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Judges

Apply to judge

Do you have the eye to spot excellence to recognise the real success?

If so, we want you to join our all-star panel of judges from Google, Mastercard, AWS, Birchal, Medibank and The Guardian to name a few.

We’re searching for the crème de la crème experts to judge business performance of Australia’s most ambitious and innovative companies. If this is you, get in touch.

Judging Board

Why judge

Together we shape the future.

Joining the Pause Awards as a judge places you among an elite circle of industry leaders, where you’ll amplify your authority and gain insights from Australia’s top innovations. With a commitment of 8-10 hours between 21 Sep and 24 Oct 2024, you’ll help shape the future of innovation.

Benefits include a profile page, content opportunities, event speaking roles, and exclusive networking, with a chance to attend the Awards Night. Apply now to contribute your expertise and discover groundbreaking achievements.

Testimonials

“We have very spirited debates (honestly, bordering on arguments) about the entries. All the judges really care and get very passionate about the companies they want to win.”
Sonia Clarke
Principal, Clever Manka
“It’s exciting to celebrate those making a real impact, beyond traditional metrics.”
Fabio Oliveira
National Innovation Manager, Kmart Australia + Target
“You make the experience so enjoyable. I know how much work happens in the background to steer this community, thank you for your blood, sweat and tears! It’s important work.”
– Jocelin Abby
Director of Growth, The Guardian ANZ
“Innovation is at the heart of every great company, excited to see who is taking the next leap.”
Sam Ayre
Brand Marketing Lead. Medibank
“It is so exciting to bring a spotlight to the movers and shakers out there, hustling to be different and finding emerging problems to solve. Being a part of that is incredibly fulfilling!”
Michael Zyla
Director – Retail & Commerce, Mastercard
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Judging panel

