Knox Business and Career Coaching & Mentoring

06/09/2026

Stepping into a more senior role should be a milestone, but it often triggers an unexpected trap: the new title arrives before the internal confidence does.

Ｔｈｅ Ｑ３ Ｐｉｖｏｔ ｜ Four Conversations on Leadership Maturity (Part 4/4)

When a newly promoted leader lacks self-confidence, they rarely show fear. Instead, they often overcompensate. Without strong self-awareness, this defensive posture is easily misread by peers and teams as arrogance.
It is a quiet crisis that stalls relationship growth just when collaboration matters most:
The Shield of Certainty: Feeling the need to have every answer immediately, which colleagues interpret as being dismissive of their expertise.
The Distance: Withdrawing to avoid being caught out, which peers perceive as aloofness or a lack of interest.
The Reassurance Seek: Dominating conversations to validate your new authority, which looks like self-absorption rather than leadership.
The mask of invulnerability is exhausting to wear, and it alienates the very people you need to influence.
True executive presence isn’t about proving you belong in the room; it is about having the security to listen to those who are already there.
If you are new to a senior seat, is your posture building bridges, or walls?

05/08/2026

Early in my corporate career, I made a classic assumption: I thought that if I brought the hardest data, the deepest analysis, and the most thorough prep to a meeting, the room would automatically follow. 📈

In one environment, it worked a treat. The unwritten rule was simple: bring the facts, move fast, and get it done.

Then I moved to a more senior environment, deployed the exact same approach, and watched it completely flop. 📉

What went wrong? I hadn’t taken the time to adapt to a different leadership tier. The new executive didn’t want a rigid data dump; they wanted a proper strategic conversation, space to talk it through, and some context rather than just numbers on a page.

Mastering this shift is a game-changer for rising leaders and executives. It’s not about changing who you are—it’s about knowing how and when to pitch your approach. 🤝

I’ve just updated and expanded my latest piece on navigating leadership styles, managing up.
Have a read of the full piece here: https://www.daraghknox.com/post/executive-career-coaching

29/07/2026

Meag Mullingar pushing forward - onwards and upwards - in support of their community in Mullingar and its environs.

Regretfully we have received confirmation from Enterprise Ireland that our Mullingar Food Hub project is not one they can support through the Smart Regions Fund. We are obviously disapointed, especially in the context of the €145 million fund being closed with only €18.1 million (12%) committed and without any investment in the Midlands at all.
The newly formed Mullingar Food Hub Board will meet soon to discuss the result, plan the next steps and hopefully identify new funding opportunities.
Watch this space...

14/05/2026

Navigating the Shift: From Corporate Roles to Coaching Success 🌟

Reflecting on my journey from a well-paid PAYE role to carving my own path as a self-employed executive coach—a transition I’ve embraced wholeheartedly over the past four years—has been nothing short of transformative. For those considering a similar leap, here’s a glimpse of my experience:

🔹 2022–2024: The Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship
This phase was marked by high costs and a steep learning curve. I invested in re-training and focused on building connections. While revenues were low, they laid the groundwork for future growth.

🔹 2025: Market Re-Entry
After relocating, I refined my offerings and defined my niche in executive coaching. This year was pivotal as I began finding my “Anchor Clients”—the foundation upon which I could build.

🔹 H1 2026: Optimization
With lessons learned and systems improved, I focused on reducing inefficiencies, targeting higher-margin contracts, and stabilizing cash flow. Growth became more than a goal; it evolved into a sustainable reality.

Moving from being a cog in a large machine to becoming the architect of my professional life has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Embracing the unknown, fostering relationships, and continuously learning have been the keys to my journey.

For anyone contemplating a similar transition, remember: every step is a move toward self-discovery and empowerment. What challenges have you faced on your journey? Let's share our insights!

10/05/2026

Moving into a senior role isn't just about a new title; it’s about how you show up every day. ☕️ In my coaching sessions here in Dublin, we often focus on three simple shifts:

1️⃣ Getting things moving: Instead of overthinking, focus on taking that first practical step. Action beats perfection every time.

2️⃣ Staying the course: Senior roles come with more "noise." Keeping a steady focus through the ups and downs is what really sets you apart.

3️⃣ Finishing well: It’s about seeing things through and making sure the work actually helps the team succeed.

Real drive isn't loud—it’s just consistent. 🌿

01/04/2026

https://www.independent.ie/business/money/the-mid-career-pay-plateau-why-earnings-drop-after-50-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/a658495270.html?flow=subscribe®istration=success&force_sl=1®=true

🦉Don’t underestimate the value of soft skills

“At that stage, it’s not just what you can do anymore, it’s how you do it. That’s a real differentiator for people,” says Daragh Knox (www.daraghknox.com), an executive career coach in Dublin.

He emphasises the importance of communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence, honed over time, and argues these can be as essential as any technical competencies.

🧰“[Other candidates] might have the experience, might know how to [do the] sums, but you know how to bring people with you. It really comes over in the way you do your work.

"And reputations can be a big friend when the chips are down. So if we find ourselves in a tricky spot, such as working for an organisation in our 50s that is introducing redundancies or closing down, we have a broad church of professional friends and acquaintances who know enough about us to get us back in the game.”

20/03/2026

🚀 Scaling Your Impact: From Tech Expert to Visionary Leader
Being the smartest person in the room is a great asset—until you’re the one leading the room.
💡In cutting-edge, innovative environments, the transition to leadership isn’t just a title change; it’s a deep psychological evolution. For my fellow technical powerhouses, the "inner work" of leadership is often the most challenging code you’ll ever have to crack.

🔍 What’s Hiding in Your Blind Spots (we all have them!)?
Even the most skilled professionals have gaps they can't see. That’s why I’m a firm believer in the Leadership Architect framework. By utilizing 360-degree feedback, we don't just look at what you do—we look at how you impact those around you.

Executive coaching helps bridge the gap between:
✅ Technical Mastery ➡️ Strategic Influence
✅ Problem Solving ➡️ People Empowering
✅ Individual Logic ➡️ Organizational Empathy

🌟 The Innovation Edge
To lead in a high-growth, "what’s next" workplace, you have to be willing to confront your own areas for improvement. It’s about moving beyond the "how" and mastering the "who."

The question isn't whether you're good at your job—it's whether you're ready to inspire a team to be even better.

👇 Drop a "YES" in the comments if you’re focusing on your leadership growth this year!

05/02/2026

Identify your leadership blind spots and reclaim control of your career trajectory. Explore the practical power of Self-Awareness in Leadership for modern executives and agile leaders.

🔔https://www.daraghknox.com/post/self-awareness-leadership-executive-coaching