robyn ireland
"Change for the better is always possible.”
G'Day, I'm Robyn Ireland, a girl from the Gong & a dual‑city CareerCOACH™ based in Grand Rapids, MI and Brisbane, Australia—specializing in executive coaching, career transitions, leadership development, and personal branding for mid‑ and late‑career professionals. With a diverse background spanning military leadership, corporate strategy, sales success, and entrepreneurship, I bring a wealth of real‑world experience to every coaching engagement. I help people just like you create change while reducing risks and turning what felt like a dead end into new beginnings.
Becoming a Voice for Change in the Australian Defence Force
Moments that defined my character...
Early in my military career at the Australian Defence Force Academy, I faced a crisis no one should endure. After reporting an assault, I discovered systemic barriers to care—and I couldn't stand by. Over four years, I quietly partnered with the Defence Ombudsman, navigated complex inquiries, and helped rewrite policies so future cohorts of women would never be denied medical treatment.
Why it matters: This taught me the power of poised advocacy—holding organisations accountable with dignity and unwavering resolve. As your coach, I bring that same blend of courage and compassion to challenge limiting beliefs and champion your career goals. Change is always possible.
WHAT IS COACHING?
Getting Results Faster and Increasing Your Success
What Is Coaching?
Coaching is a collaborative partnership where we shine a light on your unique strengths, motivations, and goals. It isn’t therapy or consulting—it’s a forward‑focused dialogue that combines open questions, targeted exercises, and honest feedback. Together, we’ll map out your ambitions, unlock hidden potential, and hold you accountable to the actions that move you closer to the career and life you truly desire.
Have you ever been asked a single question that unlocked a breakthrough?
I once worked with a client who’d been circling the same career dilemma for months—until I asked, “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” In that moment, she paused, smiled, and named her next move. Those “aha” moments happen in nearly every session: the question you didn’t think to ask yourself suddenly lights the path forward.
Just like anyone can join a gym, but you get stronger faster with a personal trainer, you can navigate your career alone—but you’ll achieve better results and reach your goals sooner when you work with a coach who has supported individuals just like you build the life that they wanted.
Training Sydney to “Host the World” at the Sydney Olympics
As a proud member of the Australian Retailers Association team, I helped roll out the “AussieHost” program—one‑day customer‑service workshops that equipped over 10,000 volunteers and businesses to welcome the world. Working alongside trainers and regional partners, we built a train‑the‑trainer network, navigated tight budgets, and met ambitious deadlines. The scope and energy of the effort, showed me how powerful inspired, well‑designed learning can be.
Why it matters: Being part of a collaborative, high‑impact initiative taught me how to scale practical training, foster stakeholder buy‑in at every level, and create experiences that drive pride and performance. In your career journey, I’ll help you craft your own “AussieHost” moment—clear, engaging narratives that resonate with recruiters and open doors.
How Can Coaching Help Me?
Are you tired of trying to figure it out on your own?
Think of coaching as your personal strategic accelerator. You’ll gain:
- Clarity on what energizes you and which roles fit your talents—clients report a 67% increase in role‑fit confidence after just three sessions. ( International Coaching Federation. (2022). 2022 ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study. International Coaching Federation.)
- Confidence in telling your story—on paper, online, and in interviews—with 85% of coachees noting improved interview performance. International Coaching Federation. (2021). ICF Member Survey Report. International Coaching Federation.
- A roadmap with clear milestones, homework, and check‑ins, helping you reach your career goals up to 70% faster than going it alone. Human Capital Institute. (2020). The Business Impact of Executive Coaching. Human Capital Institute.
- Dedicated support to navigate setbacks and celebrate wins—coached professionals are 84% more likely to sustain new behaviors over time. Grant, A. M., & Cavanagh, M. (2019). “Evidence‑Based Coaching: A Meta‑Analysis of Results From the International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching & Mentoring, 17(2), 1–15.” International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching & Mentoring.
With me by your side, you don’t just dream—you plan, execute, and achieve your next act with purpose and momentum.
Reuniting WWII War Brides with Their Homeland
Australian Citizenship Act Reform Project 2001-2007
After campaigning to amend Australia’s Citizenship Act, I turned to a forgotten community: 382 WWII “War Brides” who’d lost their Australian nationality upon becoming US Citizens, not knowing that meant that they automatically stopped being Australian when they did. I guided each woman—many in their 80s and 90s—through complex paperwork, FBI fingerprint cards, and online forms, celebrating with them at a special reception at the Australian embassy in Washington, DC April 2007. Their joy reminded me why purpose matters more than prestige. This old ABC radio interview is still online.
Why it matters: I’ve seen how patient, empathetic support can transform lives. Whether you’re rebuilding after a layoff or redefining your career path, I’ll walk beside you—step by step—until you reclaim your confidence and direction.