I originally hired Valerie as my business/life coach because I needed a safe space with someone I could trust, to help me work through personal issues that were blocking my business success. However, I received so much more! Her support has truly been extraordinarily valuable. Her excellent coaching skills have enabled me to identify and clearly assess barriers to my personal and business growth. The accountability component of the coaching has caused me to take more timely action in initiating changes that are leading to more balance in my personal life, and growth and structure in my business. Valerie is an excellent listener. She provides thought-provoking, non-judgmental feedback. Her approach fosters openness and continuous self-reflection. There have been many times when I’ve continued to reflect on our discussion long after our meeting. I’m so glad that I made the decision to work with Valerie. It’s not an overstatement to say that it has been both personally and professionally transformative.
Elizabeth M. Madison, MA, RDN, CDN: Nutrition & Wellness Consultant
My interaction with Valerie has always been positive and rewarding. Valerie has a listening ear and you know that when she is able to repeat what she has heard verbatim. Valerie is an authentic, transparent and engaging person and it shows in her presentation and sound advice. You can tell that she is passionate in what she does and that is to empower women to become their authentic selves and live out their dreams and best life. Each time, I have spoken with Valerie, I can humbly say, I have taken away precious jewels that I know will take me to the next level. To sum it up, Valerie possesses self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management and it shows each time she speaks with empathy, understanding, compassion and bringing women together to share their stories.
Rita Julian
The webinar was effective because it covered the current pandemics: COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement and the group collaborated in response to both. The participants were engaged in the chat room and shared ideas, experiences, and actions moving forward which covered the networking aspect. I was most impressed with Valerie's ability to “make things happen” and “go-getter” attitude in networking with participants. Valerie is a personable presenter who engages with participants and well educated on the topic discussed. My top three takeaways from the webinar were: 1. Ability to network with the presenter and join upcoming job webinar which will be beneficial for my career as a rehab counselor 2. Identifying who is in your network and how it is important to utilize this support during the pandemic and to dismantle social injustice. 3. Exploring actions we can take professionally and personally to educate others and support the Black Lives Matter movement. Resources were provided.
Lauren Gianfagna, CRC
I am grateful to have attended the past two webinars you held on social justice/advocacy for BIPOC with disabilities. The format was welcoming to constructive conversation and also provided excellent information to empower the learners who were present. I would look forward to continued learning opportunities!
Evan L. Smith, PhD: Rehabilitation Psychologist, Michigan Medicine
Today I received my book, “The Power of Networking: Where Your Career and Your Well-being Meet,” by Valerie Lyons. It was a page-turner, so much so, I read the book in the same day. It was an easy and practical read. The content blessed me and shifted my perspective on networking. I don’t see it as a chore to get anxiety about, but it can be considered self care because Im expanding my reach and resources that can make me better and take me further. The self reflection questions at the end of the chapters guided me to evaluate my weaknesses and highlight my strengths. This is a great book with some great gems of wisdom. I would recommend as a resource for anyone struggling with networking.
Trish Lewis: Program Director, Faces of Women Imprisoned
A circle of Sistahs, this is what comes to mind when I think of Valerie Lyons. Valerie is forever conceiving forums that give Sistahs a space for evolving.
Robin Mayers