Human Resources Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Executive Coaches in Sydney

Ryan Stevens
October 22, 2025
All Insights
HR Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Executive Coaches in Sydney

Sydney Executive Coaching Services

Sydney is a city built on leadership — dynamic, innovative, and always evolving. From the harbor’s financial district to the creative neighborhoods of Surry Hills and Chippendale, Sydney’s executives are the drivers of transformation in every industry. But even the best leaders need a mirror, a challenger, and a guide — and that’s where executive coaches make their mark.

The city’s leadership landscape has matured into one of the most vibrant in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether it’s helping a tech startup founder scale a business, guiding a corporate executive through strategic transitions, or supporting HR professionals with leadership pipelines, Sydney’s executive coaches are reshaping how organizations think about human potential.

At Digital Reference, we’ve built a research methodology that puts depth and credibility at its core. Our process involves:

  • Comprehensive review of credentials, accreditations, and affiliations (e.g., ICF, AHRI).

  • Evaluation of leadership methodologies and coaching philosophies.

  • Analysis of testimonials, case studies, and measurable outcomes.

  • Verification of community involvement and local engagement in Sydney’s HR ecosystem.

Our curation goes beyond surface-level recognition — we dig into the how and why behind each professional’s success.

The Evolving Exec Coaching Landscape in Sydney, Australia

In Sydney’s bustling business environment, leaders must continuously refine their self-awareness, adaptability, and communication. HR leaders have embraced coaching as a cornerstone of employee engagement, retention, and performance. No longer just for senior executives, coaching now filters through every layer of the organization, promoting alignment and growth.

Below, we present Sydney’s most impactful executive coaches, each of whom contributes to the city’s thriving leadership and HR culture in unique, transformative ways.

🌟 Meet Sydney's Executive Coaches Making things Happen

🔶 Marianne Bateup

Founder & Director, Abilitise Pty Ltd
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

Few professionals exemplify excellence in executive coaching quite like Marianne Bateup. As the Founder and Director of Abilitise Pty Ltd, Marianne has become one of Sydney’s most acclaimed leadership coaches — recognized as Executive Coach of the Year (Australia) in both 2023 and 2024, following an Executive Coaching Award for Australasia in 2022.

🔹 Recognized by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and featured in Coaching World.
🔹 Ranked #3 Coach in Sydney for 2021.
🔹 Integrates neuroscience, systems thinking, and emotional intelligence.

Marianne’s practice is deeply influenced by her collaborations with Integral Global, Performance Consultants, and Sharpist. Her coaching approach balances cognitive understanding with intuitive awareness, helping leaders transform their communication, empathy, and impact.

🔶 Dan Auerbach

CEO & Senior Executive Coach
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

With a career bridging commerce, psychology, and academia, Dan Auerbach is among Sydney’s most intellectually grounded executive coaches. As a former AGSM MBA Lecturer, Dan combines theory with real-world application, empowering senior executives to build emotionally intelligent and resilient organizations.

🔹 Dual qualifications in Commerce and Psychology.
🔹 CEO and thought leader at Employee Assistance Professionals Association.
🔹 Expertise in executive transitions and leadership cohesion.

His approach goes beyond leadership behavior — it’s about identity, purpose, and influence. Clients consistently describe Dan as “transformational,” not because he changes people, but because he helps them uncover their best version of leadership.

🔶 Alex James

Executive Coach
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

Alex Stacey James is trusted by CEOs and C-suite leaders worldwide for her unique capacity to align ambition with meaning. Based in Sydney, Alex supports executives navigating career transitions, personal reinvention, and organizational change.

🔹 Expertise in narrative coaching and values alignment.
🔹 Deep experience in purpose-driven leadership.
🔹 Focused on emotional clarity and strategic authenticity.

At AlexStaceyJames.com, Alex’s programs blend introspection with business strategy, enabling clients to thrive through transformation — not just survive it.

🔶 Karen O’Connell-Shea

Founder, Kingfisher Coaching Services
🔗LinkedIn 🔗Website

As founder of Kingfisher Coaching Services, Karen O’Connell-Shea merges decades of HR experience with advanced coaching mastery. Her consultancy helps leaders and HR professionals design culture transformation and career transition strategies that truly work.

🔹 Specializes in career transitions and coach supervision.
🔹 Certified with Australian HR Institute (AHRI).
🔹 Combines empathy with evidence-based accountability.

Karen’s coaching is where human understanding meets business outcomes, offering a rare blend of personal and professional insight that Sydney’s HR leaders deeply value.

🔶 Tania Beck Soulos

Leadership Development, Executive Coaching (C-level)
🔗LinkedIn 🔗Website

At Twalk, Tania Beck Soulos leads high-impact coaching programs for C-suite executives and leadership teams. Her work emphasizes authentic leadership, emotional agility, and high-trust culture development.

🔹 Partner to boards and executives navigating organizational change.
🔹 Focused on transformative dialogue and strategic growth.
🔹 Helps leaders connect head, heart, and purpose.

