This year’s winning cohort boasted a broad range of impressive young business and community leaders. Image credit: Matt Jelonek
This year marked the 22nd annual Business News 40under40 Awards, with four ECU Alumni announced as winners on Friday 5 May 2023.
The award is WA's pre-eminent program that recognises and celebrates the State’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and future business leaders under the age of 40.
The award recognises not only personal determination, commercial drive and business success but also acknowledges philanthropic and community contributions.
This year's winning cohort boasted a broad range of impressive young business and community leaders.
Speaking at the event, Business News senior journalist and chief judge Mark Pownall said the 2023 cohort shared some unique qualities.
"Several of our entrants came from very difficult childhoods, while a notable number had children facing health challenges…naturally, as a judge, I have admiration for those who can surmount the obstacles that life unfairly puts in their way," Mr Pownall said.
The four ECU Alumni 40under40 Awards winners were:
- Michael Lester, Director at Catalytic IT
Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Business in 2017 and has been the Director of Perth-based IT consultancy provider Catalytic IT since 2014. - Katt Osborne, Executive Director at The Blue Room Theatre
Katt graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Performance in 2007 and is currently the Executive Director at The Blue Room Theatre, WA’s home of independent theatre and performance. - Jordan Foster, Founder & Managing Director at ySafe
Jordan graduated with a Master of Psychology in 2015 and is the Founder and Managing Director of ySafe, Australia's leading provider of cyber safety education. Read more about Jordan on Business News. - Blake Williams, Director of Williams Creative Company
Blake graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Music (Contemporary Music) in 2006 and Graduate Diploma of Broadcasting in 2010. He is currently the Director of Williams Creative Company, which specialises in bespoke musical and entertainment curation for events and functions.
Winners of the 40under40 Award receive a $1,000 voucher to access AIM WA training courses and have the opportunity to attend group training by ThinkBox Media, to help develop and deliver key messages with confidence.
Find out more about the Business News 40under40 Awards winners announcement.
