About Lead Forward

Independent Advisor | Impact Coach | Experienced Mentor

My name is Daniel McInerney and I am the founder of Lead Forward.

At Lead Forward, I work directly with leaders facing moments where the stakes are high—navigating complexity, driving change, and delivering outcomes.

With nearly three decades of experience across public service and consulting, I bring discipline, passion, and independent strategic thinking to help leaders cut through noise, manage risk, build confidence in strategy-to-delivery, and stay focused on the outcomes that matter.

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Why I Created Lead Forward

After three decades working in complex environments, I created Lead Forward to work differently—with independence and direct impact.

It was driven by a desire to:

  • Work independently with leaders and executive teams facing critical decisions and change

  • Contribute to meaningful work that drives impact and strengthens delivery

  • Create space for others to grow, lead, and leave a legacy

From a personal perspective, the concept of Lead Forward came from—health, family and purpose.

Lead Forward is built on one clear principle—you work directly with me. I bring independent, strategic expertise with the flexibility to support you where you need it most.

Whether as your independent advisor, impact coach, or experienced mentor, every engagement is designed to help you lead forward with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Black and white portrait of a man in a suit smiling.

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My Story

Throughout my career, I’ve worked at the intersection of policy, operations, digital transformation, and reform—helping leaders manage some of the most complex and high-impact programs in health, human services, and government.

My Journey Includes:

  • Starting in the Queensland public service, supporting frontline health and community services—building a foundation in service delivery and community impact.

  • Leading national programs in federal health, contributing to Australia’s early digital health transformation while managing teams and complex stakeholder environments.

  • Transitioning into consulting, where I led teams advising on nation-shaping programs impacting millions of Australians, learning the rigour required to drive outcomes in challenging delivery environments.

  • Giving back through leadership roles in the digital health community, serving on advisory committees and panels, and as Deputy Chair of a local ACT digital health chapter—creating space for others to lead and connect.

  • Leading in my local community as Chair of a catholic school board, where I work to strengthen partnerships, improve outcomes for students and parents, and foster engagement.

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My Values & Standards

Courage | Authenticity | Resilience | Integrity | Purpose

I operate with:

  • Discipline and rigour—ensuring structured thinking, delivery focus, and accountability

  • Clarity and honesty—offering frank advice, not just validation

  • Relationships before process—because trust drives better outcomes

  • Impact over activity—focusing on what moves the dial

My purpose is simple: to help leaders deliver, grow, and leave a lasting impact—not just survive complexity but navigate it with confidence.

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My Qualifications

  • Foundations of Corporate Directorship, AICD

  • Government Gateway Review, Team Leader and Review Team Member, BTLi

  • Graduate Certificate - Program and Project Management, University of SA

  • Bachelor of Business - Health Service Management, QUT

  • Masters - Practitioner of Coaching, International Coaching Institute (current)

  • Fellow, Australasian Institute of Digital Health (FAIDH)

  • CHIA, Australasian Institute of Digital Health

My Memberships

  • MAICD

  • Australasian Institute of Digital Health

  • HL7 Australia

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Let’s Talk

If you’re leading through change, managing complexity, or facing a critical decision point—let’s connect.

Together, we’ll Lead Forward.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!