Tania’s sessions blend psychological insight with structured leadership practices — ensuring that every conversation sparks sustainable growth.

🔶 Gillian Turner

Executive Coach, Mentor & Consultant
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

Through Turner Bishop, Gillian Turner brings wisdom and warmth to leadership development. Her coaching style draws on two decades of corporate experience and a passion for mentoring emerging leaders.

🔹 Specialist in strategic influence and executive presence.
🔹 Offers programs emphasizing well-being and resilience.
🔹 Known for her clarity, calmness, and results-driven coaching.

Gillian’s empathetic and thoughtful methods reflect the core of Sydney’s HR culture — practical, human-centered, and growth-oriented.

🔶 Tom Loncar, MSc, MBA, PCC

Executive Coach | Founder, GrowGravitas® Leadership Development
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

Tom Loncar’s work through GrowGravitas® has redefined leadership confidence. With an MSc, MBA, and PCC-level ICF accreditation, Tom merges psychology and organizational performance to help leaders project authenticity and authority.

🔹 Teaches psychological flexibility and self-awareness.
🔹 Collaborates with IECL to deliver accredited coaching programs.
🔹 Advocates for leadership grounded in calm confidence.

Tom’s concept of “gravitas” — the blend of confidence, credibility, and composure — has become a Sydney leadership touchstone.

🔶 Caroline New

Technology Leadership Coach
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

Caroline New bridges the gap between technology and leadership. As founder of Quantum Values, she coaches tech executives, founders, and digital leaders to communicate with clarity, assertiveness, and empathy.

🔹 Specialist in ICT and technology leadership coaching.
🔹 Works with innovation-driven firms through Engenesis.
🔹 Leadership program facilitator with ExpertUnity Global.

Caroline’s expertise helps technically brilliant leaders become influential, emotionally intelligent decision-makers.

🔶 Dr. Kristy Goodwin, CSP

Neuro-performance Scientist, Author & Executive Coach
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

Dr. Kristy Goodwin is redefining performance coaching through neuroscience. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and neuro-performance researcher, she empowers leaders to achieve sustainable productivity in a digital age.

🔹 Focuses on digital wellbeing, focus, and cognitive optimization.
🔹 Speaker, author, and consultant to major Australian organizations.
🔹 Uses evidence-based neuroscience to boost performance.

Dr. Goodwin’s insights have made her one of Sydney’s most sought-after coaches for executives battling digital burnout and decision fatigue.

🔶 Tina Monk

Career Consultant & Executive Coach
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

With over 20 years in coaching and counseling, Tina Monk of Sydney Career Coaching helps professionals align personal values with career ambitions.

🔹 Expertise in career transitions and personal branding.
🔹 Offers holistic programs for clarity, confidence, and change.
🔹 Combines counseling and coaching for balanced growth.

Her structured yet empathetic approach gives Sydney’s workforce a space to rediscover purpose and redefine success.

🔶 Vicky Jones

Executive Coach & Corporate Trainer
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

Vicky Jones has a dual focus on executive coaching and corporate facilitation. Through Best Practice Consulting and Elevate Corporate Training, she empowers organizations to create lasting behavioral change.

🔹 Skilled in communication, influence, and performance management.
🔹 Combines HR consulting with interactive training programs.
🔹 Known for her engaging workshops and empathetic coaching style.

Vicky’s programs help leaders cultivate confidence and competence — two pillars of thriving corporate culture.

🔶 Sanaz Kalantari ACC

Executive & Leadership Coach | ICF Board Director
🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Website

As an ICF Board Director and founder of Mastering Mindset, Sanaz Kalantari is a leading voice in executive and leadership coaching. Her evidence-based approach draws on neuroscience, positive psychology, and behavioral science.

🔹 Accredited ACC-level coach with ICF Australasia.
🔹 Expert in revenue enablement, mindset, and growth culture.
🔹 Advocate for diversity and psychological safety in leadership.

Sanaz’s work demonstrates how coaching can elevate both business results and human potential.

Why Sydney’s Executive Coaching Community Stands Out

Sydney’s executive coaching landscape is characterized by diversity — of backgrounds, philosophies, and industries. These coaches represent more than personal success stories; they embody the evolution of Australia’s HR and leadership development sector.

From the boardrooms of North Sydney to the tech startups in Pyrmont, their collective impact shapes how organizations think, hire, and grow. Their work underscores the truth that leadership is not taught — it’s cultivated.

👉For more insights, explore our resources:

Digital Reference is a premier research and insights platform spotlighting HR, leadership, and professional development experts. Through our curated lists, articles, and industry partnerships, we help businesses connect with professionals who inspire, coach, and create measurable impact.

Our mission is to champion the experts behind transformation — people like the exceptional coaches featured above. Whether you’re a CHRO designing a leadership initiative or an executive seeking personal evolution, Digital Reference connects you to trusted specialists who make a difference.

Visit Digital Reference to discover more curated professionals, tools, and resources that can elevate your leadership journey.

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