Why Queensland’s brightest young leaders are worth celebrating
The 40 Under 40 Awards shine a spotlight on the ambition, resilience and innovation powering Queensland’s next generation. Discover why the event has become a must-attend celebration of emerging leadership.
Queensland’s next generation of business leaders, innovators and changemakers will take centre stage when the 40 Under 40 Awards return, bringing together finalists, industry leaders and supporters for a night that celebrates ambition, resilience and the people shaping the state’s future.
While the awards recognise outstanding achievements, they are also a rare opportunity to hear the stories behind the success and connect with a community of entrepreneurs and professionals who are redefining what leadership looks like.
For judge and The Weekend Edition editor James Frostick, that is what makes the program unlike any other.
“The 40 Under 40 program looks to identify the state’s next crop of leaders and entrepreneurs, showcasing the ideas and diverse skillsets shaping Queensland’s future,” he says.
“In terms of its ethos, the program uplifts those who lead with authenticity, resilience and character.”
The awards celebrate far more than commercial success. Each year they uncover founders, executives, researchers, creatives and community leaders who are making a tangible impact across Queensland, often long before they become household names.
“It’s one thing to celebrate the achievements of those reaching the end of their career,” Frostick says. “It’s another to spotlight those kicking goals right now.
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“By shining a light on young entrepreneurs, we can see how the next generation is already making a tangible impact on Queensland and offer a launchpad for more opportunities across the country and beyond.”
That diversity is one of the reasons the awards ceremony has become a highlight on the Queensland business calendar. Rather than celebrating a single industry or profession, the event brings together people from every corner of the economy, creating conversations that rarely happen anywhere else.
“40 Under 40 Award applicants come from diverse sectors, ranging from business leaders and scientists to arts organisations,” Frostick says.
“We have idea-driven individuals alongside long-standing members of sizeable organisations. The variety of candidates is 40 Under 40’s biggest strength.”
For guests, that means an evening filled with inspiring stories from people tackling challenges in vastly different ways, whether they’re building technology companies, transforming healthcare, creating jobs, leading agricultural innovation or changing lives through the arts.
Behind every finalist is a story of persistence that extends well beyond a résumé. As a judge, Frostick says understanding that journey is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
“There is no set criteria for a worthy 40 Under 40 candidate,” he says.
“Each nominee comes from a different industry and background, so it’s important to dig deep into their story and identify the individual ways they are making an impact.
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“We ask each candidate to tell us about their purpose, challenges and experiences – everything that has shaped their mindset – to better understand what drives them further toward success.”
It’s this emphasis on character, purpose and perseverance that gives the awards their unique atmosphere. The winners aren’t simply those with the biggest companies or the highest revenues.
“Innovation, imagination, perseverence – it’s not a mere numbers game,” Frostick says. “A grassroots changemaker is just as worthy as a titan of industry.”
Last year’s winners reflected that philosophy, with an impressive mix of entrepreneurs, creatives and professionals recognised for their achievements across a wide range of sectors.
“The crop of winners in 2025 was an incredibly talented group,” Frostick says. “We had creatives, fashion moguls, gourmet grocers, tech pioneers, farmers and healthcare specialists.”
He says individual award recipients, including First Among Equals winner Christopher Seaton, stood out for their “business acumen, charitable endeavours and knack for industry innovation”, demonstrating the breadth of leadership emerging across the state.
While the finalists may be the focus of the evening, Frostick believes everyone in the room benefits from being part of the celebration.
The awards offer a chance to meet Queensland’s future leaders before they become the next generation of CEOs, founders and industry trailblazers, while also connecting with the mentors, investors and business leaders supporting their journeys.
For finalists and winners, the event is just the beginning.
“40 Under 40 Award winners join a special club of like-minded individuals dedicated to making Queensland the best it can be,” Frostick says.
“Being an alumnus of the awards opens the doors to industry connections, a greater profile and a springboard towards other opportunities.”
Those opportunities begin on awards night itself, where the state’s business community comes together to celebrate excellence, build new relationships and recognise the people already shaping Queensland’s future.
Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, hear inspiring stories of resilience and innovation or simply celebrate the remarkable talent emerging across the state, the 40 Under 40 Awards promise an evening that looks firmly to the future.
Purchase your tickets today and join Queensland’s business community in celebrating the state’s next generation of leaders.
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