APAC Insider - Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 Ability Building Colours : Most Innovative Building Materials CEO 2024: Mitch Barber Featured:
Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024, an exclusive initiative presented by APAC Insider, where we spotlight and celebrate the most innovative and visionary CEOs across Australia. In a landscape that is as dynamic and diverse as Australia’s ecosystem, leadership takes on many forms, and it’s our mission to recognize those at the helm of progress, driving their organizations to new heights. This year, we set out to discover the trailblazers who not only lead with integrity and passion but also embody the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and community. From pioneering startups to established giants, our awards program aims to showcase the breadth of talent and dedication within the Australian business community. We invite nominations from all sectors, encouraging a diverse range of talents to step forward. This is more than just an awards programme; it’s a testament to the resilience, innovation, and excellence that Australian CEOs bring to the global stage. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.apac-insider.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. Ability Building Colours: Most Innovative Building Materials CEO 2024: Mitch Barber 6. SafeWatch: Best Community, Security & Privacy Solutions CEO 2024: Shane Muller 7. Wealthy You: Best Strategic Growth Focused CEO 2024: Collins Mayaki 8. Rhima Australia Pty Ltd: Best Equipment Washing Systems CEO 2024: Antonie Els 9. Fulgo Mobile: Most Innovative African Telecommunication CEO 2024: Opeloyemi Adesina & Excellence in Fulgo E5 Mobile Device 2024 10. Ganbina: Youth Mentoring CEO of the Year: Anthony Cavanagh 11. KAILO: Best Luxury Wellness Brand CEO 2024: Kristy Morris 12. Team Plus Pty Ltd: Best IT Consultancy CEO 2024: Shaun Crain 13. 16th Avenue Creative Studio: Digital Marketing CEO of the Year (Queensland): Samantha Bell 14. Reventon: Best Holistic Wealth Planning CEO 2024: Chris Christofi 15. Ignite Purpose: Business Transformation CEO of the Year 2024: Christina Foxwell 16. Brisbane Roar: Sports CEO of the Year 2024(Queensland): Kaz Patafta Contents
Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 | 4 Most Innovative Building Materials CEO 2024: Mitch Barber In the construction industry, the quality of your materials is paramount. When undertaking any construction project, quality, durability, and longevity are tantamount to guaranteed success. Ensuring that products are not only top tier but also align aesthetically with the project objectives can be difficult, unless Ability® Building Colours is involved. Ability Building Colours is a leading company within the industry of wholesale building materials. Under the guidance of CEO Mitch Barber, the company delivers high quality, specialised materials suitable for a wide array of project requirements. Established in 1983, Ability® Building Colours is an Australian-owned and operated company situated in Cambellfield, Victoria. Since its establishment, Ability® has innovated, developed, and provided performance enhancing admixtures designed to make cement based products outperform. As industry leaders, the company is renowned for its utilisation of leading-edge material technology, using special admixtures for cement-based materials and long-life, wearresistant solvent and odour-free paints and coatings. Its products have all been developed with a company-wide philosophy that respects the aesthetic value of colour in the design of materials, products, and structures. Ability Building Colours offers its clients a range of permanent paints, coatings, and sealers; a variety of admixtures that solve many of the problems associated with cement based materials, namely workability, strength, curing, efflorescence, and waterproofing; and an extensive range of ‘through’ colouring pigments known as abilox®, designed to permanently enhance the attractiveness of any structure. Guaranteed to never fade, abilox® is the company’s premier product and is available in an extensive range of over 240 shades of fine, UV resistant, permanent mineral oxide colouring pigments. Using abilox®, clients can add uniform, ‘through’ colour to concrete, asphalt, and mortars. After more than four decades of operations, the company has built extensive experience in fulfilling the professional needs of architects, landscape architects, designers, building contractors, landscaping contractors, trades persons, and various other creative minds in the building industry. Leveraging this experience, the team at Ability Building Colours have developed a refined understanding of common industry contracting problems and how to navigate their way through them. Alongside its commitment to quality, Ability® strives for stellar customer service alongside the provision of individual, customised products. Few competing companies can boast this offering, enabling Ability Building Colours to maintain its leading position within the market. The company is headed by CEO Mitch Barber, a dynamic individual driven by a stringent commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality the company is known for. Ability® has always believed in delivering products that are high not only in quality, but also in durability and longevity. As a result, all of Ability Building Colours’ products are made to last. Mitch joined Ability Building Colours in 2017 as a Client Consultant. Here, he developed an in-depth understanding of the products, along with strong inter-personal skills that are transferrable to any leadership role. In 2018, Mitch began to climb the ranks with his appointment as Sales and Marketing Manager. In this role, he was able to hone his leadership skills whilst making significant contributions to the operations of the company. 