Karyn Brinkley: Executive Coach Helping Women Leaders Thrive with Confidence and Authenticity
I've been chief executive and board chair; confidante and advisor to government, industry and political leaders; keeper of secrets and deviser of strategies.
My superpower is building cultures, teams and careers that withstand egos, pandemics and the vagaries of patriarchy.
And my burning passion is to see smart, motivated, resourceful and committed women — women such as you — at every decision-making table in the country.
Book a Call with Karyn
Karyn Brinkley: Executive Coach Helping Women Leaders Thrive with Confidence and Authenticity
I've been chief executive and board chair; confidante and advisor to government, industry and political leaders; keeper of secrets and deviser of strategies.
My superpower is building cultures, teams and careers that withstand egos, pandemics and the vagaries of patriarchy.
And my burning passion is to see smart, motivated, resourceful and committed women — women such as you — at every decision-making table in the country.
Book a Call with Karyn
WHO'S THE WOMAN BEHIND WOMEN LEADING WOMEN?
KARYN BRINKLEY: Chief Executive and coach who's been where you are... and where you want to go!
I'm Karyn Brinkley, and I've been where you are. I've been exhausted, isolated, inspired, triumphant, despairing and thrilled to be a leader making a difference in the world.
Just before I turned 30, and following a miscarriage, a doctor told me I would never have children. I was newly married, and this was a devastating blow. But I tried to be philosophical about it, and instead turned my focus to my career. I took my first management job and board appointment, and set my sights on being CEO... and then discovered I was pregnant! (And no, I didn't go back to that doctor again!)
By the time my son was born, my marriage was on the rocks but my career was on fire. I could do this! I could! And I did. I scaled the executive ranks and I raised my beautiful, neurodivergent son. My career took me overseas and my son came with me.
Along the way I negotiated a divorce, child custody, childcare, schooling, aged care for my dear old dad, big teams, big organisational restructures, and major partnership and sponsorship deals.
I made CEO. I made Chair of the Board. And in spite of it all, I never stopped feeling like a failure. And I burned myself out. Twice.
Because all of those successes meant nothing on days — and these came more and more often — when I couldn't be perfectly present, perfectly competent, in every one of the huge, responsible roles I was juggling. Mostly I felt guilty and inadequate, vulnerable to being found out and laid off and disappointing everybody, vulnerable to the sneaking suspicion I was pretty crap all round, really.
Looking back, what I most needed was support. Somebody who “got it.” Somebody to affirm and reassure me, to help me tame my monkey brain, to remind me what I already knew inside me — what was most important to me in my family and in my career. In my life.
I needed a coach. I needed a network. I needed other women who'd commiserate and congratulate and listen and understand.
If any of my story resonates with you, perhaps you need a coach and a network designed exclusively for you, too. Let me be that for you.
As an executive coach, I've now worked with women across industries and sectors who share the same executive woman leader conundrum: high achievement coupled with persistent self-doubt, hard-earned success overshadowed by exhaustion and burnout, a passion and commitment to make a difference overwhelmed by the struggle of showing up authentically and sustainably.
Why I Do This Work
My Mission
My mission is simple — to see smart, motivated, resourceful women at every decision-making table in the country.
I want to help you make the change you were born to make, to find the work that lights you up, and to lead as the example you want for your daughters, sons, and sisters.
What I Believe
Here’s what I know now that I wish I’d known then:
- You don’t have to choose between success and authenticity.
- You don’t have to burn out to prove your worth.
- You don’t have to lead like everyone else to be effective.
- And you definitely don’t have to do it alone.
How We Begin
If any of this resonates with you, you’re not alone.
Let’s start your journey toward leadership that feels sustainable, authentic, and alive.
Ready to take the next step?
What I Bring as an Executive Coach
I've weathered changes of policy and changes of power, and learned how to navigate chaos and uncertainty. This isn't theoretical knowledge. It's hard-won wisdom from nearly three decades in senior leadership roles across multiple sectors and countries.
Coaching Credentials & Qualifications
Associate Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation
Graduate, Yale School of Management Executive Leadership for Global Business and Politics
Fellow, Governance Institute of Australia
Fellow, Australian Institute of Management
Fellow, Institute of Managers and Leaders
Graduate, Harwood Public Innovators Lab, Washington DC
Member, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council
Executive Leadership Experience
Chief Executive Officer of The Brisbane Institute
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategy and Resources) at a UK University
Executive Director, State Services, Queensland Government
Chair of international performing arts company Circa
Board memberships across Australia and the UK in education, arts, and governance
Practical Expertise
As an executive coach for women, I bring real-world experience in international executive management, strategic recovery, change management, and community consultation. I've led organisations through major transformations, managed complex stakeholder relationships, and built high-performing teams across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
This experience means I understand the pressures you face, the decisions you're making, and the complex dynamics of senior leadership. I've been in the boardroom, managed the politics, and navigated the challenges — and I can help you do it more effectively and sustainably.
