One on One with Lyman Montgomery

There is nothing like connecting with someone who has weather major storms in their lives and have managed to turn those challenges into triumphs. LIRM recently connected with author/professional speaker Lyman Montgomery and left feeling empowered.

More empowerment after the jump:

Having experienced loss, pain and the challenges of losing those near and dear to him, Lyman has managed to create a lane for himself that is unique and needed. Check out this amazing interview and be inspired to stay the course in your life and also strive for more in the process.

Mr. Montgomery, share with our readers your background such as where you hail from. Etc.
I am a native of Dayton, Ohio. As a child, I had a number of physical and mental challenges that I overcome. Despite that, I became a well sought-after conference speaker, workshop presenter and HR consultant. I am an ordain minister and Life Change Coach to individuals struggling with the transitions of life.

I hold a MBA from American Intercontinental University and BS degree from Ohio University as well as post-graduate training at Harvard University from the W.E.B. Institute for Afro-American Research in Civic Engagement. I am currently pursuing his Doctorate of Business Administration in Executive Leadership Development.

Wow! You have a pretty impressive educational background. Give our readers a glimpse into the young Lyman growing up. What are some of your fondest memories?
When I was younger I lacked self- esteem and confidence. I was a small child, an easy target for bullies, but my brother Robert was my protector as well as my best friend Lance. One of my fondest memories is when Lance and I fixed up an old canoe we bought for fifty-cents.

After we repaired the old boat, we decided to test it at a local nature center. We packed up our fishing gear, BB guns, and bagged lunches. Then, we snuck out of the house at 5 a.m. to test our greatest achievement. Unfortunately, we sunk the boat. We had some serious explaining to do when we made it home wet without our fishing gear and BB guns.

"I have learned that in order to be successful, you must concentrate on the things you do best and outsource the rest"

Your book Shattered Masks deals with a taboo subject, sexual abuse, in an African American home. How important is it for people to hear your story?
It is very important for people, especially African- American men, to hear my story because they need to know that there is a way of recovering or “shattering your masks.” The things that I’ve been through are not often talked about but constantly happen to children. I am an advocate for showing that one’s past experiences does not have to alter a person’s outcome in life, or define who they are.

Absolutely!! Judging from your bio, you seem to have many irons in the fire as a sought after lecturer, radio host and author, how do you find the time to balance it all?
Great assistance! I have learned that in order to be successful, you must concentrate on the things you do best and outsource the rest. I have a network of volunteers and assistants that are hard-working and will go the extra mile to do their part in getting the job done.

Share with our readers who inspires you to continue to remain upbeat and confident?
My wife, children, pastor, and Top Gun brothers inspire me to remain upbeat and confident in the innate ability of a person to change for the better.

That is a great group of inspiration for you. Lyman, being an unique individual can be somewhat stressful. How do you handle stress?
I handle stress by using the power of prayer, bible reading, and sometimes my martial arts training (for those really stressful days).

What are some signs that people can look for when it comes to a young person being sexual abused?
I think some possible signs people can look for when it comes to a young person being sexually abused are abrupt over/under achievement, depression, lack of sleep, nervousness around abuser; nightmares, sudden change in school performance, and memory loss. These are only are few but they are consistent with what I experienced after I was abused.

We live in a critical world and many judge before truly knowing the person. How do you deal with criticism?
I deal with destructive criticism in three ways: One, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am a person of worth and value who is destined to succeed. I surround myself with positive and constructive influences that allow me to share my high points and low points without ridicule, discouragement or judgment. Lastly, I consistently review, modify, and adapt my written life plan, which is a map for my life.



You have experienced major losses with the tragic consequences of your grandparents and how they passed away. How did you manage to overcome the demons of your childhood?
The best way that I could handle and excise the demons from my mind was through my strong, unshakable confidence in the word of God. The scripture that helped me the most was Jeremiah 29:11. “I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” This scripture is my favorite because it let me know that God has a plan for my life, and his plan does not include fear, or evil, but peace.

How do you give back to the community?
I serve as an Elder in my church working with youth. I am actively involved in youth mentoring through my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. I also give motivational speeches; provide workshops, seminars and trainings to non-profit organizations in order to educate and inform them about issues related to sexual abuse and its effects.

In three words: Describe Lyman Montgomery!
Passion, Integrity, Faith


Lyman Montgomery is a great leader who is focused and yet grounded. LIRM is honored that he allowed our readers to get a glimpse into his life.

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