2019 saw Mitch taking on his current role of Chief Executive Officer of Ability®, a role he has Aug24386 held for over five years. He utilises the vital experience he gained whilst progressing through the ranks to effectively lead the Ability Building Colours team to success. In addition to his position within Ability Building Colours, Mitch is also a Board Advisor for the Veblen Directors Program. This is a community of executives, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs boasting a wealth of knowledge and connection within the areas of fund raising, financial oversight, and corporate governance. Mitch’s position on this board demonstrates his ambition, leadership skills, and his unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. Ability Building Colours has developed numerous innovative products, not least of which is ‘duro paint®’. A standout product in the company’s line, ‘duro paint®’ is known for its durability and environmental friendliness. ‘duro paint®’ differs from others on the market due to its offering of colourful, high-build, durable, inorganic mineral coatings. Available in stipple, matte, and low sheen finishes, ‘duro paint®’ is the most wear-resistant surface coating currently available on the market. What’s more, mineral based ‘duro paint®’ is 100% acrylic polymer modified and reinforced, fireretardant, and water-resistant. This makes ‘duro paint®’ an incredibly advantageous choice for any and all construction projects. ‘duro paint®’ is easy to apply and odour-free, and being weather and traffic wear-resistant, offers durability for decades. It is innovative offerings like this that enable Ability Building Colours to surpass its market peers and deliver truly unique products to its deserving clientele. With no solvents and low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), ‘duro paint®’ can help to improve long-term indoor air quality, making the product not only long-lasting and effective, but also the healthier choice for industry workers. Operating for more than 40 years, Ability Building Colours has developed a loyal clientele base who view the company as the go-to place for their project needs. Many clients have left glowing testimonials detailing the remarkable work undertaken by the company, in addition to the efficacy of its products. “We chose to use Ability Building Colours’ abilox® oxides in all our concrete works; I find them very consistent and even in colour through the concrete,” reports Philip Stray of Crafted Landscapes. “I find the service and advice as Ability Building Colours excellent. The staff are extremely helpful and efficient. A good company to deal with, whether it is for their oxide colours, Geo concrete paint finishes, including ‘duro paint’ in any colour we require, or their admixtures for concrete. Ability Building Colours is a very professional company. Their helpful printed information and their specific verbal advice match their ideal of providing sustainable quality products.” “I was extremely impressed with the range of abilox® oxides that they offered for my mother’s home,” writes Kelly, a client of the company. “We wanted to be able to colour match to a particular colour and they were able to assist us with this. I will definitely recommend them.” Ability Building Colours has displayed an unwavering
5 dedication to quality, be that in its products or in its customer service. The company goes to extreme lengths to exceed customer expectations in everything they do, which begins with the initial product design. With Mitch at its helm, Ability Building Colours continues to be a pioneer in the industry and continues to deliver toptier solutions in the building materials marketplace. For his expert guidance and innovative drive, Mitch has been awarded the title of the Most Innovative Building Materials CEO 2024. Contact: Mitch Barber Company: Ability Building Colours Web Address: https://www.abcolours.com.au
May22239 Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 | 6 At its core, SafeWatch is the company behind a pioneering namesake app that has been meticulously designed to facilitate compassionate care and leave a lasting impact on wellbeing. Much more than your standard smartphone app, SafeWatch instead acts as a companion, creating a safe and secure space that simultaneously enhances the integral human component of care and tackles the stigma that exists around mental health. SafeWatch is the brainchild of Founder & CEO Shane Muller, who officially released the platform to the market in November 2023. Born, raised, and ultimately shaped in Sri Lanka, Shane Muller created SafeWatch from an observation that he had a few years ago. Now living in Australia, Shane noticed that people’s mental wellness was suffering, and he made a public statement declaring his intentions to utilise technology to drive significant positive change in this space. Beginning as simply an idea, the early days of SafeWatch saw it exist as little more than just the nucleus, with no name, logo, or any other defining features to speak of. This was late 2019. The pandemic of 2020 that drove the world into lockdown only reinforced the importance of what Shane was attempting to do, and he spent the year developing the project, based off of the research that he was carrying out concurrently. The sad truth is that the most dire cases of poor mental wellness lead to self-harm and suicide, and the most heartbreaking thing for Shane was that most people around the affected individual say, “I had no idea”. What SafeWatch has subsequently evolved into aims that nobody will ever have to speak this phrase again. SafeWatch achieves this by effectively bridging the gap between medical specialists and patients outside of clinic environments, supporting the former as they devise and implement the necessary interventions for the latter on their journey of discovery and recovery. From guiding a patient through a care and safety plan to allowing them to document the progress between their support and therapy sessions, SafeWatch is a real-time solution that provides the data and the intelligence that matters to help unlock better mental health for all. Beginning in the midst of the pandemic made things more difficult for Shane, who was forced to lead a diverse team of amazing individuals, mental health professionals, and board members all through online channels. It is for this reason that dedication and persistence are two of SafeWatch’s defining anchors to this day, as it was a combination of the two that resulted in the service securing its first patients using the platform in June 2023, ahead of the public launch five months later. A multi-lingual (Chinese) version then followed in May the following year. Despite the encompassing approach to mental health embodied by the platform, which prides itself on being designed for “everybody”, trying to distinguish itself in a market where there are more than 20,000 apps fighting for the top spot means that being unique is paramount. It is for this reason that Shane and the team implemented the “Village Approach to Wellbeing” across their service. This sees the platform grounded in the realistic concept of a close-knit village so that nobody’s mental health goes unnoticed – much like a neighbourhood watch. Aside from the above, there is one further element that truly solidifies SafeWatch as a standout in a market defined by an abundance of choice. By keeping the data of patients totally