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”As we know, the only constant is change. So the challenges a leader will face can never be predicted. Margie brings a wealth of experience as a psychologist, coach and author helping to inspire leaders build better teams. As a speaker she brings a contagious energy and enthusiasm. As well as the warmth and compassion of a trusted friend.

Annastacia Palaszcuk

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED, INSIGHTFUL, AND PLAYFUL SPEAKER

“As we know, the only constant is change. So the challenges a leader will face can never be predicted. Margie brings a wealth of experience as a psychologist and author helping to inspire leaders build better teams. As a speaker she brings a contagious energy and enthusiasm. As well as the warmth and compassion of a trusted friend.”

Annastacia Palaszcuk

MARGIE IRELAND

Leadership Coach | Psychologist | Workshop Facilitator | Speaker

For me being a highly experienced and professional speaker, means I expect to bring the best of me to every event. Delivering with knowledge, passion, experience, authenticity, and humour that inspires attendees to leave with new insight on how they can be their best.

What I specialise in
Sustainable leadership for CEOs and executive teams
Supporting women leaders in male-dominated industries to build influence and authority
You don’t have to choose between performance and balance. You can and need both

What makes me different
Evidence-based psychology grounded in lived leadership experience
Speaks honestly about pressure and personal habit change without making it the focus
Uses humour and storytelling to make complex topics (including the pay gap) accessible

Why book me
Highly effective with time-poor, high-expectation executive audiences
Normalises leadership pressure while offering practical, usable strategies
Leaves leaders thinking, “That was about me — and it matters.”

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In reality I have been engaging audiences since I was 15 years old. I wrote, directed and starred in my first play in my mid teens, while spending most of my out of school time in a youth theatre group.

My parents were not convinced that acting was a ‘real job’, which lead to a very different career, in Technology in Silicon Valley at the age of 19. I rode the wave of the IT boom, including setting up one of the first IT recruitment business, which lead to a highly successfully 15 year in Executive recruitment.

While, the need to engage audiences beckoned, leading to completing a certificate in acting in film and TV in my late 20s. I even appeared in a snippet from a TV series nominated at our national TV awards, The Logie Awards. However, by that stage I had become accustomed to earning a good living, getting ready to ‘settle down’ and 97% of actors were unemployed, so I needed to find new ways to tap into this passion for engaging people in a story or journey, that also paid the mortgage!

Also in my teens I developed a curiosity in what blocked people from reaching their potential, probably because I was struggling to find my way and purpose. I attended as many personal development seminars and courses I could get to, and ended up being one of the youngest people to be offered the opportunity to facilitate and speak at events that motivated people to be their best.

My ‘inner perfomer’ and curiosity in human potential ultimately lead me to become a registered psychologist, and have since researched leadership wellbeing, and what motivates leaders to reach their full potential. I wrote a book about it, and for the past 10 years have been coaching and speaking about it.

Today I motivate individuals, teams, organisations, industries and associations, to understand how they can create happier, healthy and gender-smart leaders and leadership teams.

THE HAPPY HEALTHY LEADER

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW

As a Leader, there is no doubt you are navigating unprecedented challenges resulting in greater pressure and expectations, and fear you won’t succeed.

There is a way to navigate out of this storm, through 7 proven steps based on the neuroscience of how to be a Happy Healthy Leader.

BUY NOW

MY CURRENT SPEAKER TOPICS

The Happy Healthy Leader: Why High Performance Shouldn’t Cost You Your Life

Leadership today demands more than ever before: constant decision-making, managing people, navigating uncertainty and maintaining performance under pressure. Yet many leaders quietly sacrifice their wellbeing in the process. In this keynote, leadership psychologist Margie Ireland explores how sustainable leaders maintain clarity, energy and resilience without burning out. Drawing on psychology and real leadership experience, Margie shares practical strategies that help leaders perform at their best while protecting their wellbeing.

This key-note, workshop or webinar is based on her 7-step evidenced-based framework that results in happy, healthier leaders and leadership teams. 

Like to know more? Keep scrolling to download speaker info it.

Influence Without Permission: Leading Through the Diversity Backlash

The Gender Smart Leader series

Over the past 12 months the conversation around diversity has shifted. Across industries there is growing resistance, fatigue and scepticism about gender initiatives. Yet the leadership dynamics that limit influence in male-dominated industries have not disappeared.

In this keynote, leadership psychologist Margie Ireland explores why diversity progress often stalls, why unconscious bias training alone rarely shifts behaviour, and how leadership culture quietly determines who is heard, trusted and promoted.

Through research, practical examples and honest conversation, Margie helps leaders understand how influence actually works inside organisations and what it takes to build leadership cultures where both men and women can perform at their best.

