Marcus Darbyshire · Independent adviser & executive coach

Perspective that comes from experience.

Independent advice and executive coaching for CIOs, digital and technology leaders navigating complex decisions, organisational change and the opportunities and challenges of AI.

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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

I've sat on both sides of the table.

I've led technology functions and advised executives facing difficult choices. That experience helps me understand both the realities of executive leadership and the challenges of turning decisions into action.

During 14 years as a Gartner Executive Partner, I advised senior technology leaders across the Asia-Pacific region on strategy, leadership 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, data & AI leadership

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 CIOs and senior 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.

Every engagement is different, but most of my work falls into three areas.

One-to-one executive coaching

Working with CIOs, digital and technology leaders to navigate career transitions, build influence, strengthen leadership effectiveness and tackle real challenges as they arise.

Typically a series of confidential conversations over several months.

Leadership workshops and facilitation

Working with leadership teams to explore strategic challenges, align priorities, challenge assumptions and turn discussion into practical action.

Focused workshops, facilitated discussions or tailored leadership development sessions.

Independent executive advice

Providing a trusted sounding board for senior leaders working through digital strategy, AI governance, organisational capability and difficult decisions.

Flexible advisory conversations or targeted engagements, depending on the challenge.

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.

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 →