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Testimonials

In the words of senior leaders & CEOs.

Senior executives at Westpac, NRMA Insurance, NAB, AMP, M&C Saatchi, Knight Frank, Super Retail Group, UNSW and Tourism Australia on the work we did together.

Westpac NRMA Insurance Perpetual TPG Telecom Sydney Opera House NAB Super Retail Group AMP Macquarie Bank NSW Government Woolworths Group UNSW Clean Energy Council M&C Saatchi Knight Frank Sonic Healthcare Goldman Sachs John Holland Insignia Financial Four Seasons Corrs Chambers Westgarth Allianz Tourism Australia Canva Westpac NRMA Insurance Perpetual TPG Telecom Sydney Opera House NAB Super Retail Group AMP Macquarie Bank NSW Government Woolworths Group UNSW Clean Energy Council M&C Saatchi Knight Frank Sonic Healthcare Goldman Sachs John Holland Insignia Financial Four Seasons Corrs Chambers Westgarth Allianz Tourism Australia Canva

Senior executives & enterprise leaders

15 recommendations

Justin Graham
“I have no hesitation in recommending Dan for Executive Coaching.”
Justin Graham
CEO
M&C Saatchi

Dan has worked with the M&C Saatchi Senior Leadership group in various capacities including Executive Coaching, consulting, and group facilitation.

He has connected with a large number of our Executive and Senior Leadership group and the feedback has been extremely positive across the board.

Dan is engaging and highly insightful. He brings valuable perspectives on team dynamics and leadership functioning in ways that have been immediately helpful to our team.

The work we have done has elevated our ability to meet the complex challenges and opportunities of today's fast-changing workplace.

I have no hesitation in recommending him for Executive Coaching and leadership work.

Carmen Rechbauer
“I would strongly recommend Dan as a trusted advisor for leadership transformation.”
Carmen Rechbauer
CEO
NSW Healthcare

Dan has a unique ability to absorb complex information and extract the salient leadership challenges. He is able to discern the point of your growing edge in a leadership scenario and to take you back into the scenario for further development.

He has helped me go back to moments of challenge to uncover emotions, thoughts and behaviours and to present these back to me in ways that have greatly expanded my awareness. From this point Dan was able to work with me to test or explore new ways of working and relating.

Since working with Dan, many of my direct reports spontaneously commented on positive changes in my leadership and demeanour. I have achieved far greater engagement and performance, even in previously difficult or stuck scenarios.

Our work together has continued to unfold over time. Dan has been an invaluable ally in helping me manage the stress and workload of a testing portfolio during Covid. Dan has helped me develop far better perspective, work-life balance and wellbeing. I would strongly recommend Dan as a trusted advisor to any leader considering leadership transformation work.

Jeremy Robotham
“Working with Dan is a game-changer.”
Jeremy Robotham
Managing Director
Knight Frank

Stepping into the Managing Director role was a significant milestone in my career. Dan's coaching was instrumental in supporting me through this transition. He provided invaluable guidance on activating my team for high performance, working effectively at a senior level, and navigating the complexities of a much larger role.

Dan's coaching combines deep insight with practical guidance and unwavering support. He helped me to stay focused on key priorities and to approach my role with a more advanced leadership approach. The coaching supported me to better balance the multiple demands of the role and empowered me to drive meaningful outcomes with my team.

Working with Dan is a game-changer for leaders looking to take their impact and performance to the next level.

Angela Uther
“His impact is always nothing short of transformational.”
Angela Uther
General Manager, Talent, Leadership & Capability
Super Retail Group

I have had the privilege of partnering with Dan Auerbach as an Executive Coach for senior leaders over the past couple of years, and his impact is always nothing short of transformational.

Dan has a unique ability to foster deep reflection, growth, and what I can only describe as a powerful "unlocking" effect. His thoughtful and intuitive approach helps leaders navigate complex challenges (or reset after one), recognise their potential, and step into greater confidence and capability.

I wholeheartedly recommend Dan to anyone seeking a trusted partner for executive leadership development.

