The new faces of Pause Awards in business and the product officers

These are the final few impressive profiles of the Pause Awards 2023 judges. From tech titans at Amazon and fintech wizards at Wisr to sustainability trailblazers and equity leaders, discover the mavens driving innovation and creativity.

The Pause Awards ‘23, in partnership with VicGov, is open for entries until 1st September. The Late Entry deadline is this Friday 1 September, at midnight AEST. The big one!

The Pause Awards aren’t merely a testament to innovation and brilliance; they’re about celebrating the minds that dare to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. As we gear up for the most anticipated recognition ceremony of 2023, we spotlight the last batch of judges who hail from two distinct tribes: The ‘Remarkable Product Heads‘ and the ‘Executive Legends‘. 

These individuals have carved their niche, be it in world-leading brands like Amazon and OMD or in sustainable ventures like evee. Let’s delve deeper into the lives of these visionaries who stand as the torchbearers of excellence and creativity in the Australian business landscape.

Fabio Oliveira, the National Innovation Manager at Kmart Australia, has been the pulse behind integrating novel innovation practices within household brands, creating ripples of transformation from WorkSafe Victoria to Kmart. He stands as a testament to how large-scale corporations can embrace agility and innovation.

Founder and CEO Judy Sahay, the dynamo behind Crowd Media, leverages her expansive influence to seamlessly meld brands and consumers. With a reputation that extends to being named Australia’s Top 50 Influencer, she has time and again shattered the glass ceiling, inspiring many in her wake.

Adding a financial acumen to our panel is Partner Eric Boone from Madison Marcus. With a meticulous eye for sustainable developments and strategic finance, his international prowess has made waves from the US to APAC.

Kirsty Dare, the COO of evee, is not just a leader; she’s an advocate. Her dedication towards catalysing the adoption of electric vehicles coupled with her passion for sustainability sketches the blueprint for a green future. Through her roles, she shapes the very discourse around conscious capitalism and sustainable enterprise.

Representing the quintessential blend of entrepreneurship, design, and investment is Kate O’Keeffe. As a Board Member at Birchal, her journey from the bustling lanes of Silicon Valley to being a voice for Australia’s crowd-sourced equity funding is nothing short of inspiring.

Tanya Christie wears the hat of the Chief Operating Officer at Fullstack Advisory with aplomb. As someone who stands at the intersection of tax and tech, her vision is steering one of Australia’s premier accounting firms dedicated to the modern, tech-driven enterprises.

Then, there’s Yi Hsia Koh, the Managing Director of Kit, whose app resonates with the future – instilling financial literacy in kids. Her portfolio, rich with ventures spanning from healthcare to investment, reflects her versatility.

Ben Berger, Chief Product Officer at Wisr, is the mind behind some of the most groundbreaking software and online products that have shaped fintech landscapes across three continents.

Kate Gooden‘s role as the Head of Product for Amazon Alexa ANZ underscores her commitment to redefining our interactions with AI and smart devices, bringing to the table two decades of experience in crafting unmatched digital experiences.

Lastly, Penny Shell, the Chief Product Officer at OMD Australia, brings to the panel a legacy of global acclaim for her media campaigns and an award-winning strategy prowess that has earned her accolades such as B&T’s 2021 Women in Media Award for Strategy.

Together, these titans of industry will illuminate the Pause Awards ‘23, upholding its legacy of recognising and rewarding unbridled innovation and creativity.

Pause Awards ‘23

Pause Awards recognises the most ambitious and effective companies in Australia, powered by over 60 independent senior experts who set an industry benchmark for evaluation criteria annually. We take a more holistic approach to awards, by entering your breakthrough moment we measure how ambitious and effective your company is. And from this year, how investable you might be!