Meet Featured Dad, Joe Lyons Rising from Data Gives Back
Tell us about your company, Data Gives Back.
DGB is a social enterprise focused on Insights Coaching and Analytic Consulting within the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry.
Why did you start or decide to work at your company?
To find a way to work at home full-time with my family during the pandemic and be able to give back to a charitable organization on-going with 25% or monthly revenues donated.
Tell us about your family!
My wife and I have been married for 6 years, with both of us being previously married. We have 2 girls that are aged 14 and 5. Their birthdays are 2 days apart! Our eldest is my step-daughter, who I met when she was 6. We live in Stouffville, Ontario.
What was the hardest thing about becoming a dad?
I was a step-dad first, and building the relationship with my step-daughter at the age of 6 took a lot of care and continues today. She is still very close to her own Dad, so knowing my place in her life is critical but also challenging to know when I should parent her or not. My wife leads most of the parenting because of that fragile relationship. When our little one was born I struggled with anxiety about her health and safety. Although we are blessed to have a healthy baby girl, my anxiety disorder made it difficult for me to not worry about SIDS during the first year or so.
Has being a dad impacted your career? How?
I was able to relate more to coworkers and team members that had children or were expecting. As a Director, it allowed me to have increased empathy for the challenges my direct reports experienced during theirs or their wife's pregnancies.
What's one thing you've learned from your children?
You are never too old to just have fun and not take ourselves and life too seriously.
How has being a dad made you a better or different leader?
It has increased my protective Dad qualities to stand up for my team and ensure they are always treated fairly and supported for their own professional development. I think it has also made me more approachable when building new relationships.
