This year Dan Lyons leveled up to Director of Epic consulting, Data Science & Cybersecurity Sales! As a new director, we sat down to ask him ALKU’s ten questions for Leadership. Scroll on to find out what we asked.
What is your favorite podcast?
PTI- Pardon the Interruption from ESPN. The hosts, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, face off on the day’s hottest topics.
Who would you want to have coffee with?
Michael Jordan—I would like to learn more about what kept driving him to be the best even after reaching the top of the mountain.
What ERGs are you a part of?
Soon to be a part of the ALKU Parents group!
What ALKU Gives Back events or programs have you participated in?
I have been fortunate to participate five times in the Rodman Ride for Kids and raise money for a great cause. In addition, I have done several VTOs and always love helping the Salvation Army Angel program around the holidays!
What’s your career theme song?
“Get By”-Talib Kweli—it was my ring tone for a long time!
What app can’t you live without?
ESPN App
What is your favorite office lunch spot?
Amici’s, I get the Tuscan Chicken Wrap. Pre-pandemic…I probably ordered from there 3-4 times a week! I know the owner by name.
What is your go-to pick from the snack closet?
Ritz Cracker Cheese Sandwiches
How do you Have Fun Working Hard™?
I firmly believe that ALKU asks a lot from its employees. For that reason, as a leader, I like to aggressively seek out ways to reward the teams I work with…whether it’s leaving work early (often unexpectedly), team outings to get everyone together outside of the office, or contests with great prizes that everyone can compete for.
What is your biggest career advice?
That’s a tough question…there is so much that I would want to go back and tell a younger Dan Lyons. But, two things stick out to me.
1. Bet on yourself. Have faith that if you come in and work as hard as you can, ALKU is a place where ultimately, after some time, you will be rewarded for your hard work. The cream does ultimately rise to the top.
2. Have faith in this Leadership team. Many of the opportunities presented to me weren’t always visible two months, six months, or a year before the opportunity became available. Have faith that if you do your current job well, this company is expanding so rapidly that you will have career growth opportunities (regardless of seeing them right now).
Dan’s Bio: Dan Lyons graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and joined ALKU as an SAP Recruiter in June of 2012. Due to his incredible drive and passion, Dan has advanced into his current role as Director of Epic, Data Science, and Cybersecurity Sales, overseeing three teams’ growth and development. Dan’s teams are spread out across three of ALKU’s full-time offices. He is responsible for the development of Sales Leaders and Account Managers. Dan will continue to provide leadership and guidance to all individuals on his teams.