Recognising Excellence: My Journey to the Business Elite 40 Under 40 Award
Recognising Excellence: My Journey to the Business Elite 40 Under 40 Award.
In 2023, I had the honour of being recognised as one of Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” award recipients—an accolade that celebrates young business leaders who are shaping the future of industry. This recognition is not only a testament to my dedication to governance, business strategy, and innovation but also an opportunity to connect with an inspiring network of like-minded professionals.
The awards night was a remarkable experience, bringing together some of the brightest minds in business. I had the privilege of engaging with visionary leaders, exchanging ideas, and forging connections that will continue to influence my journey. Being part of this distinguished community reinforces my commitment to driving meaningful change and supporting businesses in their growth and sustainability.
Receiving this award is not the final destination but a stepping stone toward greater impact. I look forward to leveraging this recognition to foster collaboration, advocate for business excellence, and mentor the next generation of industry leaders.
In 2023, I had the honour of being recognised as one of Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” award recipients. This prestigious award program identifies outstanding young executives and entrepreneurs worldwide, celebrating their achievements, leadership, and potential to shape the future of business. As a passionate advocate for business innovation, governance, and strategic growth, receiving this recognition was both humbling and affirming of the work I have dedicated myself to over the years.
What is the Business Elite 40 Under 40 Award?
Business Elite’s “40 Under 40” is one of the world’s most sought-after awards for young business leaders. It highlights the accomplishments of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and industry impact. Beyond the recognition, the program fosters a community of like-minded professionals who are determined to drive change, disrupt industries, and elevate business standards globally.
Selection Criteria: A Rigorous Evaluation Process
Nominees for this award are evaluated based on several key criteria, ensuring that each recipient has demonstrated significant business acumen and leadership. These criteria include:
Career Progression & Achievements: The nominee’s career trajectory, business successes, and leadership roles are carefully assessed.
Geographical Reach & Expansion Potential: The potential of the nominee’s business to scale and expand into new markets is taken into account.
Brand Values & Market Influence: The impact and values of the nominee’s corporate or product brands are evaluated.
Level of Leadership: The nominee’s role within their organisation and their ability to drive strategic initiatives.
Industry Recognition & Awards: Previous recognitions, awards, and accolades received at local, national, or international levels.
Inspirational Personal Story: The nominee’s journey, challenges overcome, and contributions to the industry are considered.
Innovation & Creativity: A strong emphasis is placed on originality, problem-solving, and business transformation efforts.
Reputation Within the Business Community: The nominee’s standing and credibility among peers and stakeholders.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: Engagement in CSR projects and dedication to making a positive social impact.
Each nomination undergoes a meticulous review by an Advisory Board, which independently evaluates candidates before making final selections. The Board’s decisions are final, and there is no appeal process, ensuring the integrity and exclusivity of the award.
The Impact of Receiving the Award
Being named among the top 40 under 40 in business is more than just an accolade—it’s a gateway to greater opportunities, collaborations, and industry influence. The award brings several benefits, including:
Prestigious Recognition: The honour enhances professional credibility and showcases the recipient’s achievements on a global scale.
Networking & Executive Club Membership: Awardees gain access to an elite network of successful business leaders, fostering collaboration and partnerships.
Event & Summit Participation: Winners receive invitations to exclusive summits, award ceremonies, and gala dinners, where they can connect with industry peers and investors.
Promotional Opportunities: Recipients can use the official “40 Under 40” badge for branding and marketing purposes, further solidifying their business reputation.
Continued Learning & Growth: Significant discounts on future seminars and leadership programs enable ongoing professional development.
The Award Ceremony: A Night to Remember
Attending the Business Elite 40 Under 40 award ceremony was an unforgettable experience. The event brought together some of the most talented and inspiring business minds from various industries, creating an electric atmosphere of innovation and ambition.
Throughout the night, I had the privilege of meeting extraordinary individuals, each with their own remarkable journey and contributions to business. The conversations were insightful, and the connections formed have since grown into valuable relationships and collaborations. Expanding my network in such a dynamic environment reaffirmed the importance of surrounding oneself with driven and forward-thinking professionals.
The celebration itself was a testament to the power of ambition, resilience, and strategic vision. As I stood among other high-achieving entrepreneurs and executives, I was reminded of the impact we can have when we commit to driving meaningful change in business and beyond.
A Future of Innovation and Leadership
Receiving the Business Elite 40 Under 40 award has further fuelled my passion for business excellence, governance, and creating opportunities for collaboration. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the incredible work being done by my team and partners across various initiatives. It serves as motivation to continue pushing boundaries, developing strategic solutions, and supporting businesses in scaling sustainably.
