I get what traditional HR doesn’t.
You’re an expert in your space - let me be your expert in people strategy.
I have 25+ years of talent management experience, from global corporates to scaleups in every sector (I’ve worked across Europe, the US, Asia and Australia in industries from aviation to tech and FMCG). That’s deep expertise, across a broad range of leadership topics, that we can leverage in your business.
While I have a BSc and an MBA, it’s my ability to identify and address those often buried challenges that makes me different. And I don’t offer an off-the-shelf solution to a problem we haven’t even discussed...
I have been described by one of my clients as someone whose ‘charming style belies an ability to ask the difficult questions of an organisation, its founders, its managers and its directors. Before you know it, you are opening up and dealing with the hard issues’.
If you want to take the easy approach and dilute the outcome, there are plenty of consultants out there for you. If you want to make the tough but necessary calls to put your business or career on a trajectory to success, I’ll support you all the way.
I see what people do best and help them to do it better.
Who I am
A positive pragmatist
Quick-paced and decisive
Committed to stable values
Solve problems by focusing on people’s strengths
Energised by innovative solutions
What I bring
Keep the goal in sharp view
Catalyst for positive action
Flexible, creative perspective in complex situations
Structure people and resources for maximum effectiveness
Extensive global experience, ability to cut through the noise
How I work
Provide impartial support
Deliver with clarity and compassion
See diversity as an asset to productivity
Cultivate potential in people, supporting them to reach new heights
Recognise when wise to deviate from a schedule
*How do I know all this about myself? I’ve worked through the tools, reflections and processes that I deliver to my clients.
I grew up in Cork in the South-West of Ireland
I’ve always been wildly independent; leaving home for Irish college at age 11, Paris at 17 and the US at 19
I’m a proud Australian citizen, having lived here since 1998
My clients are everywhere, but if you’re lucky enough to live in Coffs Harbour you’ll see me on my beloved Vespa
I’m married to Bill, and we have a rescue greyhound, Coco, and a whippet, Angus
I was part of a small team that created the world’s first online Masters in Computer Science
I studied Chemistry, Maths and Computer Science... and now I work in people strategy. That’s probably why I like to help people ‘recreate their career stories’
I’m a faculty member of Thought Leaders Business School and love being part of an entrepreneurial community
Clients I’ve worked with.
Perhaps the best way to learn about me is to hear what my clients have said about me…
“Mary is one of those rare people who not only talks with authority and depth about the problem sets that founders and business leaders face, but also sees the humour and humanity in the whole process. She doesn't beat around the bush, but gives real, practical advice that you can immediately put into practice, whether it's on leadership strategy as a whole challenge, or specific issues that might have come up in the last week. I found it incredibly useful and fulfilling, absolutely no hesitation recommending Mary to anyone that finds themselves in a role where they want to be a better leader and take charge of their future.”
Zac Duff, Co-founder, CEO @ JigSpace
“There is something very subtle about the way Mary Butler works.
The friendly, charming style belies an ability to ask the difficult questions of an organisation, its founders, its managers and its directors. Before you know it, you are opening up and dealing with the hard issues. The professionalism and tools that she uses to put structure in place where there is none, consequently, feels natural. She is flexible and will adapt to the organisation and how it wants to deal with its challenge. She takes the organisation on the journey. Sure, she is a top-quality HR professional, but she is also just a natural.”
Chris Tait, Managing Director, Henslow
“We were so lucky to have Mary join us to facilitate our Culture and Values session. It really hit the mark with the group and now has the team onboard with the next stage of the Zamira journey. We are grateful for all her efforts to make the session relevant, interesting, compelling and engaging – it definitely paid off!”
Manager, People & Culture, Zamira Australia
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you for the facilitation of our planning day. Over the years, I have been a part of many planning days but by far this was the most enjoyable – you kept it light and fun yet allowed us to tackle our challenges and grow as a team.
I think this has set us all up to work much better as a team and really achieve what we need to for vulnerable people.”
Head of Telephone and Online, Good Shepherd
“Mary has supported me as an Executive Coach over a number of years and roles. She has helped me better understand myself, focus my career aspirations while improving my productivity and work satisfaction.
She has also provided guidance and insight to me across a range of tech. start-up roles and situations. Mary has a deep understanding of the sector and hard-won experience of improving founder and tech team performance.”
Dr Francis Linnane, COO
“The Board engaged with Mary to assist the business to better understand, design and facilitate improvement processes and structures for the Key Executive and Board in their business interactions and personal development.
Mary is experienced, professional, knowledgeable, strategic and a strong facilitator and communicator displaying empathy as required. The business also engaged with Mary for other related human resource advice over a period, based upon the interactions. I would highly recommend Mary to businesses seeking understanding, support, and improvement in business improvement through people development.”
Board Member, ASX listed
“Mary really helped me cut through the weeds and gain clarity and confidence in what it was that I wanted from my career. She is a great balance of kind and tough. Kind in that she can provide compassionate support when the clouds of confusion are thick. Tough in that she can cut through and say what you need to hear whether that be positive correction of your doubts or the hard truths you may not want to hear. Either way, she will get you coming out the other side with confidence and a new sense of belief in yourself! “
COO, Splitrock Studio & Executive MBA Candidate
“Mary is an outstanding thought leader who brings out the best in anyone blessed to be touched by her presence with an amazing talent to make 1+1=3 by "scaling people" and building highly effective, balanced, fun teams. A selfless professional who gives both tirelessly and unconditionally... pure class!”
Founder & CEO, GPNow
“Within a few days of working with Mary my career was back on track, with direction and a clear pathway where I was going in my next career journey. I can assure you she did not disappoint. Mary’s ‘recreate your career story’ book was fabulous and has a very unique take on your career journey..... I have recommended Mary to more and more friends and colleagues .... more and more people need a Mary in their life.”
Director Operational Integration, NSW Transport
“I’ve learned so much more about my team, it’s been both a great learning outcome and fantastic fun! The team has benefited significantly from the training.”
Managing Director, Moog Australia, Australia/New Zealand
“Mary is a thought-provoking HR Executive who can take proven theories and apply them to more modern problems. Mary recently ran a session with myself and the new HR team with great success!”
HR Director, MessageMedia
“Mary was very professional and a joy to work with. She was a subject matter expert and was well prepared to work with our team on the day. She engaged all the staff in the process and as a result, the team learned an enormous amount.”
CEO, Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Melbourne
“Mary is a highly competent and experienced talent management professional. She has the rare ability to work strategically with senior stakeholders as well as delivering learning and development programs at line level.”
Ex-Vice President, Talent Management APAC, AECOM
“In working with Mary I found her to be easily approachable, extremely prompt, proactive and responsive, honest, simultaneously direct and diplomatic, lateral in her thinking, incisive in her field and solution-focused. She was also helpful in identifying issues and solutions with fresh eyes. Mary came very highly recommended to me through a colleague.”
Andrew Pinder, MD at Ern Jensen Funerals
“Mary gave the leadership team very insightful advice and really demonstrated her commitment to understanding us. And she challenged us at the right times, particularly when we needed to see things differently. I really appreciated Mary’s balance and objectivity where she guided, prodded and challenged at the right times. I think she did an outstanding job.”
Technical Director AECOM – Professional Services, Engineering
“Mary provided individual coaching and feedback which helped me develop as a leader. As a facilitator I found her able to engage learners. I enjoyed the program and would highly recommend Mary as a program designer, facilitator and coach.”
Group Director, AECOM