Quality contributions all round

The entire team at WA Business News is proud to introduce the 2007 class of 40under40 winners. They are a remarkable group of individuals who, through sheer determination and passion, have worked hard to achieve their goals and objectives.

All the winners have achieved great things at a relatively young age, serving as an inspiration to us all and reminding us what is possible when there is an abundance of focus and commitment.

They didn’t all get it easy; some had to overcome major obstacles. But what shines through with all the winners in this program is their sense of optimism and self-belief.

As judges, we are privileged to get a glimpse into the journeys of these individuals.

Through their applications they share with us their most significant achievements, their biggest setback and challenges, their entrepreneurial and innovative attributes, the values and behaviours that guided them, and finally, what they have contributed to the community.

They are also asked to share with us an inspirational quote or special words that motivated them to succeed.

Many of these applications are inspirational and leave the judges with a sense of awe, but also with a sense of confidence for the future.

Members of this year’s 40under40 winners are still at the beginning of their careers, and while already leaders in their respective fields, they are likely to set the state’s agenda well into the next decade.

The 40under40 program was established six years ago to bring recognition to the next generation of the state’s business leaders. These young achievers come from a range of endeavours, including industry, commerce, academia, government and not-for-profit organisations. 

The winners are among WA’s most dynamic young leaders who all share a common commitment to professionalism, excellence and have achieved notable success, while at the same time contributing to the community. 

After six years, the flow of quality applicants continues. The supply of young business talent in WA seems inexhaustible.

One of the features this year was the number of high-quality female applicants. Interestingly, a number of them chose to start their own business so they could have the freedom to maintain a balanced life, which included family responsibilities.

Through their business savvy they then were able to develop a home-based business into substantial enterprises

The exciting economic times we live in offer unprecedented opportunities to those willing to risk and take the plunge, often with personal assets on the line. Some of this year’s winner’s come from the mining and building sectors, which are at the forefront of the current China-driven resources boom.

The winners have demonstrated that they not only capitalised on the current boom, but in the process are also looking to the future to develop an enduring business past the current economic climate. They have long-term plans and are cognisant of the fact that booms come to an end.

The judges, all leaders in their respective fields, come from very diverse backgrounds in industry, commerce and academia. This has served the program well and ensured there is no bias towards any particular industry sector.

Each of the judges invested a considerable amount of their personal time and energy during the process. We are indebted to them all for making the 40under40 program the success it is and we offer our sincere thanks and appreciation.

Our thanks to all those who nominated. The field was amazingly strong and with the winning number set at 40, many quality entrants missed out on recognition this time around.

Nevertheless, they can take solace in the fact that someone considered them worthy of nomination and that they are in there among the best.

We encourage you all to consider nominating again for next year’s program, as some of the 1st Amongst Equals winners have taken that honour at their second or third attempt.

I wish all the 40 winners and their predecessors all the best with their future endeavours.