Dale McDermott’s Journey - Ballot Box to Boardroom.
Dale McDermott advises leaders who operate under the glare of scrutiny. His career has not been linear, but it has been consistent: he has always operated at the intersection where strategy meets human consequence.
From leading a national political organisation in Ireland during a turbulent economic era, to navigating the complexities of North American corporate governance, to assessing C-Suite talent for the world’s largest leadership advisory firm, Dale has spent 15 years studying the architecture of power.
The Political Education.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Dale’s education in leadership began long before he entered the corporate world. As Head Boy of St. Mac Dara’s Community College and later as President of Young Fine Gael (2013–2015), he was thrust into the centre of national political discourse during a defining period for the Irish State.
Leading the autonomous youth wing of the governing party meant more than just student debates; it meant engaging directly with the Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland) and shaping policy that affected a generation. It was here, navigating the friction between political idealism and the hard reality of governance, that Dale learned his first lesson in advisory: Good intentions are nothing without the competence to execute.
It was also during this period, in 2013, that Dale came out as a gay man. Doing so in the public eye, during a time of significant social change in Ireland, cemented his belief that authenticity is not a "soft skill", it is a strategic necessity for any leader who wants to command trust.
Briefing Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland) Enda Kenny on policy as President of Young Fine Gael.
The Atlantic Bridge.
In 2015, after graduating from TU Dublin with a Gold Medal and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting & Finance, Dale pivoted from political theory to commercial practice. He joined EY’s Advisory practice, initially in Dublin, before relocating to Toronto, Canada.
The move was a deliberate reset. In North America, Dale immersed himself in the mechanics of organisational change. At EY and later at Salesforce, he didn't just advise on strategy; he dismantled and rebuilt the operational "plumbing" of major organisations. He learned that the best strategy in the world fails if the culture and systems cannot support it.
But his education wasn't limited to operations. During this time, Dale rapidly integrated into Canada's establishment infrastructure. As one of the youngest Non-Executive Directors in the history of the Canadian Club Toronto, he helped steer the country’s preeminent public affairs podium through a period of digital transformation. Simultaneously, as a member of the Banff Forum, he convened and contributed to discussions on global policy with former heads of government. These roles were not ceremonial; they were his training ground for high-level boardroom governance.
With President Barack Obama following his special address on global leadership to Canada 2020.
The Operator’s Reality.
Advisors often lack empathy for the loneliness of the decision-maker. Dale does not. As Chief Operating Officer of CGLCC (Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce), Dale sat in the seat. Reporting directly to the Board and partnering with the CEO, he led the organisation’s strategy and government relations during the global volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He didn't just survive the crisis; he used it to transform the organisation, securing federal budget support for entrepreneurs and driving a 100% increase in headcount. This period converted him from a consultant who suggests change to an executive who has lived the pressure of delivering it.
The Boardroom Advisor.
Most recently, Dale served as a Consultant at Egon Zehnder, the world’s preeminent leadership advisory firm. Hiring him as the youngest Consultant globally in the firm’s history, Egon Zehnder deployed Dale to advise Boards and CEOs across Toronto and London.
Specialising in the Public & Social Sector and Financial Services, though maintaining a broader range of clients, he helped institutions answer the ultimate question: Who is fit to lead? He guided Boards through high-stakes CEO successions, assessed executives for readiness and helped leadership teams diagnose their own dysfunction.
Leading a strategic discussion on global policy at the Banff Forum with former Taoiseach, John Bruton.
Today.
Now based in London, United Kingdom, Dale McDermott operates as an independent Strategic Advisor. He brings this unique blend of political instinct, operational rigour, and leadership insight to a select group of clients who are navigating their own moments of transition.
He also co-hosts the Next Round podcast, exploring the intersection of business, politics and society.
Recording the Next Round podcast in London.
At a Glance: CV Summary
Advisory & Leadership
Egon Zehnder: Consultant, Board & CEO Succession (London & Toronto)
CGLCC: Chief Operating Officer (Toronto)
Salesforce: Senior Project Lead, Strategy & Operations (Toronto)
EY: Senior Consultant, Advisory (Dublin & Toronto)
Governance & Public Service
Young Fine Gael: President (2013–2015)
The Ireland Funds GB: Young Leaders Committee
Canadian Club Toronto: Non-Executive Director & Marketing Committee Co-Chair (2020–2023)
The Banff Forum: Member
CivicAction: DiverseCity Fellow
Education & Recognition
BSc (Hons) in Accounting & Finance: TU Dublin
CertHE in Business Studies: TU Dublin
Awards: TU Dublin Gold Medal (First in Class)