private, even from the company itself, users of the app can feel entirely secure. As Shane himself explains it, “only the individual person has access to and can control their own data – there is no Big Brother, no big tech, and no big government controlling data.” To their knowledge, they are the only people in this sphere to offer such a feature. Where most apps in the wellness category do just one thing – be it focusing on sleep, diet, yoga, or questionnaires for example – SafeWatch’s comprehensive approach sees it spans more than 15 different capabilities and modules in this field, slowly but surely replacing the endless alternatives as it continues to grow and develop. Appealing to all and doing so in such a secure way that even the UK’s Prime Minister could be using the app and the SafeWatch team would not be unaware, thereby setting a new standard of privacy for everyone’s benefit. For the instrumental role that Founder Shane Muller has played in this project up to this point and continues to do so as the platform gains traction, it is our pleasure to celebrate him with this well deserved award. Contact: Shane Muller Company: SafeWatch www.safewatch.care Best Community, Security & Privacy Solutions CEO 2024: Shane Muller Aug24112
Feb22538 Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 | 7 Every person has the potential to achieve greatness, possessing unique talents and abilities that can enable them to succeed. However, not all of us have been taught to recognise this potential, or to nurture it with hard work and determination. Sometimes, it is about finding the right person to untap that potential, to encourage and motivate us towards greatness. Collins Mayaki is a global mentor dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth, helping individuals achieve their personal and financial aspirations. As the CEO of Wealthy You, Collins has been named in the Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024. Below, we take a closer look at his rise to excellency. Wealthy You is the leading finance broker in Sydney, dedicated to simplifying the home loan process for its discerning clientele. Comprised of experienced mortgage agents and brokers, Wealthy You’s stellar team boasts backgrounds in financial planning, investments, and real estate. Leveraging this experience, the team has solidified an excellent reputation across Sydney for delivering top-tier financial and mortgage solutions. 2024 has been a year of monumental success, both for Wealthy You and for Collins. The Adviser’s Better Business Awards 2024 saw Wealthy You a finalist for the Best Finance Brokerage of 2024, whilst Collins was a finalist for Mentor of the Year 2024. Remarkably, Collins was also a finalist for Mentor of the Year in The Advisor’s Australian Broking Awards 2024. Wealthy You was recognised as the Mortgage Broker of the Year 2024 in Sydney in the Australian Enterprise Awards 2024 held by APAC Insider. A celebrated mentor, Collins Mayaki is a renowned figure within the financial services sector. As the Founder and CEO of Wealthy You, Collins guides the business from strength to strength, delivering exceptional mortgage financing, structuring loan applications, and financial advice services. In addition to the finance sector, Collins also specialises in business optimisation. He draws upon his expertise in financial services to help businesses streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance profitability. A creative visionary, Collins’ greatest motivation is witnessing people achieve their personal and financial aspirations, finding fulfilment in knowing he has aided someone in realising their vision. Extending his mentoring to individuals and aspiring business leaders, Collins utilises his experience to guide them through the process of transforming their ideas into successful ventures. He focuses on facilitating both personal and professional growth for his clients, driving economic growth through the deliverance of innovative business strategies. Collins obtained a Bachelor of Accounting degree from the Western Sydney University, in addition to achieving certification in Banking and Finance and Business Management from TAFE NSW. From the National Finance Institute, Collins has been awarded a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management, as well as a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking. He has held numerous leadership positions as Manager, CEO, and President for many respected companies, including Plug N Play Property, and FBAA. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Collins is the Founder of Automotive Finance Australia and Collins Mayaki Enterprises. A decorated industry professional, Collins has amassed numerous reviews and testimonials. His clients are impressed by his efficacy, his motivation, and his commitment to delivering cuttingedge solutions that transform the lives of many. “I would highly recommend Collins to anyone who is looking to refinance or purchase their new home,” says a client of Wealthy You. “Collins was always professional, helpful, and made it a breeze when it came to refinancing and purchasing my new home.” “Collins has exceptional breadth and depth in all matters financial,” reports his client, an entrepreneur in blockchain analysis. “Collins is a strategic thinker who understands how to create a long-term plan without sacrificing short-term needs. He is always there to provide support, answer my questions, and provide creative insight into my current projects.” “Collins made the process of acquiring a home loan smooth and seamless, explaining every step of the process with in-depth knowledge of the products,” writes a client of the company. “Most importantly, his patience when dealing with someone who lacked the knowledge and understanding of the process required to apply for a home loan. Collins was very professional and showed sincere care for his client’s best interest. I would highly recommend Collins and his team at Wealthy You.” Recognised by APAC Insider as the Best Strategic Growth Focused CEO 2024, Collins Mayaki has demonstrated a keen understanding of what it takes to grow and succeed within a competitive market. An expert within his field, we at APAC Insider look forward to what the future holds for Collins as he continues to reshape the sector through his innovative solutions. Contact: Collins Mayaki Company: Wealthy You Web Address: www.wealthyyou.com.au Best Strategic Growth Focused CEO 2024: Collins Mayaki Jul24725
Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 | 8 In many industries, practicing impeccable hygiene and cleanliness is essential, particularly within the fields of hospitality, industrial, and healthcare. Rhima is an Australian-owned company specialising in energy efficient and ergonomic washing systems that deliver superior results for its clientele. Spearheaded by CEO Antonie Els, Rhima has gone from strength to strength on its mission to optimise and enhance industry hygiene standards. Below, we take a closer look at the company, as Antonie is named in the Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024. Best Equipment Washing Systems CEO 2024: Antonie Els Founded in 1990, Rhima is a market leader in the provision of high quality equipment washing systems geared towards stringently maintaining the hygiene levels of companies within the hospitality, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Since its inception, Rhima has built a solid reputation for offering the total project management of installations of every size, ranging from small catering requirements to complex laboratory and industrial cleaning and disinfecting systems. Bringing together the best equipment available, Rhima represents European specialist manufacturers on the Australasian market. The company will work alongside its clientele to identify their objectives, custom designing the equipment and systems to fulfil their needs. Rhima’s highly specialised solutions will minimise labour and energy costs and address environmental responsibilities, all whilst complying with all health and hygiene standards and the relevant legislations. The company is helmed by CEO Antonie Els, an experienced, driven executive with a demonstrated history of developing and directing operations within the fast-paced environment of the hospitality industry. With an eye for detail and a keen business acumen, Antonie excels at aligning and structuring core business operations, whilst optimising productivity and enhancing ROI for shareholders. Over the course of his career, Antonie has acquired a diverse skillset whilst successfully leading large operations, by using his capabilities in business management, team mentorship and sales & marketing. Antonie’s expertise lies in financial management, strategic development and execution, operations analysis, and project management. As a professional individual, Antonie has combined his extensive operational experience with his education and this has well-prepared him to navigate the complexities of a variety of industries. He is qualified in Club Management, Hospitality Sales and Marketing, and Hotel Management, having obtained certification from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. Additionally, he achieved certification in Agronomy from Pennsylvania State University and is recognised as a Certified Golf Club Manager by the United States Golf Federation. Antonie’s career started at Sun International, where he began as an Operations Manager in 2006, before rising the ranks to the position of Director of Golf Operations in 2009 and eventually serving as an Executive from 2012 onwards. Here, he managed a diverse workforce of 90 employees, learning the intricacies of largescale operations and the business skills needed to achieve both financial success and provide 5-Star customer service. Over the years, Antonie has held numerous management positions at esteemed establishments, including Servest SA, Windross Farm Golf Course, and The Victoria Golf Club. His experience within these positions have not only taught Antonie many managerial skills that are transferrable across industries, but also instilled within him a deep understanding of the hospitality industry. Due to his experience, Antonie has had firsthand experience with the hygienic standards and regulations within the hospitality industry, as well as the varying equipment and requirements across companies. There is no one better suited to guide Rhima towards greatness than Antonie, an ambitious leader driven by a relentless dedication to delivering excellence. Antonie’s illustrious career has enabled him to garner numerous endorsements from previous colleagues, individuals praising his professionalism, drive, and remarkable capabilities. “Mr. Els was a pleasure to work with, as no challenge was ever too great to conquer,” writes Ilse, a Creative Director. “His assertiveness and attention to detail was most admirable.” “He is an astute businessman, a consummate professional, and an absolute master in his field,” states Garry, a Managing Director with whom Antonie worked. “Antonie is a true professional and a stickler for attention to detail,” reports Jane, a Senior Manager who had been Antonie’s client. “You can rest assured that whatever was arranged and agreed upon, will simply be done. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and you know that whatever advice he offers is only at the interest of all parties concerned. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Antonie over the years and hope that our paths cross again!” Such glowing words are a testament to the skilful leadership style Antonie has mastered over the course of his career. He leverages his in-depth understanding of the industry and managerial experience to effectively lead Rhima to marked success. A driven, intuitive individual renowned for delivering exceptional results, Antonie has been recognised as the Best Equipment Washing Systems CEO 2024. Contact Details Contact: Antonie Els Company: Rhima Australia Pty Ltd Web Address: https://www.rhima.com.au Jul24499
Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 | 9 Jul24470 For humans, communication is a crucial element of our every day lives. It is vital for connecting people, building relationships, and sharing ideas between one another. Without it, we would be lost. Technology has the power to transform lives, bridging gaps by opening up new avenues for communication. This has been especially relevant in recent years, as enforced lockdowns limited the ways in which we could communicate and drove a global reliance on technology. As its CEO Opeloyemi Adesina is named in the Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024, we take a look at Fulgo Mobile, a company revolutionising the way we connect and communicate. Founded in 2022, Fulgo Mobile is an industry pioneer with a stellar reputation for delivering cuttingedge telecommunications solutions, smartphone devices, and accessories in Africa. On a mission to become Africa’s largest producer of smartphone devices and accessories, the company has made a commitment to innovation, reliability, and affordability. Catering to the diverse needs of its customers across the continent, Fulgo Mobile strives to enhance their everyday lives, enabling them to stay connected with loved ones, capture