Lloydd-Wright said the early career recognition that InDaily’s 40 Under 40 Awards affords is about showing that South Australia “values, appoints and accelerates its young talent”.

Now in its sixth year, the award program recognises young leaders from across all industries and sectors for the contribution they make to South Australia.

“It shows our young leaders that their state, their industry, their sector and their network of peers really values them and their contributions,” Lloydd-Wright said.

“And it gives them permission to go ahead and continue to lead and rethink what can be done to better the world.”

DPC’s Alison Lloydd-Wright is a judge of this year’s 40 Under 40 Awards

Lloydd-Wright is the Executive Director of the Cabinet Office in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. She said the department has been working with “the young, talented people” of South Australia to better understand the critical cornerstones to their success.

“They’ve told us a couple of things have been really integral to that,” she said.

“South Australia is a place where we value our connections and where people want the best for each other.

“One of the real strengths of South Australia is that everyone wraps their arms around each other and wants each other to succeed.

“Another real strength that we’ve noticed in the last couple of years, is these talented young people telling us that South Australia’s one degree of separation isn’t a liability, it’s an asset.

“It helps them find the people that they want to work with, make new and different connections in different sectors – and when they collide, magic happens.”

Helping these connections happen is why her department has supported the New State of Mind Award in InDaily‘s 40 Under 40 Awards this year.

The new category recognises an individual who embodies South Australia  and is progressive, inspired, connected and unexpected.

With applications closing this Friday, Lloydd-Wright said she is excited about judging the twelve categories and the announcement of this year’s 40 alumni – who join an invaluable network to help them achieve and contribute to a better future for everyone.

“I am looking forward to recognising the rich diversity of young talent in South Australia – those who are entrepreneurs, leaders and bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to everything that they do,” she said.

“They are driving a real shift in how we do business in South Australia, with the focus on sustainability, on diversity and on some of those other key pillars that will continue to emphasise South Australia as a progressive place.”

With applications closing this Friday, the InDaily 40 Under 40 for 2023 will be 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.