The Gender Smart Leader (GSL for short) informs with facts, and practical strategies, on why change is important to allow leaders to commit and act towards being a Gender Smart Leader. In completing her Dissertation on Leadership Wellbeing, Margie did a deep dive into gender differences, and discovered some interesting facts and outcomes. Some many of us know, but navigate badly, while there may be some facts that will surprise you, and  your attendees.

Leadership Burnout: The Hidden Risk in High-Performing Organisations

Burnout is often misunderstood as an individual resilience issue. In reality, it is increasingly a leadership and organisational risk. When leaders are under sustained pressure, the effects ripple through teams, culture and decision-making.

In this keynote, Margie Ireland reveals why high performers are often the most vulnerable to burnout, how burnout spreads through organisations, and what leaders can do to recognise the early warning signs and protect leadership capacity before performance begins to decline.

This topic can be adapted to a workshop or webinar for industry events, leadership conferences, or smaller offsite team building events.

Attendees receive a free and comprehensive Beat Burnout guide, including tips for individuals and organisations.

Something else?

If you are looking to cover all of the above topics in one event, or something a little different, that requires someone with my expertise, please reach out for a discussion on how I can customise a presentation for you. Email me directly margie@margireland.com with a summary of what you would like covered.

ONE TESTIMONIAL SAYS IT ALL

”I have seen Margie present several times and each time I learn something new that I can implement immediately. Using funny anecdotes, she has everyone’s attention from start to finish.

Nerida TrappettCEO Rivers Insurance

SPEAKER KIT

Download it here!

Beat Burnout

Click to download the speaker kit.

The Happy Healthy Leader & The Gender Smart Leader

Click to receive info kit

SEE ME IN ACTION

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HERE'S WHAT SOME OF MY CLIENTS HAVE HAD TO SAY...

“

I first listened to Margie at the LGAQ Conference last year and her presentation was engaging and very thought provoking for the large audience. She resonated well with the audience, her presentation was entertaining and interesting and I gained some great tips about creating and maintaining a healthy and productive mindset from her authentic delivery. I subsequently had some private sessions from Margie and found her warmth and approachable nature a pleasure to work with.

Cr, Cath TonksCouncillor Moreton Bay
“

Margie was an energetic and charismatic presenter who provided an insightful keynote. A lovely balance of informative content and her personal stories. Thanks Margie!

GuestMarch Event
“

All of us suffer with stress, just some of us don’t know it. Her 4-step strategy was a fun and practical way to deal with stress! A good way to end the conference.

Cr Jenny HillMayor of Townsville
“

Margie is a very engaging speaker who really connects with her audience. She has a warmth and authenticity which is rare and audiences leave feeling they have gained insights into themselves, and the people around them.

Caroline MorrisseyDeputy Director Diversity and Media Queensland Resources Council
“

Margie engages the room with informative, educational and practical frameworks, supported by real life stories, providing a platform for personal growth and enhanced performance.

Seth GrantleyCOO, Multicap

ENQUIRE NOW

If you would like to contact me about speaking at your event, please provide a few background details below.

    HAPPY CLIENTS

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    WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID

    Some positive feedback from Happy Healthy clients I've coached.
    Click here to book a time to discuss how I may be able to help you.

    BOOK A CALL
    “

    Succeeding as a leader has little to do with title and everything to do with mindset. This is where coaching with Margie for all our leaders at BM_ has been beneficial. The coaching process has helped to identify and communicate core values, learn how to approach tough decisions, set performance targets high for ourselves and others in the team, expand self awareness, and pay attention to the self-talk. We’ve even learnt to start our leadership meeting with mindfulness. Margie has helped us as a team navigate that journey. I recommend her to any organisation on a pathway of growth.

    Kerri MayGeneral Manager, Bickerton Masters
    “

    Margie is an exceptional coach who is able to give the right advice that advances your thinking, re-shapes your status quo towards impactful change and provides tools that equip you for the journey ahead. She is genuine and wants the best for you.

    Scott DraperHP Coach Development @ Tennis Australia
    “

    When coaching one-on-one, Margie creates a safe environment that is fully inclusive. Her coaching style is welcoming and structured. Holding us accountable is key to personal and team success and Margie does this in a very approachable way without compromising expectations.

    Anna ChipperfieldHead of People & Culture @ businessDEPOT
    “

    Prior to my program with Margie I had a mindset that manifested into unproductiveness and dissatisfaction. Margie helped me identify what was causing this mindset, reframe my view, and allow me to become productive and satisfied again.

    Seth GrantleyChief Operating Officer, Multicap
    “

    Margie’s program helped me think holistically about what is important. It gave me new insights into the critical things I need to look for in any role to be successful. Margie's commercial experience also showed through in her practical advice.