Alan Kirszner, Head of Design and Innovation, July

Alan Kirszner

July
Albert Mai | Pause Awards Judges

Albert Mai

Simply Wall St
Amir Ansari, Global Head of Product Design, Iress

Amir Ansari
Andrew Farrell | Pause Awards Judges

Andrew Farrell

Netambition
Andy Rosic, Metaplex

Andy Rosic

Metaplex Studios
Angus Tait Principal Product Designer, Xero

Angus Tait

Xero
Aniyo Rahebi Co-CEO & Director, Good-Edi

Aniyo Rahebi

Good-Edi
Anna Lee Human Centred Design Principal, Leading Insight

Anna Lee

Leading Insight
Annette Densham

Annette Densham

The Audacious Agency
Antonia Grimard | Pause Awards Judges

Antonia Grimard

AOK Creative
Ashleigh Gardiner | Pause Awards Judges

Ashleigh Gardiner

My Muscle Chef
Ben Bars, We are unity, Ceo

Ben Bars

We Are Unity
Ben Berger, Chief Product Officer, Wisr

Ben Berger

Wisr
Ben Flint Principal, Supernormal Agency

Ben Flint

Supernormal Agency
Ben Ford, Frollo, Head of Growth, Fintech

Ben Ford

Tiimely
Ben Peterson | Pause Awards Judges

Ben Peterson

IBM

Brendan Murphy

New Will Tech Holdings Pty Ltd
Brian Borowsky Advisor and Mentor, Brian Borowsky

Brian Borowsky

Hive Growth
Bryan Williams

Bryan Williams

Hockey Stick Advisory
Callum Fitzhardinge | Pause Awards Judges

Callum Fitzhardinge

Media.Monks

Campbell Unsworth

Query Law
Carolyn Breeze | Pause Awards Judge

Carolyn Breeze

Zepto
Cass Mackenzie | Pause Awards Judge

Cass Mackenzie

Storyfolk
Chloe Leclerc, Fleet Space Technologies

Chloe Leclerc

Fleet Space Technologies
Chris Jeffares | Pause Awards Judge

Chris Jeffares

Safari

Christian Robertson

Treble Digital
Christina Gerakiteys | Pause Awards Judge

Christina Gerakiteys

WAVIA
Daniel Sparkes | Pause Awards Judge

Daniel Sparkes

Bullfrog
David Constantine Principal & Director, Design, Ellis Jones

David Constantine

Ellis Jones
Davy Rennie | Pause Awards Judges

Davy Rennie

Tribal DDB
Doug Rathbone, CTO, Airtasker

Doug Rathbone

Airtasker
Ed Pullen, Head of Growth, Marmalade

Ed Pullen

Marmalade
Emile Rademeyer Executive Director, Creative Strategy, VANDAL

Emile Rademeyer

VANDAL
Eneko Bilbao Principal Solution Architect, Amazon Web Services

Eneko Bilbao

Amazon Web Services
Eric Boone

Eric Boone

Madison Marcus
Evan Davey, VP Growth, APAC & Partner, DEPT®

Evan Davey

DEPT®
Fabio Oliveira National Innovation Manager, Kmart Australia

Fabio Oliveira

Kmart Australia
Frankie Layton, CEO & Founder, The Dirt Company

Frankie Layton

The Dirt Company
Gilbert Guaring, Pause Awards Judge

Gilbert Guaring

Urban Art Projects
Harini Janakiraman | Pause Awards Judge

Harini Janakiraman

Rowy
India Gad Marketing Manager, Shipeezi

India Gad

Shipeezi
Irene Lemon | Pause Awards Judges

Irene Lemon

Irene Lemon

Irfan Malik

INQ Innovation Global
Jacs Fisher | Pause Awards Judges

Jacqui Fisher

By Jacs
Jake Booker, Director, Antler

Jake Booker

Antler
James Callahan CEO, Forever

James Callahan

Forever
James Stewart | Pause Awards Judge

James Stewart

Loyal VC
Jason Perelson | Pause Awards Judges

Jason Perelson

Synergy Group
Jocelin Abbey Director of Growth, The Guardian AU/NZ

Jocelin Abbey

The Guardian AU/NZ
Jodette Cleary Chief People & Culture Officer, hipages Group

Jodette Cleary

hipages Group
Joel Connolly | Pause Awards Judges

Joel Connolly

Blackbird
Joel Hanna Global Projects Lead - Sustainability / Founder, Xero / Big Little Brush

