Heather Carfrae Lyon - Director
I have a passion for living life to the full and helping others do the same. After more than a decade of working at the top of the corporate ladder as a CEO, I decided it was time to focus on what really drives me - helping others to achieve success in their personal and professional lives. Professional coaching enables me to continue more of the work I find emotionally, spiritually and professionally rewarding.
The things which give me joy in my life include the pleasure of living near the beach, my relationships with friends and family, sailing, painting, sculpture, gardening and, above all, working with people to help them achieve success at work and in their lives
I started The Coaching Advantage in order to give people the opportunity to experience personal happiness and joy by applying personal values at work and home. When we know ourselves and what is important we can confidently lead the life we want.
I have worked in senior management for fifteen years - ten serving as a Chief Executive Officer in Victoria and Queensland - and have held directorships on two national and three local not-for-profit boards. This experience, combined with qualifications in education, arts, management, governance and coaching, means that I am well equipped to support leaders with the challenges faced everyday.
Offering inspiration and support to many colleagues, peers and acquaintances throughout my professional life, I mentor and coach leaders and emerging leaders to inspire them to maximize their potential. Acknowledging each person's uniqueness, I use my observational and motivational skills to work with them to accomplish their goals in life and work.
Clients include directors, CEOs and senior managers in large and medium-sized organizations, as well as individuals and small business owners. I have also mentored a number of senior women and assisted them to meet their career objectives. Client organisations include Local and State Government, community service and disablity organizations, health services (including hospitals) and the financial services industry.
My coaching style has been described as supportive, encouraging, intuitive and challenging when necessary. Coaching clients have commented that I very quickly help them identify areas to work on and offer support to enable them to find their own solutions. (See comments below).
Heather was quickly able to help me focus on what I needed to do to understand what was happening in my team. She helped me see that there was another way to develop and encourage the participation of team members. I am a more confident leader now.
Mary, General Manager, Disability Agency
Your encouragement and support helped me make the changes in my career I had previously only dreamed about. Your unique ability to connect with people and your wonderful listening skills make the difference in the coaching experience.
Sue, Airport Security
With a strong commitment to exploring the human condition, I use tools such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator to expand clients' self knowledge. I am dedicated to working with managers and organizations that have taken an ethical stance and have a commitment to leadership education as a catalyst for growth and change.
I believe the key to successful coaching relationships includes respect for difference, careful listening, trust, courage and a willingness to look at new paths. I will ask you to give your very best and in return I will support and challenge you to achieve more than you imagined you were capable of. |
