National Excellence Awards winners announced
For the first time in its 22-year-history, the prestigious Australian Institute of Management Excellence Awards have been won by four managers from outside of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
South Australia’s Peter George took out the title of Manager of the Year for his work as the Group Manager for Employers Mutual Limited.
Mr George’s role sees him managing 35 staff in the long-term claims area and managing injured workers who have been on the scheme for in excess of three years.
Since being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, Mr George continues to work to show people that you do not have to be defined by your circumstance, rather you can choose the path you take in your life.
“This award is a reflection on the amazing group of people I work with who have to work in often very difficult circumstances so I dedicate this award to them,” Mr George said.
Elaine Bensted of Zoos South Australia was named as the Not for Profit Manager of the Year after leading a major cultural change and improving the financial viability of Zoos SA.
“I only moved to the Not for Profit sector two years ago after many years in the private sector and government so to receive an award like this means an enormous amount to me,” Ms Bensted said.
“It’s a reflection on the whole organisation of Zoos SA. We’ve been on a journey, were still on that journey and I really look forward to sharing this honour with my team of staff and volunteers.”
Point Project Management Manager and Founder, Michael Snare of Canberra was named the Owner Manager of the Year and he attributed his success to creating a great place to work which has enabled him to attract some of Australia’s top talent.
“I started the business with the aspiration of being able to enjoy coming into work every day and my definition of success was that I wanted to be able to come into work in five years’ time and still be happy,” Mr Snare said.
Victorian entrepreneur Finn Kelly, 29 was declared the Young Manager of the Year for his role as the Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of Wealth Enhancers, a Gen Y financial advisory business.
A serial entrepreneur, Mr Kelly has developed his business acumen on a strong foundation of values born from time spent at Duntroon, boarding school and the leadership role he played in his family growing up.
While he resisted the military structures of Duntroon as a 21-year-old, Mr Kelly now utilises these experiences in his leadership approach and is a firm believer in the adage “routine sets you free.”
AIM Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Musson FAIM has congratulated all of the 2014 winners and said it was fantastic to see the awards being won in South Australia, Victoria and ACT for the first time.
“These awards were held nationally for the first time in 20 years and the quality of nominees from every state and territory was impressive to see,” Mr Musson said.
“All of the winners embody the attributes of great leaders and the way they have inspired their teams and organisations is in turn an inspiration to all of us at AIM.”