As I look to the future, I am excited to leverage this recognition to further engage with leaders, contribute to industry advancements, and mentor emerging entrepreneurs. The journey doesn’t end with the award—it’s just the beginning of even greater possibilities.
For those aspiring to make an impact in their industries, I encourage you to embrace challenges, remain innovative, and build meaningful connections. The Business Elite 40 Under 40 community is a testament to the power of dedication, and I am honoured to be part of it.
First Day Inside - Tales of the Territory Series
First Day Inside
The wheels of my car rolled down the driveway, over a speed hump, and under the boom gate. As it clanked shut behind me, a quiet finality settled in. No turning back now.
Razor wire shimmered in the early morning sun, its sharp glint contrasting with the neatly manicured lawn below. Nice, I thought absently, as if trying to normalise the setting. But the reality pressed in—I wasn’t just starting a new job. I was stepping into one of Australia’s most infamous prisons.
A flicker of doubt surfaced. How do I feel about this? I wasn’t sure. And really, did it even matter? The boom gate had already locked me in.
I pulled into an empty space, killed the engine, and sat in silence. Fifteen minutes early. Time to take it all in.
Without thinking, I started people-watching. It was an old habit—something my mum and I used to do in shopping centres, making up stories about strangers as they passed. Today’s subjects were the prison officers. Their crisp green uniforms were starched to perfection, not a wrinkle in sight. Men and women alike moved with the same self-assured gait, their clear plastic work bags slung over their shoulders, revealing lunch containers and the latest magazines.
They laughed and chatted as they walked toward the entrance, unfazed by the high walls, razor wire, and the lives locked away inside.
I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. Right. Time to get on with it.
The Visitors Building was my first stop—because, honestly, I liked the sound of the word visitors. At least they got to leave.
I reached for the door handle, pushed—
And promptly smacked my face against the glass.
The door was locked.
Stepping back, I caught my reflection in the mirrored tint. Smirking, I thought, If anyone’s watching, at least they’ll know I found it funny too.
Just as I was deciding whether to try again, a brisk-moving figure approached—Jonathon, my Team Leader. His stride was urgent, his jeans struggling to resettle between each step, creating an unfortunate case of denim chafe.
I activated my first-day strategy. Strong handshake. Confident nod. Careful eye contact—after mentally instructing myself to stop staring at his denim situation.
Jonathon launched into a rapid rundown of my schedule, punctuating important points with stray flecks of spit. Great, I thought. My cheek already needs decontaminating. What’s a little extra?
Just as he motioned for me to follow him through the iron doors, an ear-splitting siren blared overhead.
I instinctively looked up. Mounted speakers lined the roof, flanked by layers of razor wire.
A booming voice crackled through the speakers:
“Attention, attention. It’s 7 o’clock. It’s 7 o’clock. Get up. Make your bed. Hygiene inspection in 30 minutes.”
I raised an eyebrow at Jonathon. He simply gestured toward the massive iron door.
The same one the officers had just disappeared behind.
“The wheels of my car rolled down the driveway, over a speed hump and under a boom gate which, for me, confirmed there was no return as it lowered behind me.”
Tapping my fingers on the steering wheel in a pattern of impatience, I waited at the traffic lights. Just one more turn off the highway, and I'd be on the road leading to my first day at work. Daunting for most—but I felt calm. Experience does that. I’d had many “first days” before.
As the distance to the driveway shrank to single digits, that calm began to wash away. A new awareness took its place, sharp and all-consuming. It was the feeling of walking through a pitch-black hallway after waking from a nightmare. My heartbeat pounded in my ears. Colours became sharper. My emotions—raw.
The wheels rolled down the driveway, over a speed hump, and under a boom gate. As it lowered behind me, a quiet finality settled in. No turning back now.
Razor wire glimmered in the early morning sun, dew casting reflections over a perfectly manicured lawn. Nice, I thought, forcing a sense of normalcy. But then reality hit me. This wasn’t just any workplace. I was about to start a job in one of Australia’s most infamous gaols.
The thought of caring for prisoners—people who, in one way or another, had stripped others of their basic human rights—made my stomach churn. How do I feel about this? I asked myself.
Wait—why was I even asking now? The boom gate had already locked me in.
Concrete and wire blurred past as I pulled into the nearest vacant space. Five minutes later, the car was still running. My seatbelt was still latched. I was still taking it all in. But I had time. Fifteen minutes early—like I said, I was a professional at this “first day” business.
Without effort, I found myself people-watching. It was something my mother and I used to do at the shopping centre, sitting on a park bench, making up stories about strangers' lives. We’d critique fashion choices too—especially those who dared to wear Crocs and tights in public.
