Editor’s note: We’re trying something new! We handpicked a few of our stories from the March issue and decided to give you a sneak peek. You can expect the entire issue online on March 1. Enjoy!
Even by multihyphenate standards, Michael J. Lyons is an overachiever. As the 40-plus-year meetings industry veteran and Smart Meetings TV host has pursued his passions, his career has expanded into acting, motivational speaking, singing, hosting, and meetings and events consulting. With the Feb. 24 release of his new book, Set Yourself Free: Daydream It…Believe It…Achieve It!, Lyons adds the title of author to that list.
Based on one of his popular speaking topics, the book aims to help people reflect on their life and career goals, assess where they stand, and implement manageable techniques to help maintain focus. Material draws upon Lyons’ own successes and failures, as well as anecdotes about famous people who overcame hardship and obstacles to achieve their goals, such as Oprah Winfrey, McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc and Richard Branson.
“Set Yourself Free is about how to create greater opportunities in your life while removing obstacles, excuses and the paralysis of fear,” Lyons says. “Once you take charge of your life and empower yourself to make the right choices, you can achieve the things you want. Life is too short to squander your potential.”
The book delivers practical steps to help readers accomplish their goals. Several of Lyons’ other speaking topics also address this theme. For example, his talk “The Brand of You” applies business branding principles to the process of creating, developing, managing and protecting your personal brand, and “Getting Yourself Camera Ready” offers tips and techniques to enhance ease when speaking on camera.
As an actor and host, Lyons possesses undeniable on-camera expertise. His credits include film, television and commercial work, including roles on television series such as House of Cards, Veep and Outsiders. He has made more than 350 live appearances on the home-shopping network QVC.
Additionally, Lyons has contributed numerous articles to travel industry trade journals and consumer magazines. Media outlets frequently consult him for expert commentary on the meetings and events industry.
Lyons will be the keynote speaker at Smart Meeting East National event at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek on May 23. To find more information and to register, visit smartmeetings.com.
To learn more about Set Yourself Free, go to lyonsspeaker.com.
