GO Executive Advisory
Helping government, industry and organisations navigate the sectors many find hardest to crack — securing funding, shaping policy and turning strategy into outcomes that actually land.
About
Gayle O'Brien GAICD, MBA is the founder and principal of GO Executive Advisory. A trusted adviser to Ministers and Directors-General, she has led major reforms and represented government in complex negotiations across Queensland and internationally.
With over two decades at the highest levels of Queensland Government, Gayle has held roles as Deputy Director-General and senior executive across trade and investment, tourism, small business and education.
Across her government career, Gayle managed grant programs exceeding $1 billion annually and led complex regulatory reform spanning over 500 organisations — work that required the same government process knowledge, stakeholder management and governance rigour that underpins the advisory practice today.
When you engage GO Executive Advisory, you're not getting a generalist consultant. You're getting someone who has sat in the room, made the decisions and delivered the outcomes — including leading Queensland's $160M COVID-19 tourism recovery, supporting more than 5,000 businesses.
Background
What We Do
Working across government, industry and the non-profit sector to design strategy, build capability and deliver results — including in politically sensitive and complex environments.
Navigating all levels of government — securing funding, approvals and policy commitments, and positioning proposals to resonate with government priorities. The work is advisory: strategic counsel grounded in how decisions are actually made. Drawing on institutional knowledge and executive relationships that take years to build.
Developing strategies that turn policy into economic outcomes for tourism, small business, trade and emerging industries. I have designed and led major industry plans, investment strategies and regional economic programs.
Connecting organisations with international opportunities — identifying markets, building partnerships and navigating government programs. I established Queensland's first government trade and investment office in India and led 30+ international trade and investment missions.
Designing and deploying economic recovery programs when crisis hits, coordinating across governments, securing emergency funding and building resilience frameworks. From natural disasters to pandemics, the focus is on speed, coordination and lasting results.
Creating funding frameworks, grant programs and monitoring systems aligned to best practice and audit requirements. Whether launching new initiatives or strengthening existing ones, I build governance structures that give confidence to executives, boards and stakeholders.
Helping organisations identify and secure government grants, funding and investment. With a track record of successful government and budget submissions, I know how government thinks and how to frame a compelling case to be funded.
Who we work with
The experience is deepest in tourism, economic development, trade and investment, small business, disaster recovery and First Nations — the portfolios where the institutional knowledge and relationships are strongest.
When to engage us
Consider bringing me in when you:
The focus is always on outcomes and engagements are scoped to what is needed — not padded with unnecessary deliverables.
Get in Touch
GO Executive Advisory works with private and public organisations, national, state and local governments, consulting firms, non-profits, universities, and peak industry and economic development bodies.
We'll be in touch within one business day.