Marcus Darbyshire · Independent adviser & executive coach

Perspective that comes from experience.

Practical advice, fresh thinking and trusted support for leaders navigating the complexities of technology, digital transformation and organisational change.

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About Marcus

Experience matters.
So does perspective.

Portrait of Marcus Darbyshire wearing a light blue jacket

I'm a former CIO and Gartner Executive Partner with more than three decades of experience in technology leadership, advisory and executive coaching.

Based in Queensland, Australia, I work with senior leaders and organisations across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Today, I work selectively with organisations and individuals where my experience can make a meaningful difference.

Career perspective

Experience across industries.
Perspective across challenges.

I've worked on both sides of the table: leading technology functions and acting as an independent adviser to executives. That experience helps me understand both the demands of decision-making and the realities of putting strategy into practice.

During 14 years as a Gartner Executive Partner, I advised senior technology leaders across the Asia-Pacific region on leadership, strategy and complex organisational challenges.

Areas of expertise

Where I add value.

Executive leadership & coaching

Helping digital and technology leaders build confidence, influence and effectiveness.

Digital, data & AI leadership

Helping leaders navigate digital, data and AI opportunities through practical strategy, effective governance and clear accountability.

Leadership teams & facilitation

Thoughtful, practical sessions that help leadership teams work better together.

Trusted executive advice

A confidential sounding board for difficult decisions, emerging challenges and new opportunities.

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.

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
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Contact

A conversation is a good place to start.

I'm always happy to connect with colleagues and discuss opportunities where my experience may be useful.

marcus@strategicexecutiveleadership.com →