    Jenny PurdieCEO, Resources
    “

    I was introduced to Margie by a friend who had recently made a successful corporate career step thanks to Margie. My interaction with Margie from that point on was gaining clarity regarding my values & purpose which resulted in a clear 10-year strategic plan linked to specific 30- and 90-day goals.

    Sally CallieTriple Olympian & Educator at Brisbane Girls Grammar School
    “

    During a period of recovery from personal injury, combined with high performance expectations and significant pressures at home, I found myself approaching burnout. Margie helped me slow down, clarify my values, and implement practical processes that reduced overwhelm and restored a sense of control. Her calm, empathetic and pragmatic approach left me feeling genuinely supported, and gave me the reset I needed to move forward in my career with renewed confidence.

    Senior legal professional - Jan 2026
    “

    Margie's approach is a good mix of pragmatism and innovation which helps deliver successful outcomes for people and business. I am continuously impressed with the long-term relationship approach Margie takes to support achieving the best all round outcomes.

    Richard SmallcombeExecutive General Manager, HR, Rio Tinto
    “

    Margie is brilliant at working with individuals to identify their passions and put in a plan in place to maximise their potential in any work situation. Margie is the best senior executive coach, because she gets results for the organisation as well as the individual.

    Angela TillmannsPrincipal at RAZ Consulting
    “

    I have been fortunate to build an enduring professional association with Margie over the past 14 years. Margie’s cross-industry knowledge and experience, her considered and practical advice and unique ability to ask the ‘right’ clarifying questions at various change points in my career.

    CSO, NFP
    “

    Margie is a wonderful person who provides great support and advice in career development and professional achievement. Her approach is innovative and effective. I highly recommend her.

    Anthony QuinManaging Director Somerset International Australia
    “

    “Before I met Margie I lacked focus and did not have a coherent plan to achieve my goals. Following my sessions with Margie I feel that I have a clear pathway to achieve my goals that is flexible enough to respond to new challenges I experience along the way but is still robust enough to help me achieve my short-term and long-term goals. I couldn’t rate her more highly.

    Fiona McDougallGeneral Manager – Work Winning, Ventia
    “

    From our first session, it was clear that Margie was not just any coach. She has a deep understanding of the intricacies of leadership, from the psychological shifts required to the practical skills needed to lead a diverse team effectively. Through her coaching, I began to reflect on my approach, challenge my pre-existing beliefs, and adjust my mindset to be more aligned with my new role. Today, I lead with more confidence, clarity, and conviction, thanks to Margie.

    Brooke MillsHead of E-Commerce, MxStore
    “

    Margie is an incredible executive leadership coach who is truly passionate about the work she does. I highly recommend Margie if you are wanting to progress your leadership career and gain valuable skills to add to your professional tool box.

    Rebecca BrewsterGeneral Manager Client Services at Rizon
    “

    Margie has been a great coach over the last 12 months, working with me to identify my strengths, set boundaries, find new thinking and ways of working, set short, medium and longer term goals and motivated me to take the steps necessary to be more successful and aligned. Her style was encouraging, engaging, and honest and she had a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience to share which was well grounded. I valued our time together and would recommend Margie’s coaching to other managers and leaders looking for both personal and professional growth.

    Julia LawrenceExecutive General Manager Service Delivery, St Vincents’ Care Australia
    “

    Margie is very experienced in many professional environments. I have found her insight and support to be invaluable and have enjoyed the way Margie has challenged me to strive for more. I highly recommend Margie to anyone looking for executive coaching support.

    Vanessa HillGeneral Counsel - Telecommunications at Ventia Pty Ltd
    “

    Margie recently ran a workshop for the Multicap Group where 70% of our middle and senior leaders with agreed that this experience had provided them with clear insights in developing their leadership skills. We receive this type of feedback every time Margie engages with our leaders and is why we would recommend her and the services she offers. We have also engaged Margie for executive coaching on a number of occasions and she adds great value in that area as well.

    Joanne JessopCEO, Multicap
    “

    Margie recently ran a workshop for the Multicap Group where 70% of our middle and senior leaders with agreed that this experience had provided them with clear insights in developing their leadership skills. We receive this type of feedback every time Margie engages with our leaders and is why we would recommend her and the services she offers. We have also engaged Margie for executive coaching on a number of occasions and she adds great value in that area as well.

    Joanne JessopCEO, Multicap

    THE HAPPY HEALTHY LEADER

    AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW

    As a Leader there is no doubt you are navigating unprecedented challenges resulting in greater pressure and expectations, and fear you won’t succeed.

    There is a way to navigate out of this storm, through 7 proven steps based on the neuroscience of how to be a Happy Healthy Leader.

    buy now

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