David Johansson
“Dan Auerbach is an exceptional Executive Coach.”
David Johansson
Director, Strategy, Performance & Reporting
AMP

Dan Auerbach is an exceptional Executive Coach. I recently had the opportunity to work with Dan as he supported me to enhance my effectiveness as an experienced Executive Leader. When looking for a coach a key priority for me was finding the right professional, who wouldn't hold back in asking the right questions, and who would make sure I hold myself accountable which is important for long term change.

Throughout the process Dan did not disappoint, consistently demonstrating excellent technical skills in psychology and coaching, with clear commercial acumen and understanding of how a business operates. This meant our conversations were able to move quickly and efficiently with Dan asking very clear specific relevant questions that challenged me — the types of questions that had been missing. The benefit has been getting to the right point of focus quickly and results flowed more easily.

Given my experience, I've decided to continue working with Dan on a couple of other things that I'd like to now turn my focus to. I have no hesitation in recommending him to any CEO or Executive Leader looking to take their effectiveness to the next level.

Kiril Ruvinksy
“Dan has been an invaluable partner to our organisation.”
Kiril Ruvinksy
Director
Strategic Private Wealth

Dan has been an invaluable partner to our organisation. With rapid expansion we found that communication between the business units was lacking and we were all going our own way. Our senior team's priorities were not aligned, there was little accountability and group wide initiatives were forgotten or shelved.

Dan worked with our senior team, helping each of us to become highly functioning executive team members. He helped us understand our responsibilities to the group beyond our day to day functions and he helped us develop the relationship skills we were lacking to become aligned.

Dan has an uncanny ability to connect to a range of personalities, to recognise the growth potential in each team member and to motivate them to try new ways of engaging.

The program has had a major business impact. The senior team are more accountable, projects are aligned and completed without fuss and we now look forward to and enjoy our work as a group. I strongly recommend your consideration of Dan as an Executive Coach.

Julie Whitfield
“Dan is an exceptional executive coach who delivers real impact.”
Julie Whitfield
Chief Information Officer
Treasury NSW

Dan is an asset to executives looking to realise their strategy through improved collaboration.

Dan supported our leaders with coaching, helping them to develop advanced collaboration and communication skills, critical to executing our ambitious digital transformation strategy.

I recommend Dan as an exceptional executive coach who delivers real impact.

Ethan Orsini
“Dan has helped me clarify the leadership journey I want to take.”
Ethan Orsini
CFO
Universal Store (ex GM Super Retail Group)

I was introduced to Dan for assistance to interpret & reflect on my 360-degree review results. In previous experiences with other coaches, this assistance was high level and limited and focussed on a couple of actions which did not materially differ to my own interpretation of the 360-degree feedback.

Dan's approach was to help me understand the behaviours underlying my 360-degree results. With Dan's guidance and provocation, I better understand my own psychology and why I approach situations like I do.

This has given me a deeper insight into my behaviours and how these are perceived by others. With this insight I feel better equipped to align my behaviours with the intent I wish to convey.

Dan has helped me clarify the leadership journey I want to take and how I can best achieve this through managed behaviours.

Eva Seller
“I have had the privilege of working with Dan… the experience has been transformative.”
Eva Seller
Regional General Manager
Continental Europe bei Tourism Australia

I have had the privilege of working with Dan throughout my professional coaching journey, and the experience has been transformative, positive and long-lasting. As a Germany-based professional working for an Australian employer, finding the right coach was crucial — I needed someone who could understand the cultural nuances, accommodate different time zones, and appreciate the unique challenges of working across diverse mentalities.

From our very first session, I knew I had found the right fit. Dan's direct approach immediately resonated with me, and his ability to quickly grasp the challenges I was facing was remarkable. Our conversations became like looking into a mirror, helping me understand how I come across to others and identify areas for growth and techniques to change my approach all the while staying true to myself and my personality.

The impact has been tangible and lasting. I have received consistently positive feedback — a testament to the effectiveness of our work together. Even now, I continue to draw upon the tools and insights Dan provided, applying the reflections we made during our sessions to navigate new challenges.

Dan's unique understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, combined with his direct and insightful coaching style, makes him an exceptional choice for professionals working in international environments.

