For applicants who have submitted their entry to win a sector award at the 2024 Executive of the Year Awards, the judging process can seem like a mystery that results in a select few becoming finalists before they are crowned award winners.

But what really happens behind closed doors during the months leading up to the highly anticipated awards ceremony, at least for the judging panel?

For those who are curious as to the organizational initiatives, strategies and practices that will be looked upon favorably, we’ve got you covered.

Here, we take you behind the scenes to share some of the stand-out qualities that align with this year’s criteria. But don’t just take our word for it – we’ve asked the judges to provide their thoughts on what distinguishes the best of the best from the rest.

This year, entrants will be asked to answer questions about their leadership in one or all of the following categories: Positive Stakeholder Engagement; Brand Sentiment; Philanthropy; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Positive Impact on Society.

The CEO who achieves the highest cumulative score across all award categories will be conferred the prestigious title of Overall CEO of the Year.

Visionary Leadership

It’s one thing to create a vision and quite another to inspire others to embody that vision, especially in a multi-tiered organizational structure.

Yet the impact of getting this right through effective communication should not be underestimated. Visionary leaders can offer their teams greater purpose and job satisfaction by encouraging innovation and providing a sense of direction and meaning.

“Qualities that I personally look for and will note are CEOs who have a clear vision for their company’s future and who can effectively communicate and execute that vision,” explains Lorna Jane Clarkson, Founder of Lorna Jane.

“Those who have successfully led their companies through periods of change, embraced innovation and adapted to new challenges or market trends over the years,” she adds, noting active listening to the perspectives of stakeholders, team members and customers as important.

Colleen Callander, who similarly held a pioneering role in the world of fashion as the former CEO of Sportsgirl, emphasizes that vision should be paired with integrity and empathy.

“I am looking for individuals who not only adapt to change but actively drive it, transforming challenges into opportunities,” Callander says.

“A visionary leader sets a clear path, holds strong integrity and welcomes a diverse range of perspectives, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment,” she says. “I am looking for individuals who not only adapt to change but actively drive it, transforming challenges into opportunities.”

Wilson Group Executive Director Jose Da Silva, who believes that leadership is a privilege, says that leaders who have a proven track record of executing their vision will stand out from the companies that are merely caught up in daily challenges and uncertainties.

“Identifying that path in the ever-evolving world through the collective strength of your people can only be achieved by encouraging a spirit of entrepreneurship, being curious and making decisions, taking learnings from success, but more importantly failure,” he says.

The emphasis on people is echoed in comments made by Mark Nielsen, who is the Global CEO of Talent International, a global IT and technology recruitment company.

“I will be looking for leaders who have built a highly profitable business that is coupled with a world-class team culture and engagement,” he says.

Positive Work Environment

The Executive of the Year Awards will also focus on the strategies that companies are implementing to effect positive change both within and beyond the parameters of an organization. In other words, how leaders are aligning their business strategy with sustainability, diversity and inclusive workplace goals that are evident at every organizational level.

In previous years, leaders who have ensured that a business is both commercially successful and contributing toward positive industry change – and who position the company as an industry role model – have been highly regarded.

Executives who can highlight strategies that drive a positive company culture, brand sentiment or best practices in corporate philanthropy are some examples to consider.

“Prioritizing sustainability and diversity will be important, with these values deeply integrated into their strategies,” Callander says.

In a world that is becoming increasingly global and more complex, Callander is also keen to see how leaders foster a positive work environment with teams that are not only resilient, but motivated and engaged.

As the CEO of O’Brien Glass, Miles Wilson says that executives with a balanced approach capture his attention.

“A CEO must be capable, curious and flexible,” he reflects. “I look for leaders who embody a broad approach to leadership by balancing strategic thinking with ethical behavior, empathy and accountability.”

For OzHarvest Founder and CEO Ronni Kahn, innovation, entrepreneurship and community spirit are some of the hallmarks of successful leadership. Her own leadership style is focused on bringing out the best in her teams through learning and development.

For many, being named CEO of the Year has been the highest form of acknowledgement in their professional lives and an empowering signal among supportive peers to keep aiming higher in the world of business.

Are you ready to be recognized as an industry trailblazer or thought leader in 2024?

Winners for all categories will be announced during the awards ceremony held at The Star in Sydney, Australia on Thursday, 14 November 2024.