What makes a great leader? Is it vision? Resilience? The ability to spark change – or stay steady when everything around them shifts?
Ask this year’s judges of The CEO Magazine’s 2025 Executive Year of the Awards – Australia and you’ll get a range of answers. But one thing they can all agree on? Great leadership in Australia today looks a lot less like ‘command and control’ and a lot more like courage, authenticity and impact.
Now in its 14th year, the awards continue to celebrate those who are redefining what leadership means not only by the numbers but also by the lives they influence, the teams they empower and the industries they transform.
“We created these awards to recognize the kind of leadership that makes a lasting difference – the bold, purpose-driven leadership that lifts companies and communities alike,” says Chris Dutton, Founder of The CEO Magazine. “Each year, the entries continue to raise the bar.”
To recognize these leaders, we’ve assembled a judging panel of some of the country’s most respected executives who’ve walked the path themselves and know what it genuinely takes to lead – and lead well.
This year’s judging panel comprises:
Resident Judges
• Anna Dutton: Co-Founder and Executive Director, The CEO Magazine
• Chris Dutton: Founder, The CEO Magazine
• John Karagounis: CEO and Executive Chair, The CEO Circle
Guest Judges
• Jason Price: President and CEO, NEC Australia and New Zealand
• Colleen Callander: Founder, Callander & Co
• James Thornton: CEO, Intrepid Travel
• Christian Stevens: CEO and Co-Founder, Flint & Farmers Finance Australia
• Jose Da Silva: Group CEO and Executive Director, Wilson Group
• Louise Baxter: CEO and Executive Director, Starlight Children’s Foundation
With 11 award categories spanning industries from banking and finance to construction, healthcare, not-for-profit, media and more, the judges are tasked with selecting a winner in each sector based on six key themes.
Recognition matters
In a world where headlines often center on profit margins and job cuts, the Executive of the Year Awards offers a welcome reprieve, celebrating the leaders making a lasting, positive impact.
“In uncertain times, business leaders have a responsibility to create trust and certainty in their people and customers, and we need to constantly demonstrate why we deserve that trust,” says Thornton, who took home the coveted title of 2024’s Overall Best CEO of the Year.
“There are so many examples of poor governance in companies; it’s important to share and celebrate those leaders and businesses who are working hard and achieving results for all their stakeholders. We also need more innovation and inspiration, and these awards showcase those companies that truly are doing things differently.”
“It’s important to share and celebrate those leaders and businesses who are working hard and achieving results for all their stakeholders.”
- James Thornton
Having experienced the awards from both sides, Callander knows the impact of the Executive of the Year Awards firsthand.
“As a past award recipient and as a judge on many occasions, I know firsthand the incredible sense of pride, connection and impact that being recognized can create,” she says.
“These awards don’t just celebrate leadership; they inspire individuals, energize teams and encourage leaders to keep pushing boundaries and making a difference.”
And newcomer judge Price says the awards are a testament to great leadership in action.
“The Executive of the Year Awards shine a light on what good leadership looks like in practice – not just in profit, but in culture, impact and progress,” he says.
“These awards ensure we make time to recognize and amplify the stories of individuals making a real difference across sectors. Recognition matters. It fuels momentum, ambition and a sense of shared progress.”
Great leadership in action
When asked what sets exceptional leaders apart, the judges are quick to point out it’s not just about numbers, title or accolades. Instead, it’s about how they show up day after day.
“What really sets exceptional leaders apart today is their ability to make a real impact,” Anna says. “They’re not just focused on profits – they’re driving change, building great cultures and making a difference beyond their own business.
“Even more, they lead with purpose, think long-term and inspire the people around them to do their best work.”
Karagounis, who has judged the awards since their inception, echoes those sentiments.
“Every year, I’m reminded that great leadership is about far more than bottom-line results. It’s about how you lead, who you elevate and the legacy you leave behind,” he says.
“Good leaders instill confidence and make you believe in them. But it’s the exceptional leaders that make you believe in yourself.”
“What really sets exceptional leaders apart today is their ability to make a real impact.”
- Anna Dutton
Stevens, who won CEO of the Year for Banking and Financial Services in 2024, agrees.
“Exceptional leaders in today’s dynamic environment demonstrate authenticity, adaptability, resilience and strategic vision,” he says.
“They empower their teams by fostering innovation, nurturing talent and maintaining meaningful connections with their people, purpose and broader community – especially in challenging times.”
Baxter details the need for visionary leaders. “Business leaders today must always be moving forward. They need to manage and leverage disruption, build relationships and remain constantly curious and restless about what’s next,” she says.
“Even more, it’s crucial they have the ability to simplify in an increasingly complex world.”
Callander adds, “Today, leadership isn’t about command and control; it’s about collaboration, empowerment and creating new pathways forward. It’s a responsibility to elevate others, drive meaningful change and continually evolve themselves and their organizations.”
To anyone on the fence
Every judge on the panel calls for less polish and more authenticity from this year’s applicants. They want to see real, purposeful leadership in action, urging leaders across Australia from all backgrounds to apply.
“If you’re on the fence about applying, that’s probably a sign you should,” Callander says. “It’s important to pause, reflect and recognize the leadership journey we’ve walked.”
Anna agrees. “Even the process of applying can bring clarity to your leadership style,” she says. “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
“Sharing your story helps raise the bar for leadership across industries.”
- Jason Price
It’s a sentiment shared by Price, who encourages leaders to see the awards as something that’s anything but boastful.
“This isn’t about ego – it’s about recognizing the effort and resilience it takes to lead well. Sharing your story helps raise the bar for leadership across industries,” he explains.
Chris adds, “If you’ve driven positive change – no matter how big or small – this is the moment to be recognized. Even if you doubt your story is ‘award-worthy’, the process of reflecting on your achievements can uncover insights and inspire new goals. Your peers and future collaborators are eager to hear what you’ve learned. Step forward. You may surprise yourself.”
What makes a standout entry
We asked the judges what they wanted to see in this year’s applicants and they didn’t hold back. While each brings their own lens, a common thread emerged – our judges want to see purpose, measurable impact and a willingness to show the real story behind the success.
“Start with the ‘why,’” Price says. “What drives you as a leader and how does that translate into meaningful results for your organization, your people and critically, your customers?
“I’m not just looking at commercial metrics as the ultimate measure of success; I’m interested in the strategic intent – the thinking – behind them. Strong applicants will tell a story of leadership in action, backed by measurable impact and genuine reflection.”
Da Silva says he’ll be looking for confidence: “We are all living and working in uncertain times, so to be decisive and confident in your decision-making amid ambiguity and uncertainty during this period is paramount.”
“Sometimes the simple act of putting yourself forward is the biggest leadership move you can make.”
- Colleen Callander
In that same vein, Anna encourages leaders to present a clear narrative.
“It’s very important to be authentic and share your personal leadership story. This means answering the application questions yourself,” she says.
“Also, it’s essential to highlight measurable achievements, articulate a clear vision, show how you empower your team and demonstrate community involvement and your wider impact.”
Think you have what it takes?
This year’s Executive of the Year Awards is a true celebration of the country’s finest leaders. But it’s also a mirror and an invitation for these leaders to reflect on how far they’ve come, the impact they’ve had and the legacy they’re building.
As Callander says, “Sometimes the simple act of putting yourself forward is the biggest leadership move you can make.”
Entries for The CEO Magazine’s 2025 Executive Year of the Awards – Australia are now open. If you’re ready to reflect, inspire and lead forward, submit your application and join a community of Australia’s most impactful leaders.
