Darren C. Lyons

During 20 years as a customer journey executive, Darren built relationships across the globe managing a business process outsourcer organization in Asia as well as Central America and South America. When he was Director of Global Customer Care for 1-800-flowers.com he led a vendor organization of 1000 FTE across 7 partners in 5 countries and 10 cities.

Over the past seven years, Darren has had numerous health issues, including two below knee amputations, Stage Five Kidney Failure requiring dialysis three times a week and congestive heart failure. He is also a stroke survivor. Darren has used the concepts learned managing vendors to help him overcome his physical limitations; leaning into your discomfort, the power of partnerships and the importance of clear, consistent and concise communication. Darren’s story is one of triumph because of his tenacious desire to fight back to life through these trials.

Darren obtained his Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from The University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from George Mason University. Darren and his lovely wife Elaine founded Korrior, Inc. with a vision to create inspirational books and faith based media projects. Darren’s e-book, “A Day in the Life in a Skilled Nursing Facility: Short Stories from a Young Man Trapped in a Nursing Home” was released in September 2018. Darren’s memoir, "With Worn Out Tools: Navigating The Rituals of Mid Life" was released in September of 2021. Darren is a Certified John Maxwell trainer, coach and speaker with an executive coaching clientele of 25 executives in four countries. He is a licensed Color Code Personality Assessment Facilitator, training over 500 leaders in 4 countries. He is a 2019 Consumer Reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, a speaker for The Amputee Coalition 2023 National Conference, and a participant in the DPC 2023 Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. Darren loss over 275 pounds primarily on a vegetarian diet.

Hollywood is full of stories that celebrate coming of age. Midlife has its stories too but they are not quite as celebrated. During our time together I would like to share my story of how I went from celebrating my fiftieth birthday to becoming a below knee amputee. I was a corporate executive, enjoying a career as a customer journey executive. I was traveling the world and building relationships with people in The Philippines, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guyana before my career was interrupted with a series of illnesses including two below knee amputations, stage 5 kidney disease which requires dialysis 3 times a week, and a stroke.

I will share with you the eight lessons I learned as I fought my way back to life. 1. Be more thankful, 2. Be more in the moment, 3. Be more inquisitive 4. Be more prepared 5. The importance of friends 6. Laughter 7. Faith and 8. Rule Number 1.