unforgettable moments, and access a world of information. The company recognises the potential within smartphones for unlocking opportunities, empowering their users, and driving economic growth. With a team of industry experts, engineers, and creators, Fulgo Mobile has extended its innovation beyond mere devices. True connectivity lies in the seamless integration of hardware, software, and services and so, in alignment with this, Fulgo Mobile has developed an ecosystem of apps, software updates, and customer support that ensures clients have a holistic, hassle-free experience when using its products. The company has designed and developed the remarkable Fulgo E5, a revolutionary leap in smartphone technology. The Fulgo E5 enables users to join the next generation in communication technology by combining powerful performance with a sleek design, earning the prestigious title of Excellence In Fulgo E5 Mobile Device 2024. Fulgo Mobile is helmed by CEO Opeloyemi Adesina, a creative visionary and industry leader. Opeloyemi is a motivated individual, driven by a strong foundation of interpersonal relationships, advanced problem solving capabilities, and the ability to navigate the most complex and time-constrained situations. Under Opeloyemi’s dynamic leadership, Fulgo Mobile has established itself as a market leader. Opeloyemi was instrumental to the expansion of the company into international markets, and in 2023, he facilitated its pre-launch into four new countries, successfully onboarding eight partners from Africa, the UK, Europe, and Australia. His strategical guidance has brought additional value to the company’s products and services, enhancing its global reach and sharpening its competitive edge. Opeloyemi has achieved a Master of Arts in International Relations, International Law, and Human Rights from Deakin University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Studies from Redeemer’s University. There, he additionally held leadership roles as President of the Impact Team and the Transport and Tourism Student Association. Prior to his role as CEO at Fulgo Mobile, Opeloyemi has held numerous leadership positions across various sectors for more than a decade. Such experience has equipped Opeloyemi with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead his team to success. Throughout his career, Opeloyemi has displayed a steadfast commitment to his community, striving to create a positive impact upon society through his work. This is evidenced in his role as Co-Founder of WeCare Teams, a company dedicated to alleviating the suffering of those faced with life-altering health conditions. Furthermore, Opeloyemi’s philanthropic spirit is also visible in his establishment of Run Giants Club, of which he is the Founder and President. Members of the club are encouraged to engage in social, spiritual, career, and personal development programmes and initiatives, with the goal of building a rich and robust network of businesses and career opportunities amongst the members. Through Fulgo Mobile, Opeloyemi hopes to continue building relationships and optimising communication. He leverages his extensive experience in leadership to effectively steer his team down the path of success. Opeloyemi has demonstrated a remarkable dedication delivering excellence, allowing his experiences to guide and strengthen his leadership capabilities. A driven leader dedicated to enhancing the lives of those around him, Opeloyemi displays the level of resilience and passion needed to spearhead such a market leading company as Fulgo Mobile. For his significant contributions, not only to the communications industry but also to his community, Opeloyemi has been deservedly awarded the title of the Most Innovative African Telecommunications CEO 2024. Contact Details Contact: Opeloyemi Adesina Company: Fulgo Mobile Web Address: https://fulgomobile.com.au Most Innovative African Telecommunication CEO 2024: Opeloyemi Adesina & Excellence in Fulgo E5 Mobile Device 2024 Fulgo Mobile
Jan22686 Feb22538 Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 | 10 Australia’s Indigenous children and youth are to this day impacted by the lingering effects of intergenerational disadvantage, and among other statistics, this is reflected in unemployment rates and welfare dependency. Many of these troubles begin with education, wherein Indigenous children lack the support and resources needed to achieve in line with their potential. Ganbina aims to disrupt this unfortunate cycle, taking a holistic approach to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth in their transition through school and into the working world. Ganbina is an Aboriginal run and led charity committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth throughout their education and transitioning into work. Its methods emphasise building modern, in-demand skillsets and addressing problems at their roots, such as by providing accelerated learning programmes to bring academically undeveloped students up to speed. The charity aims to tackle generational suffering in meaningful and longlasting ways, helping these disadvantaged communities gain a foothold in Australia’s employment market. CEO Anthony Cavanagh is a Taungurung person from Victoria. Having lived the firsthand effects of Indigenous people’s suffering, he turned his 20 years of experience in community services to Ganbina in 2013. His unique passion for the plight of Australia’s disadvantaged children and youth forms the heart of the company and reflects the altruism central to the company’s mission. “My own childhood included family violence, abandonment, and homelessness as a teenager. I truly believe the reason I did not end up either in jail or dead during that very difficult period of my life was because I stayed in school and graduated. What I endured as a young person helped me to understand what disadvantage looks like and how education is the key for Indigenous people to overcome generational disadvantage.” Through accelerated learning, one-to-one mentorship, annual education scholarships, its employment academy, and more, Ganbina offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth valuable opportunities to learn, grown, and receive pivotal educational support from age 5 all the way to 25. Team members dedicate their time to helping with CVs, running employment workshops and interview practice, and they help younger children achieve an appropriate level of development for their age range. Its impressive run of Social Ventures Australia reports provides clear insight into the effectiveness of these programmes. “There’s hope for the kids,” says Anthony, “when I first came