2018 CEO of the Year: Meet the finalists in the much-anticipated category
On 21 November, the winners of 2018’s Executive of the Year Awards will be announced, as part of a glamorous ceremony attended by Australian business’s best of the best.
The highlight of the evening will be the CEO of the Year Award, a recognition of those exemplars of business leadership.
The CEO Magazine spoke to the 10 finalists, getting an insight into the strategies, ideals and values that saw them in the running for CEO of the Year.
Rob Atkinson, CEO, ARN
Having taken the Australian Radio Network from the number three to number one radio network in Australia, Rob has overseen the launch of five new radio programs, and investment into digital and smart technology. He’s intent on creating a futureproof market leader.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
"Taking a role in Dublin, Ireland, to run a newspaper group and implement a total overhaul and financial reset of the business. I was truly in at the deep end but the experience helped me learn how to thrive in adversity and develop resilience."
What makes a good leader?
"The best leaders are authentic and consistent communicators, and inspire those around them with their clear vision and focus. A good leader builds trust through honesty and integrity and should have a strong sense of humility too, rooted in self-perception and awareness."
Stephen Canning, CEO, JCurve Solutions
Stephen has maintained the cloud service provider’s commitment to innovation, acquiring new software platforms and introducing AI-powered customer service. He shares his success with his team, even having cooked gourmet breakfasts for them to celebrate.
What makes a good leader?
"A good leader is somebody who can bring about transformation, somebody who does not accept mediocrity. A good leader needs energy and the ability to inspire positive energy in others. To do that, they must really care passionately about their people."
What’s the best decision you ever made?
"To commit to reading every day. Yes, it’s hard to make the time to read books but it can be done.
"I read everything from self-improvement books to autobiographies. They provide inspiration, help with creativity and ideas and help build better analytical skills. I like nothing better than being asked for a book recommendation."
Rob Goudswaard, CEO, Credit Union Australia
Despite a challenging regulatory environment, Rob has nurtured a member-focused environment, helping Australians navigate their personal finances. Rob has also kept CUA focused on new technology, being an early adopter of digital payment platforms.
Why are events like the Executive of the Year Awards important for Australia’s business community?
"Today, we’re often quick to bring down tall poppies or spend a lot of time speaking about things we haven’t done well. But there are legitimate times when we can celebrate success, and this is a great time to showcase good news stories about individuals in the business world."
What makes a good leader?
"A good leader is someone who has self-awareness, curiosity and a servant-leadership style that focuses on the growth and wellbeing of other people and of communities. This ensures decisions are not about them as the leader, but about the people who make the team a success."
Mark Nielsen, APAC CEO and Executive Director, Talent International
Under Mark’s careful stewardship, staff turnover has been halved, and the company won HRD Magazine’s Employer of the Year. The company also snagged the number-one market position in ANZ, leading to a company that not only has success, but an engaged, motivated team.
Who inspires you and why?
"Leaders who have empathy and the courage to stand up for what they believe is right, even if it creates hardship for themselves, but ultimately delivers results – Churchill, Mandela, Merkel, Trudeau and Macron are examples."
How do you measure success?
"When you wake up each day and you’re healthy, energised, happy with where you are in life and excited about the day ahead."
Giuseppe Porcelli, CEO and Founder, Lakeba Group
Technological innovation has driven Giuseppe throughout his career, and Lakeba Group is no exception, with its work in blockchain and crypto. Giuseppe’s vision has even seen the Group establish partnerships with huge companies like Microsoft.
Who inspires you and why?
"Elon Musk for his vision of the future, his courage in disrupting the way we think, and his belief that technology changes lives. He makes the impossible possible and allows me to approach innovation in a way that challenges the boundaries of our thinking."
How do you measure success?
"Team performance comes from a happy, settled, high-performing team, and is only possible when the team is thriving in this environment. We measure success by the sense of belonging the team has, and we treat them like our own family."
Shelley Sullivan, Founder and CEO, ModelCo
ModelCo’s greatest achievement may well be this year’s cosmetic collaboration with iconic designer Karl Lagerfeld, but it’s far from Shelley’s only success. She’s kept ModelCo thriving for 17 years and, through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Twitter, has built an engaged and passionate customer base.
What makes a good leader?
"A great leader has a clear vision, is courageous, has high integrity, honesty and focus. Good leaders believe in their staff and know that the key to success is to surround themselves with people who have more knowledge than they do."
What’s the best financial advice you’ve ever received?
"Estimate the funds you need to start your business, and then double it!"
James Thornton, CEO, Intrepid Group
This year, the Group became the largest B Corp-certified company in Australia, as well as the largest B Corp-certified travel group globally. With nearly A$1 million donated though its not-for-profit, it’s clear James has engineered a business that’s not only successful, but meaningful too.
How do you measure success?
"Growth in core numbers has always excited me but as I’ve grown as a leader, it’s seeing people fulfilling their potential."
What’s the best decision you ever made?
"Leaving a well-remunerated career in the finance industry to follow my passion, and join an emerging adventure travel company called Intrepid Travel."
Justin Wang, Founder and Managing Director, Property Investors Alliance
Justin saw the space for an industry that wasn’t there, by creating a business that provided real estate solutions. From one person in 2005 to 400 staff today, PIA’s sustainable, unique business model helps ordinary Australians succeed in property investment.
What’s the best financial advice you’ve ever received?
"A friend once told me that everyone needs wealth, but wealth is not the purpose of life. While we do need enough wealth to support the ideal lifestyle and make our dreams come true, true wealth in life is in finding your purpose and your position, not money in the bank."
Why are events like the Executive of the Year Awards important for Australia’s business community?
"The economic environment in Australia is very strong. It requires the guidance of visionary business leaders to set an example and play a leading role in continuing to drive it forward."
John Winning, CEO, Winning Group
John proudly declares that there’s no other retailer worldwide doing what Winning Group does and, with its neuroscience-derived strategy and industry-leading customer loyalty, that’s no exaggeration. The fact John was working in his dad’s warehouse only a decade ago makes this all the more impressive.
What makes a good leader?
"A good leader is someone who inspires others – the people they lead look up to them."
Who inspires you and why?
"My dad inspires me, because he’s always been an incredible role model to look up to. He taught me to be the leader I am today."
Steven Wright, CEO, BIG4 Holiday Parks Australia
Over the past year, the member-owned co-op BIG4 has undergone a major transformation, adapting to industry disruption to grow its dominance within the sector. With Steven at the helm, BIG4 has not only created internal evolution, but growth in the industry as a whole.
What’s the best financial advice you’ve ever received?
"To start early but also make sure you still have some time to ‘smell the roses’ through your journey. It’s not all about money but it certainly helps you to have the opportunity to ‘smell the roses’ in more diverse and interesting ways."
How do you measure success?
"Success in a business environment is not only about achieving your KPI and financial metrics, it’s about how you achieve them. Being able to meet those goals while improving business culture is key. Having a strong positive culture provides a solid foundation for success."