Joel Hanna

Big Little Brush
Joseph Badr Founder/CEO, Dsmile

Joseph Badr

Dsmile
Josh Howard | Pause Awards Judge

Josh Howard

Single Use Ain’t Sexy
Juan Ciapessoni | Pause Awards Judges

Juan Ciapessoni

The Electric Factory
Judy Sahay Founder, CEO, CROWD MEDIA GROUP

Judy Sahay

Crowd Media Group
Jules Brooke | Pause Awards Judges

Jules Brooke

She’s The Boss and Handle Your Own PR
Julie Demsey | Pause Awards Judges

Julie Demsey

Julie Demsey Hypnotherapy & Coaching
Julie Stevanja, Co-Founder, Her Black Book

Julie Stevanja

Her Black Book
Kate Gooden, Head of Product, Amazon Alexa ANZ, Amazon

Kate Gooden

Amazon
Kate Thompson, Strategy & Innovation Director, Hardie Grant Media

Kate Thompson

Hardie Grant Media
Kellie Morton Chief Legal Officer & Director, Birchal

Kellie Morton

Birchal
Kirsty Dare Job Title: COO, evee

Kirsty Dare

evee
Lalitha Wemel | Pause Awards Judges

Lalitha Wemel

Techstars
Lauren Barber CEO, NeedleCalm

Lauren Barber

NeedleCalm
Laurent Marcus | Pause Awards Judges

Laurent Marcus

Special Group
Lee Tonitto | Pause Awards Judges

Lee Tonitto

Tonitto and Partners
Lucy Lin | Pause Awards Judges

Lucy Lin

Forestlyn
Makenzie Thomas | Pause Awards Judge

Makenzie Thomas

MedTech Actuator
Mark Davis, Today, Director

Mark Davis

Today
Melinda Podesta

Melinda Podesta

Kollektive
Melissa Voderberg

Melissa Voderberg

Publicis Sapient
Michael Zyla Director - Retail & Commerce , Mastercard

Michael Zyla

Mastercard
Monique Alvis, Innovation Specialist, Microsoft

Monique Alvis

Microsoft
Nathan Connors, Director of Product, Granicus

Nathan Connors

Granicus
Nathaniel Diong | Pause Awards Judges

Nathaniel Diong

Future Minds Network
Nick Hoskin, Pause Awards Judge

Nick Hoskin

Something™
Nicole Scherer | Pause Awards Judge

Nicole Scherer

Artgeist
Nicole Tj | Pause Awards Judges

Nicole Tj

Travis
Nikki Shah Founder, MyMuse

Nikki Shah

MyMuse
Nima Idel, Head of Product Growth, Loopit.co

Nima Idel

Loopit.co
Paola Rocchetti | Pause Awards Judge

Paola Rocchetti

Void N’ Disorder
Patrick Tam, Head of Digital Experience Design, Westpac

Patrick Tam

Westpac
Penelope Barr | Pause Awards Judges

Penelope Barr

BeautifulAgile
Penelope Shell, Chief Product Officer, OMD Australia

Penelope Shell

OMD Australia
Peter Bakker | Pause Awards Judges

Peter Bakker

Unhedged
Peter Brennan, Heaps Norman and Analogue Digital

Peter Brennan

Heaps Normal
Phil Ore | Pause Awards Judges

Phil Ore

25eight
Roberto Daniele Senior Programmer at Startspace

Roberto Daniele

Startspace – SLV
Robyn Wilson, Founder & Head of Strategy, SUPERORA

Robyn Wilson

Superora
Rupert de Paula | Pause Awards Judge

Rupert de Paula

SEIKK
Sali Sasi, Co-founder, Her Black Book

Sali Sasi

Her Black Book
Sarah Greenan, Strategic Partnerships & Growth Manager, B&T

Sarah Greenan

B&T
Sarah Gross | Pause Awards Judges

Sarah Gross

Storyfolk
Sergio Brodsky Principal and Founder, Surge Advisory

Sergio Brodsky

Landor & Fitch
Shamila Gopalan, HewWit co-founder

Shamila Gopalan

HerWit
Shelin David | Pause Awards Judge

Shelin David

CFOWorx
Sonia Clarke

Sonia Clarke

Clever Manka
Stephen Foxworthy | Pause Awards Judges

Stephen Foxworthy

Accenture Song
Steve Coochin | Pause Awards Judges

Steve Coochin

Lumigo

Apply to judge

Apply to judge

Category tracks

The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business's strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company's ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.

Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.

Categories

  • Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.

  • Large team culture

    Honours organisations with 1000+ employees that lead the way in nurturing a dynamic and innovative work environment.

  • Medium team culture

    Recognises mid-sized companies (21-999 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.

  • Small team culture

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 20 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.

  • Work sweet work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.

  • Company of the Year

    Celebrating a standout company known for exemplary leadership, resilience, and strategic vision, underpinned by robust plans for future growth.

  • Defiant ones

    Recognising firms that lead technological breakthroughs, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.

  • Hammer

    Acknowledging companies that have carved their success path in the market, defining success on their own terms.

  • I wish I'd done that

    Applauding ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.

  • On the rise

    Celebrating early-stage startups that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.

  • Prodigy

    Recognising young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.

  • Singularity

    Highlighting AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.

  • Women in business

    Celebrating female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.

  • B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.

  • Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.

  • Going green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.

  • You've got ethics

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.

  • Design first

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.

  • Great pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.

  • Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.

  • New model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.

  • Out of the garage

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.

  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, setting new standards for success.

  • Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who've significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.

  • C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.

  • Down under

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.

  • Ecosystem star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.

  • Future builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who've embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.

  • Silent achiever

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.

  • TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.

  • Venture cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia's economic growth.

  • Champion

    Awarded to a single entry in all five Category Track, Champion is the top accolade from all categories in that track. To win the Champion, you need to be at Grand Prix level or score the most points.

  • Diamond

    Awarded to a best-in-show, Diamond is the highest accolade at Pause Awards. To win the Diamond, you need to be one of the five Champion winners.

  • Grand Prix

    Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

Drag

Category tracks

The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business's strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company's ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.

Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.

Categories

  • Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.

  • Large team culture

    Honours organisations with 1000+ employees that lead the way in nurturing a dynamic and innovative work environment.

  • Medium team culture

    Recognises mid-sized companies (21-999 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.

  • Small team culture

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 20 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.

  • Work sweet work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.

  • Company of the Year

    Celebrating a standout company known for exemplary leadership, resilience, and strategic vision, underpinned by robust plans for future growth.

  • Defiant ones

    Recognising firms that lead technological breakthroughs, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.

  • Hammer

    Acknowledging companies that have carved their success path in the market, defining success on their own terms.

  • I wish I'd done that

    Applauding ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.

  • On the rise

    Celebrating early-stage startups that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.

  • Prodigy

    Recognising young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.

  • Singularity

    Highlighting AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.

  • Women in business

    Celebrating female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.

  • B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.

  • Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.

  • Going green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.

  • You've got ethics

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.

  • Design first

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.

  • Great pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.

  • Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.

  • New model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.

  • Out of the garage

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.

  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, setting new standards for success.

  • Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who've significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.

  • C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.

  • Down under

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.

  • Ecosystem star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.

  • Future builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who've embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.

  • Silent achiever

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.

  • TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.

  • Venture cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia's economic growth.

  • Champion

    Awarded to a single entry in all five Category Track, Champion is the top accolade from all categories in that track. To win the Champion, you need to be at Grand Prix level or score the most points.

  • Diamond

    Awarded to a best-in-show, Diamond is the highest accolade at Pause Awards. To win the Diamond, you need to be one of the five Champion winners.

  • Grand Prix

    Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

Pause Awards launch on 15 May 2024!
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