to Ganbina, the model showed me that we’re creating hope and a positive vision for Indigenous children and youth.” His focus is on steering the organisation from the front, emphasising an authentic, forward-thinking attitude in all staff members, accepting and learning from “what we can’t change from the past.” A background working in community services has prepared Anthony to share his experiences of this past meaningfully and apply them to ensure that Ganbina is helping in the right places and in the right ways. “I had an alcoholic father, and I left that scenario with my mum escaping him with me, my brother and my sister. However, a few years later she started taking drugs. One day, she left home and never came back. Throughout those difficult years, I managed to complete my education and graduate from high school. After that, I went to work, and my first professional services job came with an opportunity to work in government welfare at a boys’ home in the late 80s.” Over the course of Anthony’s role as CEO, he has overseen profound expansion and digital transformation, modernising the charity’s offering and tackling the persistent issue of securing long-term funding. “In the early stages of my time at Ganbina, I found out that a lot of our long-term financial supporters were going to end their relationship with us. These funders provided 40% of our budget and without replacing that money we would have had to shut the doors. Since then, I’ve been able to create more financial stability for our organisation.” As the charity navigates a competitive industry, Ganbina is thankful for its donors and corporate partners. Though it lacks government funding, Anthony expects to improve its competitive edge through digital transformation and the passion behind its shared vision to provide empowerment through programmes for Indigenous children and youth. Under his leadership, it has achieved greater financial stability, improved community visibility, and it intends to expand further and grow into even greater maturity. The charity actively seeks partners and donors to drive that growth, and both Anthony and we at APAC Insider encourage readers to check out its website for themselves and see the transformed Australia of Ganbina’s vision. Contact Details Contact: Anthony Cavanagh Company: Ganbina Web Address: www.ganbina.com.au Youth Mentoring CEO of the Year: Anthony Cavanagh Jul24269
Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024| 11 Jul24227 Created in the hopes of giving the people of Brisbane a little boost to their internal and external wellness, KAILO is a beautiful brand that has spent its years championing luxury through an array of thoughtful and functional products. Backed by science, and enhanced by love, its nutrition and skin selection encourages users to indulge in self-care, without having to drastically disrupt their daily flow. Right at the centre of KAILO, however, is where the magic of the brand was brought to life – a wonderful woman named Kristy Morris. Working alongside co-founder Kath Merlo, Kristy has broken the mould in ways the industry may never have expected, and we’re eager to explore how she did so below. Comprised of the two sister brands KAILO Wellness Medispa and KAILO Nutrition, KAILO is a visionary business that exists to empower Australia’s wellness enthusiasts through a range of nutritional superblends and skincare treatments. Labelled a ‘holistic approach in a luxury setting’ KAILO consistently goes one step further to provide the necessary products needed to elevate one’s wellbeing. Whether you’re suffering from sleep disruptions, or are looking to balance your gut health to reap the benefits doing so brings, KAILO has an assortment of superblends that, when integrated into one’s diet, are able to completely change how your daily life pans out. In doing so, KAILO has quickly become a brand synonymous with luxury wellness. Since it embarked on its ongoing pursuit of improving the lives of people across Australia, the brand has only grown, both in terms of strength and presence. Now, it’s recognised by casual customers and connoisseurs alike for its ability to drastically improve the day-to-day lives of all types of people. This ultimately stems from one crucial element – the resilience of founder and CEO Kristy Morris. Accompanied by her team of 48 exceptional specialists, Kristy is able to continuously develop new and inspired products that are guaranteed to elevate the wellness journey of any customer. To truly understand just how this determination manifested throughout the years, we must turn our attention to Kristy’s previous experiences. Initially, Kristy had found herself excelling in operations and HR roles, granting her invaluable knowledge and – arguably most importantly – connections that would serve her exceptionally well in the years to come. One connection in particular stands out among the rest, being the one she forged with none other than her co-founder Kath Merlo. Both women recognised that, while by no means a straightforward task, Australia needed someone to take the plunge and create a luxury wellness brand that focused on what really matters. In response, the pair teamed up to create KAILO, which has quickly become a worldwide hit in the beauty realm. From the beginning of its story to the chapters it’s writing in the present day, KAILO has been an inclusive entity that’s reflective of its CEO’s passion and dedication. Kristy implements a team-focused attitude into her style of leadership, enabling her to combine the strengths of her people to create something truly special. After all, KAILO is a brand that exists for the people, and Kristy is motivated by this attribute to uplift her team at every opportunity. In doing so, both her and her staff are granted the tools required to develop meaningful products that are specifically crafted to exceed limitations and surpass expectations. Truly, Kristy Morris is an outstanding woman who, as opposed to letting herself fall prey to the intimidation of starting up a luxury wellness brand in such a competitive landscape, inspired both herself and her community to pursue a better tomorrow. The result is, of course, the ever-loved KAILO – a brand whose impact is measured in the lives of those it has touched since its creation. KAILO has become many customers’ solution to their everyday health and wellness concerns, allowing them to get back on track without interruption. Thanks to Kristy, the world has access to a luxury wellness brand unlike any other, and it’s for this very reason that APAC Insider is delighted to honour her as an award-winning woman and CEO alike. Contact: Kristy Morris Company: KAILO Web Address: https://www.kailo.com.au Best Luxury Wellness Brand CEO 2024: Kristy Morris
