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Price Range
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See pricing info in FAQ
Professional Memberships
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University of Sydney Coaching & Mentoring Association
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Description
Short Bio
Dan Byrnes is a master executive coach, leadership trainer & facilitator and strategic change consultant with 30+ years’ experience across 60+ organisations in 7 countries. He has coached and mentored leaders from front-line through to C-Suite level in major global companies including Qantas, ANZ, BHP, Shell, Hitachi, Rio Tinto, PepsiCo, Lendlease, Optus, St George, Raytheon, Telstra and AMP as well as many government and NFP organisations.
Dan brings more than 1,200 hours of direct coaching experience and a further 1,000+ hours coaching within leadership programs, behavioural role-play simulations and 360° feedback debriefs.
Known for his perceptive insights, breadth of career experience, extensive toolkit and dedication to high-performance leadership, Dan helps senior leaders navigate complexity, shape culture, craft authentic executive presence and lead with confidence, clarity and impact.
Dan's success as an empathic yet courageous coach is grounded in hands-on leadership experience spanning CPO and executive HR roles, leading organisational change, operations & project management and 15 years' military leadership, where he led teams in combat units, diving operations with Navy and special forces, and served on active duty in armed conflict, UN peacekeeping and humanitarian aid missions. He was a top 10% graduate in leadership from the Royal Military College, Duntroon and at the peak of his service, was assessed amongst the very top of his military officer cohort.
Dan's coach training includes ICF-accredited programs with the NeuroLeadership Institute and with Dr. Tony Grant and Dr Michael Kavanagh of the Sydney University's Coaching Psychology Unit, complemented by in-house coach training, mentoring and ongoing professional development through his work as an Executive Coach & Career Transition Coach with global HR firms Randstad RiseSmart, Talent2 and Prima Group. He also holds a Diploma in Counselling and Certificate of Applied Neuroscience.
Dan has also been an adjunct leadership instructor for 17 years at top-ranked business schools, Melbourne Business School and AGSM @ UNSW, where he consistently averages above 90% approval ratings on both MBA and corporate Executive Education programs.
Core Outcomes / What Clients Gain
- Greater executive presence and influence at C-suite, board and senior stakeholder level
- Greater confidence and capability in leading through uncertainty, change and transformation
- Stronger team performance, trust and cohesion
- Greater skill in navigating difficult conversations and high-stakes communication
- A broader and more adaptive leadership repertoire
- Clearer decision-making under pressure
- A more strategic and mature executive leadership mindset
- Greater authenticity, self-awareness and confidence as a leader
- Stronger positioning for future career opportunities and progression
What Sets Dan Apart
- Depth & breadth: 30+ years' experience spanning leadership development, strategic change consulting, executive HR / OD, operations & project management and military leadership with 60+ organisations and thousands of program participants
- Practical & strategic: Combines real-world leadership experience with consulting expertise and rigour (ex-Booz & Co / Strategy&).
- Seasoned executive educator: Over 17 years as leadership instructor and coach with Melbourne Business School & AGSM @ UNSW, consistently rated 90%+ approval on MBA and Executive Leadership programs
- Coaching mastery: Extensive executive coaching experience across diverse leadership contexts and settings, supported by formal coach training and studies spanning leadership, business, organisational psychology, applied neuroscience and counselling.
- Unparalleled toolkit: A unique and diverse toolkit - drawn from strategy, change consulting, psychology, operations & project management, military leadership and professional acting / presenting expertise - enabling Dan to support you through an unusually broad range of leadership or organisational challenges.
- Grounded humanity: Values-driven, combining bold pursuit of excellence with courageous empathy and humanity, striving to create great leaders, cohesive teams, great cultures and evolved workplaces.
What clients say about working with Dan:
You can read the reviews & testimonials from Dan's clients in the FAQ below.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Pricing varies depending on the coaching focus, session duration and level of support required.
- Self-funded and corporate coaching are priced differently to reflect the different engagement models.
- Coaching packages (usually 6 or 12 sessions) are available at a reduced rate for clients committed to longer-term growth and development.
What senior leaders say about working with Dan:
'Dan was an absolutely excellent Coach who I unreservedly recommend'
CEO, Major Resources Company
'Dan helped me - and the organisation - through significant complexity and turmoil and helped me grow as a people manager and executive, dealing with my concerns confidentially, with poise and integrity'
CFO, Global Defence Contractor
'Dan is an insightful and considerate coach and a person of integrity and insight. His mentorship has been of enormous benefit to my development'
Board Member & Senior Corporate Counsel
'Dan brought out the best in me, which has been a large part of my success as a leader'
CEO, ASX-Listed Transport Company
'Dan is a true coach. Through my coaching with Dan, I've advanced significantly in delivering against my goals. I highly recommend Dan as your next coach'
Head of Customer, Big Four Australian Bank
'Dan has an exceptionally personable style and was fully invested in my development, which has been invaluable. He is a good leader and a great human'
Director, Workforce Transformation, Deloitte
'Dan is an insightful coach who brings deep expertise and empathy. He is highly respected as a coach and as a person'
Coaching Practice Director (APAC), Randstad RiseSmart
'Dan's exceptional insight and skill have been immensely beneficial in my growth as a leader. I have no hesitation in recommending Dan'
Executive GM, Australian Tier-1 Construction Company
'It was great working with you, Dan; Your ‘people toolkit’ is incredible and I’m so inspired by your ability to connect with people'
Principal, Culture & Change, Government Research Organisation
'Your insights and encouragement have been invaluable in my professional growth and development. Thank you for your mentorship and for believing in my potential'
Enterprise Architect, Global Technology Company
How is coaching priced ?
