Lawlor reckons his boss has a rare quality - a willingness to let players learn through their mistakes.
Just a few months ago, the 19-year-old centre-back was unsure if he had a future in the Bluebirds’ senior side.
Despite making his debut against Aston Villa in the FA Cup and featuring on the final day of last season against Norwich City, Lawlor admits he thought a loan move might be necessary to gain experience.
"It's hard as a young player. You never think you are going to play, especially as a centre-back, you never think you are going to start the season at centre-back, with players like Calum Chambers, Will Fish, Jesper Daland was here at the time," he said.
"I felt like all of them were ahead of me. I was trying to push and work hard, trying to get myself in the team.
"But I was possibly looking at a loan."
The managerial uncertainty over the summer only added to the doubt. Cardiff’s protracted search for a new boss left Lawlor in limbo – until Barry-Murphy’s arrival changed everything.
"But then when Brian came in, he showed a lot of trust in the youth and he has been really positive. It's a positive environment, positive vibes around the place.
"Even though we got relegated, there are positives to come out of that. We are probably stronger now than we were at the end of last season."
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For Lawlor, the turning point was when he was suddenly told he was starting. From that moment, he told the Not The Top 20 podcast, he hasn’t looked back.
"When did I know? The day of the game. You get thrown in the deep end and don't really look back. You build the performances, get clean sheets and then win games."
Since then, he has established himself as a key player in Barry-Murphy’s side, picking up the League One Young Player of the Month award for August and playing an important role in shutouts at Port Vale and Wimbledon. Those matches, he says, gave him a real sense of growth.
But what Lawlor values most is Barry-Murphy’s approach: allowing him the space to make errors, learn, and improve – something he believes could have been denied under a more cautious coach.
"He is a top manager, I was buzzing when he got appointed," said Lawlor.
"Obviously with his Man City background, he’s used to getting players into the first team. At the start it was tough, in pre-season I played a bit at right-back, then centre-back, I wasn't really sure where I stood.
"Then he made it clear and the relationship grew from there. He has given me the opportunity and confidence to play, make mistakes - and there have been mistakes, especially in the first couple of games - and I've grown and learned from them.
"You've got to give him credit, because it would have been easy for him to take me out, put in a senior centre-half who knows the game and built for League One.
"But he put trust in me and the other players and you've got to give him credit for that."
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That trust, Lawlor insists, has been the making of his breakthrough season. Instead of being shipped out on loan, he is now one of the first names on the team sheet, maturing rapidly in the heart of Cardiff’s defence.
And while he knows there will still be challenges ahead, the teenager believes the lessons learned under Barry-Murphy will shape him into a better player for both club and country.
Cardiff could be boosted by the return of midfielder Alex Robertson for Saturday’s League One summit meeting with Bradford City – but there are fitness concerns over defenders Lawlor and Gabriel Osho.
Robertson, who previously worked with Barry-Murphy during his time in Manchester City’s academy, has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
The 22-year-old has not featured since sustaining a shin injury in pre-season at Notts County, with a hamstring issue delaying his comeback further.
Now, though, the Scotland international is on the verge of making his first appearance of the campaign.
"Alex is back. He has been training fully with us since we last spoke. So he will be considered for the squad along with all the other players, he has played fine," Barry-Murphy confirmed.
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While Robertson’s return would give the Bluebirds’ midfield a timely lift, there is less certainty over two key defenders who limped out of Tuesday night’s 1-0 EFL Trophy win at Exeter.
"There are quite a few question marks leading into Saturday," said Barry-Murphy, who has guided Cardiff to the top of League One with 17 points from a possible 21 since taking charge.
"Dylan came off with some pain in his groin, which I think he had on international duty with Wales as well, so we just have to be careful with that one.
"Gabriel Osho was the same, some fatigue and stiffness in his groin. So he will be checked today."
