Young achievers rise to the challenge

THERE’S no shortage of talent in Western Australia and, once again, the 40under40 awards proves that entrepreneurial people in all walks of professional life can be found wherever you look in this great state.

After a short break, I returned as chairman of judges this year to find as full a field of candidates as I have ever seen – which reassures me that, not only are there plenty of new stars in the world of business, but the 40under40 awards is resonating with this vital part of the community.

The challenge for the judges, as usual, is to select 40 candidates from a field of applicants more than double that size.

Each applicant has the opportunity to provide extensive written answers to several key questions on their achievements, entrepreneurialism, values and community service. 

In this process we are looking for well-rounded high achievers. Those who have succeeded but still have room for more – be that in business or in devoting time to other aspirations, such as charity work.

We are also looking for people who have the potential to make an impression on the state. 

You need only look at the past winners of our 40under40 First Amongst Equals to see the kind of people who attract the most attention of the judges.

Our First Among Equals this year, Grey Egerton-Warburton from Hartleys, was chosen after we conducted face-to-face interviews with the top four finalists following the first round of judging, which selected the overall 40 winners.  

Like any contest of this nature, each judge comes with his or her perspective on what to look for in a successful businessperson.

We are all influenced by our own careers and life experiences.

None of the judges will be able to say that the 40 named this year were their 40, but that is the beauty of having such a diverse and large range of people combing over these applications. 

All of us have favourites who did not make the cut. 

Past experience tells me that some of those people who failed to make the 40 this year will return for another go in the near future. 

This year, I noted some interesting themes among the many and varied stories that absorbed my attention during the first stage of the judging process over the Christmas break.

Several candidates were starting businesses at the same time as becoming a parent. In more than one case, they found members of their extended families less-than-supportive of the risks involved. 

In some cases these entrepreneurs added renovating their homes into the already busy mix of a business and family. It is a real insight into the mind of an entrepreneur when you see that kind of challenge taken on, voluntarily. 

And, while some relatives might have questioned the sanity of these applicants, the majority will cite the work ethic of their parents as a major influence in their lives. 

Not surprisingly, the global financial crisis affected almost every businessperson nominated. Equally unsurprising, perhaps, is that most of those who sought to win this award had seen the GFC as an opportunity to persevere or expand their plans.

One final observation was the role of sport. A handful had achieved at sport early in their lives and had learned lessons for business success from that experience.

We wish all our winners and those who participated all the best in the coming years.