Every coaching engagement is designed around your individual goals, circumstances and specific needs.
The best place to start is with a complimentary, introductory coaching conversation:
There, we can meet, explore your situation and goals, answer any questions you have, and discuss the coaching approach that will provide the greatest value, growth and impact for you.
The conversation is free, confidential and completely without obligation. It's also a chance to see whether working together feels like the right fit - and even if it doesn’t, you'll still leave with greater clarity about what you need and where to head next.
You can book a complimentary coaching conversation with me via the 'Book an Appointment' button near the top of this page
There is a limit of one free coaching conversation per person.
Is coaching tax deductible ?
Under Australian tax law, coaching expenses MAY be claimed as deductions IF they meet specific criteria set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The deductibility depends on the nature of the coaching and its direct connection to your current income-earning activities. You will need to check your own eligibility with a registered tax agent in your home tax jurisdiction, especially if you live outside Australia.
For Australian-based clients:
Claiming Coaching as a Work-Related Self-Education Expense
You may be eligible to claim coaching expenses as a deduction if the coaching:
• Maintains or improves the specific skills or knowledge required for your current employment activities.
• Is likely to result in an increase in your income from your current employment activities.
For instance, if you’re a manager undertaking executive coaching to enhance leadership skills pertinent to your current role, these expenses may be deductible. However, if the coaching is for personal development or to facilitate a career change, it is generally not deductible.
The ATO provides guidance on self-education expenses, outlining what can and cannot be claimed, and offers examples to illustrate these points.
Claiming Coaching as a Business Expense
If you’re self-employed or run a business, coaching expenses can be claimed as business deductions if they are directly related to earning your assessable income. The ATO stipulates that to claim a business deduction:
• The expense must have been incurred in the course of carrying on your business.
• The expense must not be private, domestic, or capital in nature.
• You must have records to substantiate the expense.
For example, if you engage a business coach to improve your business operations or profitability, these expenses may be deductible.
Key Considerations
• Direct Connection: Ensure the coaching has a direct connection to your current income-earning activities.
• Purpose of Coaching: Personal development or coaching aimed at changing careers is generally not deductible.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of the coaching expenses, including invoices and evidence of the coaching’s relevance to your current role or business.
Again, it is advisable to consult with a tax professional to assess your specific circumstances and ensure compliance with ATO guidelines.
We are not liable, nor will refunds be offered where clients do not sufficiently investigate their own eligibility for tax deductions prior to coaching.
Book a Coaching Session
Choose a convenient time to speak with this coach.
Book an AppointmentPrice Range
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See pricing info in FAQ
Qualifications
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- MBA (Exec) - AGSM @ UNSW
- Coaching Intensive - AGSM & Sydney Uni Coaching Psychology Unit
- Intensive Coach Training - NeuroLeadership Institute
- Certificate of Applied Neuroscience - The Neuroscience Academy
- Diploma of Counselling - AIPC
- In-house Coach training - Randstad RiseSmart
- Advanced Diploma of HR (Personnel Management) - RMC Duntroon
- Diploma of Company Directorship - AICD
- Professional Acting & Voice Training - NIDA
- M Eng (Management)
- BE (hons)
Professional Memberships
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University of Sydney Coaching & Mentoring Association
Appointments
Book a free-trial coaching call with Dan (30 mins via Zoom), to experience Dan's coaching style and see if we are a fit. No-obligation, no-risk, no-strings attached. You can use the call to help you gain clarity and a way forward on any of: - a current leadership challenge you are facing; - a communication, influencing or managing up challenge; - a strategy, team performance, culture or organisational challenge; - your situation and leadership development pathway; - outcomes you'd like to get from coaching; - what's involved in the coaching process and how it works to support you; - open Q & A.
Contact This Coach
Send an email to:. Dan Byrnes
Send an email to:
You're taking an incredible first step by reaching out. looks forward to connecting with you.
Send an email to:
You're taking an incredible first step by reaching out. looks forward to connecting with you.
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17/10/2026 7:49 pm local time
Additional Info
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Education, Experience & Qualifications:
- MBA (Exec) - AGSM @ UNSW
- Coaching Intensive - AGSM & Sydney Uni Coaching Psychology Unit
- Intensive Coach Training - NeuroLeadership Institute
- Certificate of Applied Neuroscience - The Neuroscience Academy
- Diploma of Counselling - AIPC
- In-house Coach training - Randstad RiseSmart
- Advanced Diploma of HR (Personnel Management) - RMC Duntroon
- Diploma of Company Directorship - AICD
- Professional Acting & Voice Training - NIDA
- M Eng (Management)
- BE (hons)
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Professional Memberships:
University of Sydney Coaching & Mentoring Association
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Review Guidelines:
Reviews are fantastic in helping others choose the best coach for them. So, if you’ve had a great experience with a coach, support them and help other customers by leaving a review! All reviews require approval (usually within 1-3 business days) before they are published. See full guidelines.
Dan Byrnes
14/10/2025 at 1:11 pmYou can read my client reviews & testimonials:
– in the FAQ section below my profile
– on my website @ ninoxleadership.com/online/coaching
– on Linked in @ linkedin.com/in/dpgbyrnes