May22239 Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 | 12 Sitting atop an almost four-decade tenure as both an IT specialist and a mid-level executive, a career which includes a 16-year stint at IBM with a number of international leadership roles, Shaun Crain is today an expert in this field and an individual driven to help clients maximise cutting-edge IT and data. It is this knowledge, as well as a keen interest in motorsport, which resulted in Shaun creating his own start-up, the small Australian business Team Plus Pty Ltd. Few people are able to combine their two great passions into a successful business venture, but this is exactly what Shaun Crain has done with Team Plus, which has seen him leverage his experience with IT hardware and software, as well as his history driving and as a race car engineer, to build this start-up from the ground up. Team Plus today offers a series of entirely unique products, with these spanning both hardware and applications that afford information to motorsport enthusiasts that was previously only available to high-end racing teams. Along with founding the company and serving as its CEO, Shaun is also responsible for designing the hardware of all of its electronics, firmware, and mobile applications, the latter of which see live temperature and pressure monitoring sent directly to a customer’s phone. This is all in addition to Shaun being the company’s leading sales figure, managing the business’ social media accounts, and protecting the intellectual property of this small family enterprise operating out of Canberra, Australia’s capital. Shaun credits his ability to be able to undertake such diverse functions in his business with his being on the autism spectrum, which allows him to learn new skills and then deliver outcomes quickly. Starting in 2016 as an IT consulting practice Team Plus evolved to add the motorsport electronics practice during the COVID19 years. Thus, with Shaun at the helm, Team Plus has quickly been able to establish itself as a pioneer in the field of motorsport electronics solutions. This is something reflected in the industry acclaim it has garnered, most recently at the 2023 SEMA Show. At this prestigious event that attracts motor enthusiasts from across the globe, the business was presented with a duo of coveted awards, the first for having the Best New Performance Racing Product - 2024 and the second a SEMA Global Media Award. On the back of such constant acclaim, the innovative motorsport electronics and sensors on offer from Team Plus are today sold all over the world online, and the company has reseller links across Australia, Africa, and North America. “I looked to adopt flexible and rapid production capabilities to get our designs into the market quickly and be able to produce quality products at low volumes but scale up easily”, explains Shaun. He continues, “I am running a purposely lean organisation, sourcing skills, suppliers, manufacturers, and professional services where needed and keeping the core company employees to a minimal few.” In fact, at any one time, the core Team Plus company has only between one and three employees. With its small size and because the business operates in such a specific niche, difficulties arise with funding and reaching its diverse audience. It is for this reason that Shaun believes resale channels to be the primary customer engagement/sales model looking ahead. “This has been a personally funded enterprise so far, but that needs to now transition to self-sustainability and allow for commercial funding models going forwards”, Shaun explains. It is these challenges with funding that resulted in the lean organisation model discussed above, which Shaun has recognised as being the best way to solidify the future of the business. Aiding Shaun in treading this path is his signature leadership style, which prioritises collaboration but with a follow up of quick decision making and his international experience allows him to deal effectively with varying business cultures across the globe. If 2024 has been all about telling the world that it exists and explaining how products such as CANBus racing sensors for tyre management can help race car drivers and owners, then 2025 is set to be all about pushing into the resale markets of North America, Europe, the UK, and Africa for Team Plus. As for more longterm plans, Shaun’s 5 year outlook aims to have good leaders in place who can guide the business through the next generation as he enters semi-retirement, whilst continuing to contribute to the business’ product engineering and development. Having come an incredibly long way since starting out as a software programmer back in the 1980s, it is our pleasure to celebrate Shaun Crain with this well-deserved award. Contact: Shaun Crain Company: Team Plus Pty Ltd Web Address: https://team-plus.com Best IT Consultancy CEO 2024: Shaun Crain Jul24216
Feb22538 Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 | 13 If you’re a female entrepreneur in the service industry, Samantha Bell is all the support you need to build a stand-out brand. She is the digital marketing guru behind 16th Ave Creative Studio, your one-stop shop for holistic marketing consultancy in Australia. Whether it’s premium Squarespace website design, marketing strategy, or effective conversion copy, if your brand needs a leg-up, Samantha’s services are at your disposal. 16th Ave Creative Studio is Brisbane’s outside the box brand building solution. Tailored exclusively towards female business leaders within the service industry, the company’s approach emphasises conversion, a sleek, attractive online presence, and winning marketing strategy. For those businesses struggling to keep up with today’s ever-evolving marketing needs – or even those which think they’re doing just fine – a free consultation with Founder and Creative Director Samantha Bell is the first step in a journey towards newfound success. So, how exactly can Samantha help you? Her comprehensive services span branding design, website construction, conversionfocused digital marketing, and design templates. She aligns herself with each client’s goals and values, aiming to build authentic connections with their audience through engaging copy, email marketing, and strong branding. Following a free consultation, she presents a custom proposal and transparent quote. Should you decide that 16th Ave Creative Studio is your ticket to a flourishing business, Samantha’s passion brings your brand to life and drives standout conversion. The mantra at 16th Ave is client