Q) What advice would you give to someone submitting an entry for the first time?

A) My advice to those submitting an entry for the first time:

Make it personal: The entries that stand out are those with authenticity and give me an insight into the importance of the award to the candidate. It should matter so make me believe that as a judge.

Take care to respond to the brief: Too many candidates who may be the most deserving fall short because it is not clear they have listened and understood the judging criteria. Have empathy for how the judges will review this and give no reason to be marked down for lack of attention to the criteria.

Be Inspiring: The categories are there to showcase talent and inspiration. Show how you have developed and how you have brought the best out of your colleagues upwards and downwards to your role.

Q) Why do you think awards like this are important for the industry?

A) The hallmark of these awards since their inception has, for me, been the freshness and the opportunity to reset the perception of industry awards. Rather than a tired, tried and tested format which perpetuates the perception that our industry has not changed to embrace societal change and diversity, we have awards that genuinely matter to the participant and are a celebration of behaviours and success. Positive role models encourage confidence and bravery in our industry and these awards are a brilliant catalyst for that. They are for all genders and all backgrounds to participate in but need the oxygen of industry support to grow. Let’s keep up the momentum.