40 Under 40 nominations now open
The lead up to age forty can coincide with an inflection point in a person’s career, says 40 Under 40 judge Jennifer Staines, Corporate Affairs and Community Relations Manager at OTR, as nominations for this year’s cohort open today.
The InDaily 40 Under 40 winners of 2022. Photo: Frankie the Creative
“I think forty is the point in people’s career where they become stratospheric,” Staines said.
“All the hard work starts to be behind you and, all of a sudden, your achievements come into fruition, and you have the skills and abilities to grow even further.”
As a new judge to InDaily’s 40 Under 40 panel, she is keen to shine a spotlight on those who are making their mark in business in the state.
Nominations for the prestigious award open today and close at the end of March, and Staines encourages everyone to nominate an inspiring leader they know or to self nominate.
“While age is not a determinate of success, it is outstanding when people under the age of 40 are driven to lead, drive change, innovate and push growth in their business or sector,” she said.
“It is important to recognise these inspirational individuals’ contribution to South Australia, to both support their continued success and to retain talent in our state.”
This is the sixth year of the InDaily 40 Under 40 Awards, which celebrate local leadership and entrepreneurial thinking.
“It is an honour and a great responsibility to be selected to the 40 Under 40 panel that will judge the influential individuals who are shaping the future of South Australia,” she said.
There are 12 categories in this year’s 40 Under 40, including the new Inspiring Female Leaders Award and the New State of Mind Award.
Having worked in Hong Kong for 12 years and now back in her hometown of Adelaide, Staines has been delighted by the changes she sees.
“Since returning I have worked in defence, and for ministers in education, innovation and skills, and now OTR.
“This has given me a unique opportunity to see firsthand the change, growth and innovation that has taken place in our state, from STEM in our schools, to submarine and shipbuilding in our ports, CSR and ESG initiatives, growth in the arts, to the research and innovation taking place at the Lot Fourteen precinct.
“SA has a global mindset and has its sights set on creating a skilled labour base and developing new technologies to drive a future economy. It’s an exciting time to be in SA.”
OTR is sponsoring the Inspiring Future Leaders Award this year, which seeks to recognise the vision, thought leadership and achievement of a leader in the private or public sector.
Applications are open for InDaily’s 40 Under 40 until March 31, with winners announced at a gala night on June 8 at the Adelaide Oval. This year’s 40 will also be featured in the print edition of CityMag in June.