Outstanding Leadership Awards

Awards that matter.

The Outstanding Leadership Awards are the embodiment of a dream that commenced more than 20 years ago when we began working to help organisations and individuals achieve their leadership potential. These awards are about championing those who lead authentically with their values every day, and strive to replicate.

These are leaders and organisations that are changing the face of leadership and it’s important that we celebrate and honour them. By demonstrating and rewarding these leaders, we are encouraging them now, and in the future, to strive to epitomise these values and to be great examples for generations to come.

2025 Outstanding Leadership Awards

2025 Award Key Dates

Nominations Open

Recommend someone, or nominate yourself in any one of the award categories.

Nominations Close

Full application must be submitted before nominations close and shortlist judging will commence.

Finalists Announced

We will announce all finalists in each of the award categories and Judges will begin scoring finalists applications.

Winners Announced

Winners will be announced and invited to join the exclusive networking evening to recognise and celebrate their outstanding leadership.

Winners Networking Night

We will host a networking evening for our Winners, Partners and Judges to attend in Brisbane.

2025 Partners

Karan & Co- Construction

Karan & Co- Construction, Infrastructure & Transport

Karan & Co. specialises in executive search and on-demand contracting within the construction, infrastructure, and transport markets, leveraging an award-winning, candidate-centric model. Their success is driven by a strong commitment to living their values and building trusted relationships with clients who share them.

Karan & Co. focuses on Client Obsession, ensuring they reflect their clients’ needs by delivering top talent for the best roles. They also provide on-demand high-calibre contractors and on-hire embedded resourcing support, helping clients quickly scale for project wins and mobilisation. Through regular account management meetings, transparent processes, and consistent communication, they foster partnerships that prioritise quality, trust, and long-term success. Their rigorous approach ensures they consistently identify high-calibre candidates, never settling for anything less than excellence.

2025 Award Categories

View each of the award categories below. Further details of each category available soon.
Outstanding Organisation

2024 Award Winners

Congratulations to this years Outstanding Leadership Awards Winners

Rachael Cook – Inclusee

Outstanding Leader of the Year

Yasmine Edlin – CPB

Women in Infrastructure

Fiona Holmstrom – STEM Punks

Women in STEM

Lisa Hellwege – Earworx

SME Business Leader

Tanya Smith – Transit Systems

Executive Leader - Highly Commended

Pamela Bishop – Blooms the Chemist

Executive Leader

Angus Crowther – Tanck

Entrepreneur / Start Up Leader

Sarah Korin – Travel & Leisure Co International

Emerging Leader

Inclusee Experiences Team

Courageous Team - Highly Commended

Local Indigenous Cultural Recovery Advisor (LICRA Team)

Courageous Team

Blueline Laundry

Courageous Organisation - Highly Commended

Kapitol Group

Courageous Organisation

Georgina Whelan – Icon Group

Courageous Leader

Alison Covington AM – Good360 Australia

Community Leader

Rachael Cook – Inclusee

CEO / MD of the Year

Glenn McKay – Medical Rescue

CEO / MD of the Year - Highly Commended

The Leadership News Room - In The Media

Your gateway to the latest and most exciting developments surrounding our prestigious awards program. Here, we keep you informed and inspired as we celebrate outstanding leaders who are making a significant impact on their respective fields and communities.

The Big Smoke

Leadership Series: In conversation with Paul Scurrah

The Big Smoke

Leadership Series: In conversation with Kylie Ward

The Big Smoke

Leadership Series: In conversation with Michael Morgan

Sonia McDonald

Women Love Tech

Why the Outstanding Leadership Awards is Fast Becoming a New Australian Influential Award Ceremony

Enquire about Partnerships