Are you transitioning from technical expert to leader?
Here are some telltale signs you may be struggling with the transition.
- It seems easier to do things yourself than explain it to someone else
- You enjoy solving technical problems but not dealing with people
- You think you need to know all the answers
Who we help
We help technical experts transition to leadership and build their influence.
-
Technical expert to leader
You may be transitioning from technology or cyber expert into leadership.
-
Your new problem - people
Now the challenge is getting results through people.
-
Expand your leadership influence
We help you move up the ‘influence curve.’ Take the quiz to see where you are on the influence curve and where you need to be.

.png?width=500&height=500&name=Untitled%20design%20(97).png)
Meet Brian
I’m an executive coach and author—and a self-confessed gentleman.
My dad raised me that way. And over the years, working with senior leaders, I’ve seen a consistent truth: the most effective leaders are gentle men and women. They get the best results because they treat people with dignity and respect.
That belief sits at the heart of The Gentle Art of Leadership, the book I co-authored to challenge the outdated notion that leadership has to be loud, brash, or domineering.
To be clear: gentle does not mean soft. Or weak. Gentle leaders are not pushovers. In fact, the gentlest leaders I know are also the strongest. They set clear boundaries. Don’t mistake their calm for passivity—because if you try to bulldoze them, you’ll soon find you’ll come off second best.
I work with leaders who know that real influence doesn’t come from ego or force — it comes from getting the best out of others.
If you’re here looking for a leadership coach who makes it all about them, who thrives on hype and hustle—you’re probably in the wrong place.
But if you’re ready to join the movement toward a gentler, more impactful style of leadership, I’d be honoured to see how I could support you.
What People Are Saying
'I recently completed the Personality and Behaving Transactionally Program led by Brian and I took immense value from the program.
The program challenged one's thinking about how they conduct themselves in a transaction. Decoupling the transaction from the person and their behaviour was a key take-away. Understanding the underlying intent of the transaction, the role we play in it and how we present to other personality types were key learnings from the program.
I would highly recommend Brian and this program for those that want to make the most out of their interactions; not just professionally but personally as well!'
Adrian Cassar
Chief Operating Officer | Naviam
'Thank you to Brian Donovan for his excellent facilitation of the ‘Personality and Behaving Transactionally’ course I completed recently. This workshop brought together several like-minded individuals who are determined to make a difference. I particularly enjoyed the well-structured and easy-to-follow principles outlined, making it easy to fit into a hectic schedule.
The process began with an introspective look at our own personality traits and how they may be seen by others in the workplace/marketplace. Through observing others and embracing their diverse perspectives, we learned the steps to consistently achieve our aims together.
Highly recommend!'
Paula McManus
Senior Partner | Rock Solid Group of Companies
'Over the past two months I have been undertaking the Personality in Transaction program, facilitated by Brian Donovan. It has been a highly enlightening and valuable program.
The program has stretched my self awareness and understanding of others. I have thoroughly enjoyed the active engagement with my co-learners and the exceptional facilitation by Brian.
I highly recommend this program for individuals and businesses wishing to improve their transactional competence and personal/business impact/success.'
Wayne Avard
People and Culture Lead, Australian Operations | Goodman Fielder
'I recently completed Influential U's Personality and Behaving Transactionally course facilitated by Brian Donovan. This course was transformative. It pushed me to take an honest look at myself and provided a powerful framework for understanding how we transact with others.
Beyond the insights I gained, one of the biggest highlights was connecting with a group of ambitious, like-minded individuals who made the experience even more enriching.
Brian's facilitation was exceptional—encouraging, knowledgeable, and inspiring. I came away with valuable tools and fresh perspectives that I’ll carry forward.
Highly recommended.'
Renier de Klerk
General Manager | accesstel
'I recently attended Brian Donovan’s “Discover Your Inner Superhero” coaching program and found it both inspiring and transformative.
Brian’s coaching style is authentic, insightful, and empowering. The program helped me uncover strengths I hadn’t fully recognized and provided practical tools I continue to use.
I highly recommend Brian to anyone seeking impactful personal or leadership growth.'
Ghouse Mohammed
Manager, Enterprise Architecture | Victorian Building Authority
Having recently completed the Personality and Behaving Transactionally Program, which was expertly led by Brian, I cannot recommend him more highly. His approach to encouraging conversation and thoughts from the group meant everyone was happy to take part making everything relevant and engaging.
I am confident anyone looking to take part in a program lead by Brian will come away with so much more insight, knowledge and value than they expected when enrolling.
Nick Evans
IT Infrastructure Manager and HPC Specialist | Murdoch Children's Research Institute






How We Guide Your Journey
Discover our range of one-on-one or group programs designed to expand your leadership influence, and deliver results through others. You’ll learn how to be known for the value you bring, build the career you want, and make the impact you want to make.
One on One Executive Coaching
Explore our one-on-one executive coaching programs for emerging leaders or senior executives tailored to your leadership challenges.
Group Programs
Discover your inner superpower, reduce the friction to getting things done and enhance your ability to get to "yes" faster in our group coaching programs.
Books
.png)
The Gentle Art of Leadership
Discover the insights and strategies in 'The Gentle Art of Leadership' by Brian Donovan and Dean Phelan.
-
The Gentle Art of Leadership challenges the notion that impactful leaders must be forceful, extroverted, or ego-driven.
-
Instead, it highlights the power of humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to their organisation’s success.
-
The book features original research and interviews with 50+ leaders from around the globe.
Leadership is Changing the Game
AI and technology transformation is changing the game for businesses everywhere.
-
Businesses need game-changing leaders who can ride the wave of technology disruption.
-
Learn how technical experts can transition into outstanding people leaders.
-
Discover how to develop your leadership influence and be the leader people want to follow.