focus. This means Samantha truly listens. It means your vision is her vision, and it means optimising your assets in a bespoke fashion to drive sales like never before. Those who have worked with her attest to this unique focus on their needs. “You captured our voice and knew exactly what we were trying to say,” lauds one satisfied client, “the copy is fantastic and I love the graphics you whipped up for us.” Others call Samantha a “highly skilled researcher” and feel that she cares about their business “like it’s her own.” “We ADORE the creative process of branding, writing, and web design. We’re quite frankly a little obsessive about aesthetics and creating a rich design that perfectly presents your vision and brand to your dream clients.” Samantha’s vision isn’t solely to help businesses, however, it is also to empower the women behind them, and nothing exemplifies this better than 16th Ave Creative Studio’s startup success programme. This expert-led business course is about building a highly valuable platform for women starting their founder’s journey in the service industry, establishing aspiring female business owners in Brisbane and beyond with Squarespace website templates, copywriting and document templates, an email marketing setup, and more. These services include start-up coaching and everything else a woman needs to establish her business with high and immediate impact. If you’re seeking a way into the service industry and the right marketing consultant, 16th Ave offers precisely what you’re after. Samantha’s business, in her own words, is “building brilliant brands,” and she stands among market leaders at both achieving this from scratch and getting the best out of established companies. For digital marketing consultancy in Brisbane and beyond, 16th Ave Creative Studio is the budding female entrepreneur’s ideal solution. Its transparent, experience-backed, and holistic services drive effective lead conversion and the online presence you’re striving for. Her voice is your voice, and with it, she teaches you how best to speak to your audience. For a taste of the expertise behind 16th Ave’s mission, Samantha’s podcast, Brilliant Business Beautiful Life is a tremendous resource for new and established business owners. It speaks to the “actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and practices you need to make your business thrive.” We at APAC Insider are proud to include Samantha among our esteemed winners, and we look forward to watching 16th Ave Creative Studio grow and Australia’s female entrepreneurs along with it. Visit her website now and take your first step to becoming one of them. Contact: Samantha Bell Company: 16th Avenue Creative Studio Web Address: www.16thavecreative.com Digital Marketing CEO of the Year (Queensland): Samantha Bell Jul24723
Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024 | 14 Established in 2005, Reventon is a company dedicated to helping Australians create and grow their real estate wealth. Whether you are a first-time investor or already own an established property portfolio, Reventon’s team of financial experts provide exceptional support in building and protecting your wealth through real estate investments. Here, we speak with CEO Chris Christofi following his recognition in the Australian CEO Excellence Awards 2024. Best Holistic Wealth Planning CEO 2024: Chris Christofi Based in Melbourne, Reventon offers a complete range of property and financial services to a diverse client base. The company holds a leading industry position due to its relentless focus on ensuring the success of its clients through holistic, solution-based financial services for families looking to build, protect, and preserve their wealth for generations to come. As the CEO and Founder of Reventon, Chris Christofi leads the company in its mission to prioritise client success. He places a firm emphasis on upskilling and continuous improvement, inspired by the Kaizen philosophy. This is evident through initiatives such as the Harvard ManageMentor course completed by the management team, and regular Lunch and Learn sessions. Through this, Chris has instilled a reverence for growth as one of the core values of Reventon’s company culture, driving the team to continually improve and innovate. Since the age of ten, Chris has been immersed in developing key skills in sales, communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership from a young age. He began his journey in sales and gained valuable experience in various roles, from selling raffle tickets to working with people in diverse industries. “Surrounding myself with successful people and mentors has been crucial to my development,” Chris tells us. “These experiences have provided me with the transferable skills needed to lead a company – skills such as strategic thinking, the ability to connect with people, and the drive to achieve longterm success. These skills have enabled me to build Reventon from the ground up and continue to guide the company towards a prosperous future.” Under Chris’s leadership, Reventon’s strategy revolves around continuous growth and building a strong team of talented individuals. The company adopts a solution-based approach to every challenge and opportunity and remains true to these principles. In doing so, it has built a business that is dynamic, client-focused, and always striving for excellence. Building a successful business has not come without its challenges; from finding the right people at the right time to managing cash flow during periods of rapid scaling, Chris has faced numerous obstacles. Dealing with both personal a nd professional hurdles, he has had to show resilience and persistence. “I view every challenge as an opportunity to evolve,” he says. “You never lose; you only learn. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside amazing people, mentors, and team members who have helped me navigate these challenges and emerge stronger, faster, and more efficient.” Looking ahead, Chris plans to continue growing and scaling Reventon, offering more opportunities for growth to his team. Throughout 2024, the company aims to consolidate its achievements and take on new joint ventures, including partnerships with property management firms in other states. Chris continues to keep one eye on the future, striving for continuous growth in everything that he does. A dynamic and experienced professional, Chris has steered Reventon from strength to strength, a successful endeavour that has earned him the title of Best Holistic Wealth Planning CEO 2024. Company: Reventon Web Address: https://reventon.com.au Aug24271
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