Marcus Darbyshire · Independent adviser & executive coach

Perspective that comes from experience.

Independent advice and executive coaching for digital and technology leaders navigating complex decisions, organisational change and the challenges of leading in an increasingly digital world.

Get in touch →
About Marcus

Experience matters.
So does perspective.

Portrait of Marcus Darbyshire wearing a light blue jacket

I'm a former CIO and Gartner Vice President, Executive Partner with more than 30 years of experience in technology leadership, executive advisory and coaching, including extensive international experience.

Based in Queensland, I work independently with digital and technology leaders across Australia, bringing a practical, global perspective to digital strategy, IT leadership and the challenges of leading technology teams.

Career perspective

I've sat on both sides of the table.

Before moving into advisory work, I spent 14 years in IT leadership roles, including seven years as a CIO. My experience spans IT operations, support and strategy, with a focus on delivering reliable, cost-effective technology platforms and projects, leading teams and balancing operational demands with strategic priorities.

During 14 years as a Vice President, Executive Partner at Gartner, I advised hundreds of digital and technology leaders across the Asia-Pacific region, helping them navigate challenges in strategy, leadership, governance and organisational change.

Areas of expertise

Where I add value.

Executive leadership & coaching

Supporting CIOs and digital leaders stepping into senior roles, building influence, navigating career transitions and strengthening their leadership.

Digital leadership & governance

Independent perspectives on AI governance, data strategy, operating models, executive accountability and board-level decision-making.

Leadership teams & facilitation

Facilitating leadership team alignment, strategic priorities, better decisions and organisational change.

Trusted executive advice

A confidential, independent sounding board for senior digital leaders navigating complex decisions and emerging challenges.

How I work

Practical, independent and straight-talking.

I bring an independent perspective, a willingness to challenge assumptions and a focus on what works in practice. Whether I'm coaching an executive, facilitating a leadership team or advising on digital strategy, my aim is the same: to help people think more clearly, make better decisions and turn ideas into action.

Working together

How we might work together.

What colleagues and clients say

Trusted by people who lead.

“Great to have Marcus in my corner. He’s been both a confidant and advisor with strong industry experience and has helped me across a very diverse range of CIO topics. I’ve really appreciated his frank and honest advice.”
CIO · Local Government
“Marcus is a very experienced IT professional and coach and is able to provide and speak to or connect information from all aspects across the IT discipline - and a gentleman to boot!”
CIO · State Government
“I had the privilege of working with Marcus as my leadership coach over the past year, and his impact has been truly transformative. Marcus brings a thoughtful, insightful, and practical approach to coaching that helped me gain clarity, build confidence, and grow as a leader. His ability to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and offer meaningful support made every session valuable. I highly recommend Marcus to anyone looking to elevate their leadership and unlock their full potential.”
People Systems Manager · Aged Care
“Marcus is a warm, practical and seasoned leadership coach. I found my time with him to be great, distilling key concepts into actions with a focus on both general leadership and technology leadership. The materials he provided have not only been useful to me but welcomed by my team as part of their development as well. Highly recommended.”
Head of Data, Insights & Analytics · Aged Care
“Marcus is an exceptional mentor and leader. With a wealth of experience in digital strategy and governance in executive roles, Marcus brings a unique blend of deep knowledge and practical insight to every challenge. What truly sets him apart is his ability to provide thought-provoking, forward-thinking approaches that address the complexities of our ever-evolving digital landscape. His guidance is always grounded in real-world applicability, making his mentorship not only inspiring but also highly actionable. For anyone looking to navigate digital transformation with confidence and clarity, Marcus is an invaluable resource and leader.”
Data and Analytics Lead · Healthcare
“I’d count Marcus as a trusted advisor who understands the public sector and how trends in information technology will shape the public sector landscape. Marcus has played a key role in helping shape my thinking in how digital technologies can be harnessed to drive greater value.”
CIO · Healthcare
1 of 6
Contact

A conversation is a good place to start.

If you're working through a leadership challenge, considering a new direction or looking for an independent perspective, feel free to get in touch. We can have an initial conversation and see whether my experience could be useful.

marcus@strategicexecutiveleadership.com →