Meet even more judges and why they love Pause Awards

The Pause Awards 2024 continue to be a beacon of innovation and excellence, bringing together some of the most distinguished professionals across various sectors.

This year, we are excited to introduce 45 judges from Microsoft, Wisr, Frog and Monash University to name a few in this group. These individuals, both returning and new, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Let’s get to know them and understand why they are excited to judge this year.

Meet the Judges:

Nikki Shah – Founder and CEO, MyMuse (Returning)
Nikki transitioned from a semi-pro tennis player and physiotherapist to the Founder and CEO of MyMuse. As a mother, outback rally car driver, and board member, she thrives on challenges and making a difference in people’s lives, even starting her own charity to provide clean water in Africa. Nikki says, “It is a great opportunity to see new and upcoming businesses that are making an impact in the world for the amazing work they are doing.”

Sergio Brodsky – Brand and Foresight Strategist (Returning)
Sérgio Brodsky is an internationally experienced and award-winning brand and foresight consultant, returns to the judging panel. Sergio says, “To be at the cusp of real-world innovation, surrounded by people creating and seizing the future, is truly exciting.”

Anna Lee – Design Manager, Frog, part of Capgemini Invent (Returning)
Anna is a multidisciplinary Human-Centred Design and Innovation Leader. She utilises her background in Behavioural Economics to create new solutions to complex problems across various industries both domestically and internationally. Anna believes that “We need more success stories of companies and organisations that place their true value and focus on the impact they have on their customers and their people.”

Marion Burchell – Managing Director, Azolla Holdings (New)
Marion is renowned for her expertise in strategy, innovation and change in the public and private sectors. She shares, “The Pause Awards showcase the ingenuity and advancement of Australians solving everyday problems that have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Seeing the extraordinary companies and individuals live their purpose by giving them the opportunity to create transformation through the awards.”

Karl Svacic – Digital Product Lead, Coles Group (New)
Karl has been developing digital products and innovation capabilities, innovation capability, and high-performing teams for over 15 years. He remarks, “It is an amazing opportunity to connect and learn from some amazing organisations and individuals, while celebrating their achievements, resilience to drive change, and all the positive impacts they make in the process.”

William McCahey – Partner, Think & Grow (New)
William, a partner at Think & Grow, brings his experience from the UK, Europe and Asia. He says, “I’m always excited to learn about projects driving growth and innovation in Victoria, Australia, and beyond. As a judge for the Pause Awards, I hope to play a small part in representing and supporting local companies to showcase best-in-class innovation.”

Adam Ryan – Professor Innovation and Start Ups, Monash University (New)
Adam Ryan brings over 27 years of startup experience from Australia to California. As a founding executive at SEEK, his expertise spans leadership in high-growth environments, consistently driving innovation and success in the tech sector. He shares, “It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the latest innovators and innovations who are breaking new ground and driving significant advancements, and being a part of this process not only fuels my passion for innovation but also provides a platform to share insights and promote excellence within the startup ecosystem.”

Caroline Shawyer – Founder and CEO, The PR Group (New)
Caroline is a global communications executive with over 20 years of experience, specialising in corporate communications, messaging, and narrative development.. She states, “Seeing firsthand the impact these entrants have on the Australian economy and their ability to innovate is truly inspiring. But it’s not just about the awards themselves; it’s also about being part of a dynamic community of individuals who are all passionate about pushing boundaries and supporting each other.”

Monique Alvis – AI Apps Design Lab, Microsoft (Returning)
Monique has spent the past nine years bridging the worlds of business innovation, design and technology, working with some of Australia’s and the world’s largest organisations to design and implement emerging technologies and award-winning experiences. She is excited to “Recognise and celebrate the dynamic calibre of our flourishing tech and innovation ecosystem and the people who make it. Pause has always been a home for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in Australia. “

Ben Berger – Chief Product Officer, Wisr (Returning)
Ben has been building software and online products for over 20 years across three continents. From start-ups to IBM. Ben looks forward to “discovering and celebrating some of the great and innovative things going on in our community. There is so much creative local talent and it’s going to be fun to be part of it!”

Angus Tait – Product Design Director, Xero (Judging Board)
Angus is an accomplished design leader with over 20 years of experience designing for a diverse range of businesses and is a valued member of the Judging Board. He is excited to “celebrate the accomplishments of Australians making a positive impact on the world through innovative design and creative business practice.”

Cassandra Diaz – Chief Operating Officer, Tank Stream Labs (New)
Cass blends 10+ years of operational savvy with a genuine passion for fostering vibrant tech communities. As someone deeply invested in fostering technological advancement and entrepreneurial spirit, She said “Being part of this process allows me to witness firsthand the groundbreaking ideas and solutions shaping our future.”

These judges bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives, ensuring that the Pause Awards 2024 will be a fair and comprehensive evaluation from the best minds in Australian innovation.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we approach the awards ceremony. Together, we break through!

For more information on the judges and the awards, visit the Pause Awards Judges Page.