This morning’s subjects were the prison officers. Their starched green uniforms were pressed so perfectly, not a wrinkle dared to show. Men and women alike looked equally imposing as they laughed and joked on their way to the entrance. Each carried a clear plastic, prison-issued work bag over their shoulder—a transparent peek into their lunch choices and what magazine they’d be flipping through on break.
I’d already been given the “what for” about contraband. No mobile phones. No iPads. No USBs. No cigarettes. Nothing that could be smoked, snorted, injected, or used to escape Darwin Prison.
Pulling myself together, I made my way to the Visitors Building. A safe choice, I figured—it started with Visitors, after all.
The tinted glass door reflected my image, but offered no glimpse of what lay behind it. I reached for the handle, pushed—
—and promptly smacked the side of my face into the glass.
The door was locked.
If someone was watching from the other side, I’d just made their morning. I tried again, rattling the handle. Nothing. Stepping back, I caught my full-length reflection in the glass. Smirking, I thought, Well, at least they’d know I found it entertaining too.
An actress doesn’t need a curtain call. The performance begins the moment she steps onto the stage. This was my strategy—taking things as they came. It starts now.
A sign caught my eye. Opening Hours: 9 AM.
Great. The door wouldn’t be unlocked for another two hours.
On the bright side, the chances of someone laughing behind the glass had just dropped significantly. A small win for 7 AM.
Just then, a brisk-moving figure appeared—Jonathon, my Team Leader. His stride was so urgent that it seemed like he was either desperate for a toilet break or training for an Olympic power-walking event. His jeans barely had time to resettle between each step, creating an unfortunate case of denim chafe at the height of his crotch.
My Academy Award-winning performance kicked in. Strong handshake. Jovial, nonchalant manner.
Only after a third-person reminder to stop staring at the denim chafe.
Jonathon launched into a rapid-fire rundown of my day’s schedule. Important points were occasionally punctuated by stray flecks of spit. Great, I thought. My cheek already needs decontaminating. What’s a little extra?
Just as he motioned to escort me through the massive iron door into the prison, an ear-splitting siren blared overhead.
I instinctively looked up, searching for the source of the noise. Mounted speakers lined the roof, flanked by layers of razor wire.
A booming voice echoed from the megaphones:
“Attention, attention. It’s 7 o’clock. It’s 7 o’clock. Get up. Make your bed. Hygiene inspection in 30 minutes. Attention. It’s 7 o’clock. Get up.”
I raised an eyebrow at Jonathon. He simply gestured toward the iron door.
The same one the starched uniforms had just disappeared behind.
Part 2 - Coming Soon
The Power of Business, Community, and the Next Generation
The Power of Business, Community, and the Next Generation
Being President of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about creating real impact. Our Chamber is built on collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for progress. One of our most exciting initiatives is the Next Gen Chamber, designed to mentor and empower young business leaders. It’s about more than just giving them a seat at the table—it’s about preparing them to shape the future of our region.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we are reminded that inclusion and empowerment are not just ideals—they are actions. Legacy matters. We must cultivate opportunities, amplify diverse voices, and break down barriers so that leadership is accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
Women belong in every space where decisions are made. So, I challenge every business leader: How are you ensuring your workplace and community are truly inclusive? Because when we champion each other, we don’t just build stronger businesses—we create a better world.
Being President of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce is more than just a title—it’s an opportunity to make a real impact on our local business community. Every day, I work alongside business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of our region. The Chamber isn’t just about networking; it’s about collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for progress.
One of the most exciting initiatives we’ve undertaken is the Next Gen Chamber—a program designed to foster young business leaders throughout our region. It’s not just about giving them a seat at the table; it’s about mentoring, empowering, and preparing them to take the reins in the years to come. These emerging leaders bring fresh ideas, innovation, and new energy to our local economy.
Through structured mentoring, hands-on business experience, and networking opportunities, the Next Gen Chamber is setting them up for long-term success. Our responsibility as business owners is to create a future where young leaders thrive, where they have the tools, the knowledge, and the support to drive business forward.
International Women’s Day 2025: Inclusion, Empowerment & Legacy
This year, International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of why we must continue pushing for inclusion, equity, and opportunity—not just for women, but for every underrepresented voice in business and leadership.
For me, IWD 2025 is about legacy. It’s about the spaces we create, the opportunities we cultivate, and the voices we amplify. It’s about ensuring that every woman—regardless of background, ability, or circumstance—can step into leadership without barriers, without apology, and with the full support of her community.
I know firsthand that success isn’t just about talent or hard work—it’s also about access. It’s about ensuring that women, young entrepreneurs, and those from diverse backgrounds have the right environment, mentorship, and support to succeed.
