During a stint as a data-storage librarian for a healthcare software development company one summer before college, Chuck Lyles became intrigued by how technology could change patients’ lives. He went on to study computer science at the University of Texas at Dallas—and has since spent 30 years working on tech and healthcare initiatives. In April, he was named CEO of GuideIT, a Plano-based company formed in early 2013 by five former Perot Systems colleagues. (Lyles, who began his career as a programmer for EDS, served as president of Perot Systems Healthcare Group for nearly a decade.) With GuideIT looking to expand its position in the rapidly changing healthcare marketplace, Lyles was an ideal candidate.
FIRST JOB:
When I was 11 years old, I’d go out and mow lawns. And as a teenager, I enjoyed the sport of bowling, so I did various jobs at bowling centers.
WORST JOB:
I once worked at a company that installed pool tables. Lifting those heavy pool tables up the stairs every day was not very fun.
WHY HEALTHCARE:
If you’re around anyone who’s a caregiver, you find that there is a special calling for those types of people. Making a difference, helping to save patient’s lives—it’s just an exciting and rewarding type of work.
EARLY LESSONS:“I try to be transparent and approachable. I provide candid feedback to team members so they know where they stand.”
EDS had a great culture, one that was both people-oriented and results-oriented: Promote from within, take care of your people, take care of your family. I enjoyed it. It was a great ride.
BIGGEST PET PEEVE:
It drives me crazy when people are late. I think everyone should be accountable to be on time.
STRENGTHS:
I’m good at taking highly talented individuals and assimilating them into a team to get results. I believe I’m good at strategy, and also at taking a difficult issue and tearing it apart and fixing it. So, I can fly at the 30,000-foot level with strategy or I can get down to the minutiae and solve a very tactical problem.
WEAKNESS:
Balancing professional and personal life. I’m really focused on that, trying to get it balanced in a way, but you can get out of sync with that if you’re not careful.
SUCCESS STRATEGIES:
Hire people who are better than you. Create the best work environment. Empower teams and get out of their way. Also, never ask anyone to do anything that you’re not willing to do yourself, and be humble.
MANAGEMENT STYLE:
I try to be transparent and approachable. I provide candid feedback to team members so they know where they stand and to help them grow and develop.
DOWN TIME:
I love to play golf, and I love to spend time at the lake—outdoor activities like water skiing and jet skiing. I also very much enjoy sporting events. I’m a big-time Dallas Mavericks fan, Dallas Cowboys fan, and Texas Rangers fan. Growing up in Dallas, how can you not be?
BOOK SHELF:
I’m reading a book now called 10% Happier by Dan Harris. It’s all about balancing life and the importance of doing so. I like to read books around leadership, self-improvement, how to motivate teams, how to build things. I’m a builder by trade.
