar University. Since then, I’ve continued my education and became Board Certified in Hypnosis and an Master level of NLP as well, which are all effectively complimentary to my work.
I love working with people towards the change they want to make, towards becoming who they were meant to be without the old limiting factors.
NCA: What is the most rewarding part of your career and on the flip side, what is the most challenging aspect of the work that you do?
Chris: I love working with people towards the change they want to make, towards becoming who they were meant to be without the old limiting factors. The work is rewarding for me, whether they have new habits they want to establish or needed changes that will save their lives. Re-framing is a powerful part of my work. I’m intuitive and listen carefully. I can reflect back an outside view, I see a new light go on, and new connections get made that will help someone toward resolution and goals. It’s difficult when people struggle to be optimistic and hopeful; it keeps them from stepping into their own power and becoming who they are meant to be. I also enjoy creating online courses for my readers and clients, and doing podcasts and speaking engagements.
NCA: Can you think of a mentor who was most vital to your success as a coach? In what ways did this mentor help you to thrive in your career?
Chris: I haven’t really had mentors per se, but I have learned from so many. I’ve appreciated and benefited from the work of Thomas Leonard and various ICF and WBEC programs. There are many coaches, teachers and authors who have been very helpful to my work. Karla McLaren, Pema Chodron and Carolyn Myss are a few.
NCA: Finally, what advice would you give someone looking to get started in the career path that you chose?
Chris: After nearly two decades of coaching, I could probably write a book about that. It takes time and patience to build a practice. Find your specialty(ies) and focus on those. Get the word out, either socially and/or through networking. If you have a specific background, focus on coaching those in that field. People misunderstand this industry, so don’t just put a shingle out and wait! Share your knowledge to groups communities. However, don’t focus on too much pro bono work, as I’ve found that the best results come when the client is investing – so exchange like for like energy. Oh…and get yourself a coach!