Madeline Vaughan
“Dan helped me gain clarity, become more direct, and shift how I show up as a CEO.”
Madeline Vaughan
CEO
Adara Group

I worked with Dan at a pivotal point in my leadership journey, and his coaching made a real difference. Dan helped me gain clarity, become more direct, and shift how I show up as a CEO — especially in complex senior relationships.

What I valued most is how Dan combines insight with very practical, grounded advice and strategies. He helped me become more direct and structured, and supported me to reshape how I lead and hold accountability.

I'd highly recommend him to any executive, particularly in NFPs, looking for thoughtful, human and impactful coaching.

Michael Tzimoulas
“Dan is a standout coach to elevate your focus on enterprise strategy, leadership and teamwork.”
Michael Tzimoulas
CFO
NSW Department of Customer Service

Dan is a standout coach to help elevate your focus on enterprise strategy, leadership and teamwork. Dan has been incredibly insightful in helping me understand people and their motivation (including my own triggers). Working with Dan has been valuable in developing and driving a finance strategy across the team and organisation.

Where Dan excels, in my opinion, is shaping your thought process by asking challenging and thought provoking questions to ensure you are viewing the entire picture (not just your own personal viewpoint). This has helped me change my approach to a number of situations with both Executive Leadership Team and the Finance organisation.

Suzanne Bartkiw
“Dan offers insights and actionable advice that far surpass standard coaching methodologies.”
Suzanne Bartkiw
Head of Consumer Portfolio Design and Governance
Westpac

I was introduced to Dan through Westpac's investment in my professional development as a senior leader. My role in the Chief Transformation Office demands broad and highly tuned executive stakeholder management skills. Dan's expertise has been instrumental in advancing my ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships, leading to enhanced outcomes for the Westpac group.

Coaching with Dan has given me a richer understanding of my colleagues' motivations as well as my own, enabling me to better respond in critical and stressful situations. Dan's perceptiveness allows him to offer insights and actionable advice that far surpasses the standard coaching methodologies I've encountered in the past. He has helped me, as an individual, to build on my own strengths rather than trying to emulate others.

I wholeheartedly recommend Dan to anyone looking to significantly elevate their leadership, particularly in roles that require exceptional stakeholder management skills.

Josh Maingard
“I couldn't recommend him highly enough.”
Josh Maingard
General Manager
Bromic EMEA

Over the last few months, I had the privilege of working with Dan, and couldn't recommend him highly enough. He was very quickly able to dive right into the root of my development areas, and provide me with instantly implementable strategies to better myself as a business leader, which we then built from session to session.

I valued his mix of empathy and willingness to challenge me, which resulted in getting to the 'real' issues. He has assisted me in understanding myself significantly better, and how to bring out my best within the business environment I exist in, but also in life in general. Thank you Dan!

Stuart McKenzie
“I'd recommend Dan to partners looking to grow their practice and lead more effectively.”
Stuart McKenzie
Partner
Colin Biggers & Paisley

I engaged Dan wanting to sharpen how I lead internally and grow the practice externally. His approach helped me think more strategically about client relationships and business development, and become more effective in how I delegate and focus my time.

The work was challenging but pragmatic. I've come away with stronger executive presence, clearer messaging with clients, and more confidence in how I lead a team and win work. I'm having different and more effective conversations, both internally and with clients.

I'd recommend Dan to partners looking to grow their practice and lead more effectively.

Nivedita Newar
“Dan's guidance has profoundly shaped my leadership journey, preparing me for a C-Suite role.”
Nivedita Newar
Deputy Chief Information & Security Officer
University of New South Wales

I am honoured to recommend Dan Auerbach as an exceptional leadership coach. Dan's guidance has profoundly shaped my leadership journey, preparing me for a C-Suite role.

In our meetings, Dan helped me reflect deeply on my leadership style and offered actionable strategies to advance my capabilities. He skillfully blends his clinical psychology experience with commercial acumen and insight. He quickly identifies key issues in complex leadership challenges and knows exactly where to intervene for maximum impact.

At the start of our coaching, Dan worked with my leader to gain insights into areas for improvement. He identified my challenges in communicating with executives and C-Suite leaders and introduced impactful strategies, like the McKinsey framework. With his guidance, I developed the confidence and skills to structure my thoughts with precision, helping me communicate with clarity and impact.

