30 Seconds with Hugh Lyons

Who in the business world do you most admire?
Benjamin Graham. I studied economics and have always been interested in investing. His emphasis on discipline, value and independent thinking regarding investment decisions has always resonated with me.

What do you wish you knew before you started in your career?
That, no matter the role or industry, it is ultimately all about relationships. Technical ability will get you in the door, but trust, communication and how you work with people is what really matters over time.

What is your career highlight to date?
Helping launch Onate in Spain. Building out a new market from Madrid, while staying connected to the Irish business, has been both challenging and very rewarding.

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing?
Something involving problem-solving or investigation. I like working through information, spotting inconsistencies and getting to the right answer. Maybe a detective of some sort!

What do you do to relax?
Mostly family time. I have two young sons, so weekends are usually fairly active rather than quiet. When I get the chance, I like going to the gym to switch off.