Women belong in every space where decisions are made. That’s why the Next Gen Chamber is so important to me—it’s about fostering a future where young women in our region know they have a place in leadership, in boardrooms, and in industries where they’ve been historically underrepresented.
Empowerment isn’t just a word; it’s an action. This International Women’s Day, I challenge every business leader to ask:
How am I ensuring that my workplace, my industry, and my community are truly inclusive?
Because when we lift each other up, when we champion the voices that have been overlooked for too long, we don’t just create a better business landscape—we create a better world.
Why Being Part of the Chamber Matters
Joining the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce has been one of the most valuable investments I’ve made in my businesses. The Chamber provides access to a wealth of knowledge, industry insights, and advocacy at both local and regional levels. But beyond that, it creates a sense of belonging—a community of like-minded business owners who genuinely care about each other’s success.
Through the Chamber, I’ve formed powerful collaborations, created new opportunities, and gained insight into policies and regulations that impact business. The support I’ve received has been instrumental in the growth of my businesses, and in turn, I’ve been able to pay it forward by mentoring and supporting others.
For any business owner—whether just starting out or well-established—the Chamber provides a direct line to opportunities, knowledge, and a network that wants to see you succeed.
“Great leaders don’t just build businesses—they build opportunities for others to thrive.”
About Me & My Businesses
I have always believed that business is more than profit—it is about people, impact, and legacy. My journey in business started in some of the most remote places in Australia, where I witnessed firsthand the power of awareness, inclusion, and a willingness to understand. I saw how businesses could thrive when they embraced diversity and worked collaboratively with their communities.
From those early experiences, I built a career centred on business governance, sustainability, and leadership. As the Founder and Managing Director of multiple businesses, I am dedicated to creating organisations that are not only successful but responsible, inclusive, and future-focused.
Allied Partnerships Australia – A purpose-driven organisation committed to fostering sustainable growth and operational excellence for businesses and communities. Guided by the principle "Where Governance Drives Success," APAus empowers organisations to achieve their goals through robust systems, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
The OBG Company – A business The OBG Company, located in Gunnedah, New South Wales, offers a diverse range of services and products, including:
Trophies and Engraving: Specialising in creating unique and personalised trophies that add meaning to every occasion.
Interior Design Consultations: Providing professional interior design services by appointment, focusing on creating harmonious and balanced spaces.
Gifts and More: Offering a curated selection of gifts, including the Willow Tree figurine collection.
The company is committed to sustainability, ensuring that all packaging is 100% recyclable and supporting ethically harvested products.
Vault 2ONE9 – A boutique co-working space located at 219-221 Conadilly Street in the heart of Gunnedah's Central Business District. It offers a variety of serviced workspaces designed to foster networking, collaboration, and communication among professionals.
Network of Wonder – A start up business - digital platform founded on the principles of empowerment, guidance, and support for children, young people, and those who support them—parents, educators, and mentors.
The platform focuses on personal development, health, and wellbeing, offering resources, tools, and a supportive community to help young people navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Through my businesses and leadership roles, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of business leaders, championing veterans in business, and advocating for inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
Championing Veterans in Business
Another cause incredibly close to my heart is veteran affairs. My partner, Anthony, is a veteran who served in Middle East conflicts. Together, we are committed to fostering veteran relationships and creating pathways for veterans to transition into the business world.
Far too often, veterans struggle to reintegrate into civilian life, particularly in the workforce. These individuals bring exceptional skills, discipline, and leadership capabilities, yet many face barriers to employment or business ownership.
Through my work, I am dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the support they need—whether through employment opportunities, business mentorship, or simply ensuring they have a network to rely on.
Veterans bring unparalleled value to the business world, and it’s our responsibility to support them. Whether it’s advocating for veteran employment, helping businesses create veteran-friendly workplaces, or providing mentorship, I am committed to ensuring that no veteran is left behind.
The Bigger Picture
At the heart of everything I do—whether through my businesses, my role with the Chamber, or my advocacy for veterans and inclusivity—is a belief that business can be a force for good.
Business isn’t just about profit; it’s about people, community, and sustainability.
By supporting each other, embracing governance, and fostering the next generation of leaders, we can create a business landscape that is resilient, inclusive, and future-focused.
This International Women’s Day, I encourage every business owner to look beyond today and think about the legacy we are leaving behind.
How are we shaping the business world for the women, veterans, young leaders, and diverse talent of the future?
Because when we create space for everyone to thrive, we all succeed.
“The strength of our business community lies in collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for progress. Together, we can shape a future where every business has the tools and support to succeed”