Member Profile - Jack Lyden

Enjoying the Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic last summer. "I'm getting the international travel itch right about now!

ACG Member Since: 2018 
ACG Cleveland Involvement: Young ACG Cleveland Network Committee

What led you to this career?

I was a junior finance major at Miami University (OH) and got connected to New Heights Research through my personal network. I completed an internship during the summer of 2016 and subsequently received a full-time offer. After evaluating several career paths from corporate finance to banking to consulting, I felt that beginning my career with NHR was the best choice for several reasons. As a research-driven strategy consulting firm that primarily serves the private equity community, New Heights offered a unique and compelling opportunity. It would enable me to gain exposure to M&A while also developing my analytical chops and consulting skills. We are a generalist firm - so I knew I'd get exposure to multiple industries. I'm able to work directly with senior consulting professionals and our Managing Partner, Bert Smyers (former ACG board member), who has a background in investment banking, valuation consulting, and operations management. Also, I grew up in Northeast Ohio (Hudson) so coming back to Cleveland out of undergrad seemed like a natural transition.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

Relentlessness: During my first few years in consulting, there have been many late nights and weekends performing analysis and creating deliverables for our clients. Much of our market diligence work is performed after the LOI is signed - so getting the research done quickly and efficiently is critical. My relentless approach has enabled me to succeed in a fast paced, deal-driven environment.

What do you do to turn things around when you're having a bad day?

On the occasional bad day, I'll turn to a few things for relief. Exercise always seems to help turn things around - whether it's a lifting session, a hot yoga class, or even just a brisk walk outside. I've also found that deep breathing techniques and meditations help, though I'm not as consistent as I'd like to be. I'll also put in a call to my girlfriend Hannah, close friends and family members.

What's a trip that changed you, and why?

During the fall semester of my junior year (2015), I studied abroad at the Miami University John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg. Prior to this, I had never traveled internationally so it was a leap of faith but the best decision I had ever made. I lived with a German host family, took classes with European faculty, and traveled to a new country nearly every weekend. It caused me to view the world in a different lens and with an open mind. Where I spent most of my time was in Luxembourg, the wealthiest country in the EU per capita… but it was a vastly different perspective when traveling to Kosovo, one of the poorest countries in Europe for a journalism course. During fall break, my friends and I took a week-long trip to Italy - from Venice, to Florence, Rome, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast. Trips to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Barcelona, and other prominent cities were sprinkled in during my 15-week semester. This was a trip I will never forget and the experiences shaped me into the person I am today and solidified my love for travel.

What's your favorite sport to watch and which team do you root for?

As a Cleveland native, I can't help but be a diehard Browns fan. After years and years of torture, I can say that I'm truly and excited about the direction of the franchise. I feel we have the right pieces in place to compete for a playoff seat with the new hire in Kevin Stefanski, a studly running back crew (get healthy soon Nick Chubb!), OBJ, Myles Garrett, and others. The AFC North is always a tough division, but I remain cautiously optimistic!