What sets Dan apart is his genuine passion for helping his clients succeed. He listens intently, understands goals deeply, and shares practical tools that deliver results. His empathetic approach helped me unlock new levels of confidence, clarity, and influence.

Dan's support was instrumental during my transition into the Deputy CISO role, ensuring I was equipped to succeed from day one. I am immensely grateful for Dan's mentorship and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking to excel in executive leadership.

Thank you, Dan, for your incredible guidance and for helping me lead with purpose and authenticity. Your impact on my professional growth is truly significant.

Private company founder CEOs

4 recommendations

Matthew Tobin
“I strongly endorse Dan as a trusted advisor and expert CEO coach.”
Matthew Tobin
Founder | Managing Director
UAP Group

As CEO of a consulting and manufacturing business operating across four continents, I was looking for a coach who could help me develop my leadership capabilities to elevate my executive team's performance. Dan helped me identify and leverage my core leadership strengths and transition from directing my executives to truly empowering them.

The results have been transformational. Our leadership team now operates with stronger alignment, clearer accountability structures, and genuine connection across all regions. What sets Dan apart is his rare ability to cut through complexity and get to what matters most. I consistently leave our sessions with absolute clarity on priorities and ready to take decisive action — whether engaging my team on strategic initiatives, managing key relationships, or navigating a high-stakes call.

Dan combines a deep understanding of human behaviour with real commercial acumen. He understands the pressures of running a global business while helping you become the leader your organisation needs. I strongly endorse Dan as a trusted advisor and expert CEO coach.

Ben Stack
“Dan is smart and deeply understands business and the challenges that come with business leadership.”
Ben Stack
CEO
Stacks Law Firm

Dan is smart and deeply understands business and the challenges that come with business leadership. He asks the questions that deep down you know you should be answering, and many that you didn't. I've never come away from a conversation with Dan without a genuinely useful new insight.

Alex Kibble
“He made me see things much more clearly and helped me overcome barriers that initially seemed insurmountable.”
Alex Kibble
Managing Director
TKD Architects

Dan worked with me over several months to re-examine my role as Managing Director of a mid-sized Architectural Studio. He helped me reappraise the fundamental drivers of my professional journey, and whether I was achieving what I wanted.

Through a process of discussion and critical review, we looked at a number of options for strategic change. Critically, we explored how to honour and preserve the firm's strong ethos of collaboration and inclusivity. This allowed me to feel more comfortable to lead change in a way that was highly effective and satisfying.

The way Dan builds trust and makes it very easy to talk about difficult issues is unique. He made me see things much more clearly and helped me overcome barriers that initially seemed insurmountable.

I really enjoyed the time we spent together and I would highly recommend him as an executive coach.

Joshua Suntup
“Our conversations lead to better decisions, greater focus and stronger business results.”
Joshua Suntup
Founder | CEO
Caresquare Technology

Dan is a highly astute business advisor and coach. Our conversations lead to better decisions, greater focus and stronger business results.

It's rare to find an advisor equally conversant with commercial strategy, marketing, people decisions and complex negotiations. Rarer still, he has the skill and experience to help with the personal challenges business leaders face inside and outside the office.

I always look forward to our meetings and value having him in my corner.

Evolve your leadership

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A thirty-minute call is the best way to find out whether this work is for you. If it isn't a fit, I'll often know someone who is, and I'll point you there.

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Westpac NRMA Insurance Perpetual TPG Telecom Sydney Opera House NAB Super Retail Group AMP Macquarie Bank NSW Government Woolworths Group UNSW Clean Energy Council M&C Saatchi Knight Frank Sonic Healthcare Goldman Sachs John Holland Insignia Financial Four Seasons Corrs Chambers Westgarth Allianz Tourism Australia Canva Westpac NRMA Insurance Perpetual TPG Telecom Sydney Opera House NAB Super Retail Group AMP Macquarie Bank NSW Government Woolworths Group UNSW Clean Energy Council M&C Saatchi Knight Frank Sonic Healthcare Goldman Sachs John Holland Insignia Financial Four Seasons Corrs Chambers Westgarth Allianz Tourism Australia Canva

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