How I Coach Executive Women
My coaching style is audience-first (that means you first!), practical, and empathetic. I believe in meeting you right where you are, not where you think you should be, because that’s how we’ll take you wherever you want to go.
Our coaching relationship is tailored to your specific challenges, goals, and leadership context. It provides you a safe haven to be yourself, to dream of who you’d like to be, to open up honestly about what’s getting in your way and to devise new approaches to help you live and succeed as you want to.
My approach to executive coaching for women is grounded in four key pillars that address the most common challenges I see senior women leaders facing.
Burnout Prevention and Recovery
Having burned out twice myself, I understand both the warning signs and the path back to sustainable high performance. I’ve combined lived experience with the latest burnout research to help you recognise your limits, set boundaries, and lead effectively without sacrificing your wellbeing or your passion for the work.
"I came to coaching on the edge of burnout, convinced I had to choose between career success and personal wellbeing. Karyn showed me how to have both. Two years later, I'm running a larger team, working fewer hours, and actually enjoying leadership again."
— Director, Big Four Consultancy
Taming Imposter Syndrome
That persistent voice telling you you’re not good enough? I’ll help you understand where it comes from and show you how to quiet it. Through practical strategies and reframing, you’ll transform self-doubt into clarity, confidence, and strategic leadership thinking.
"Your Executive Women's Syndicate was transformational for me, and I saw it in the others too. Having other women executives who understand the challenges made all the difference. I went from questioning every decision to trusting my judgment and seeing my influence grow exponentially."
— CEO, Not-for-Profit Organisation
Emotional Mastery
Emotions aren’t weaknesses — they’re information. Learn how to use them as your ally instead of being overwhelmed by them. You’ll develop tools for staying calm under pressure, managing hard conversations, and building the trust and stability that teams thrive on.
"I attended the boundaries workshop thinking I already knew how to say no. (I was convinced I was wasting my time being there.) Boy, was I wrong! The language frameworks and approaches Karyn taught have made me far more effective and respected and I feel much more in control of my priorities.”
Authentic Leadership Development
Discover how to lead as your true, intelligent, and compassionate self — not the version shaped by outdated expectations. You’ll learn to leverage your strengths, live your values, and build sustainable influence and impact through authenticity and integrity.
"Working with Karyn helped me realise I wasn't broken, I was just trying to lead in a system that wasn't designed for women. The coaching gave me tools to succeed authentically, and I finally stopped apologising for my leadership style."
— Senior Director, Queensland Government
A Few Questions You Might Be Asking
Have you really been in rooms like mine?
Yes.
I’ve been CEO. I’ve chaired boards. I’ve advised government, industry and political leaders. I’ve navigated restructures, scrutiny, power shifts, maternity leave and menopause, and high-stakes decision-making.
The coaching isn’t theoretical. It’s informed by lived executive experience across sectors and countries.
I understand the weight you’re carrying because I’ve carried it.
Will you understand the political dynamics I’m navigating?
How confidential is this, really?
Is there a lot of work to do between sessions?
Are you going to tell me what to do?
You talk about burnout and imposter syndrome — are you going to be too “soft”?
What if I feel ashamed that I need support?
What makes your approach different from other executive coaches?
Are you going to challenge me?
Still have questions? Book a call and let's talk them through
Ready to Work with an Executive Coach Who Gets It?
I know what it takes to lead, and I know how tough it can be. The isolation, the pressure, the constant feeling that you need to prove yourself, the exhaustion of trying to be everything to everyone.
You can do it alone, but it’s a lonely, anxious journey fraught with self-doubt and detours.
Whether you're navigating a career transition, struggling with menopause, leading through challenging times, or simply wanting to show up more authentically and effectively in your role, I'm here to support you. Together, we can help you lead with confidence, make the impact you're meant to make, and do it all without burning out.
If you're ready to make the change you were born to make, to make the contribution that will light you up, to be the leader you want to model to your daughters, sons and sisters, I'd love to work with you.
Let's put some rocket fuel in your tank!