Life after 40 Under 40: How recognition becomes a launchpad for Queensland leaders
From construction to the creative industries, past 40 Under 40 finalists reveal how the program has opened doors and inspired bigger ambitions.
Awards often celebrate a moment in time. But for many InDaily Queensland 40 Under 40 finalists, the biggest impact comes long after the applause fades.
As this year’s Awards night approaches, past finalists say the program has become far more than an evening of celebration. It has opened doors to new partnerships, strengthened professional networks, built confidence and connected some of the state’s most ambitious leaders across industries as diverse as construction, creative industries, communications, health and technology.
For 2023 First Among Equals winner Nicole Detsimas, recognition came at a pivotal point in her career.
A licensed builder, researcher and co-founder of specialist medical fit-out company BELNIC Constructions, Detsimas is a passionate advocate for women in construction, including completig research at Queensland University of Technology examining the barriers women face in becoming licensed builders.
Despite encouragement from a friend to nominate, she admits she initially questioned whether she belonged among Queensland’s leading young professionals.
“I’d say I’m a confident person generally, but there’s always that little voice in your head that tells you that awards like this are for people who are more accomplished than you,” she says. “Sometimes you need someone tell you that YOU are the accomplished person.
Being named a finalist changed her perspective.
“Making the finals was pretty surreal, particularly since it’s a state-wide award. It made me more self-aware and that, from the outside looking in, what I’d done so far in my career was noteworthy.”
Winning the First Among Equals Award proved equally transformative.
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“The recognition gave me greater visibility among my peers – not just for my own achievements but as someone they trusted to advocate for change,” she says.
For Dave Sleswick, creative director and co-owner of Brisbane’s Tivoli Group, the recognition reinforced the growing importance of Queensland’s creative industries.
After studying Creative Industries at QUT and working across theatre, festivals and major arts organisations, Sleswick and his brother Steve purchased the iconic Tivoli in 2016. Since then, the business has expanded to include The Princess Theatre, Open Season Festival and producing arm Double Agency, helping shape Brisbane’s live music and cultural landscape.
Being nominated offered something many business owners rarely experience: a chance to stop and reflect.
“Running an independent cultural business can be all-consuming, so you rarely get a moment to stop and reflect on what you’ve achieved,” Sleswick says.
“Being recognised alongside so many inspiring Queensland leaders was incredibly humbling and gave me a chance to appreciate how far both our organisation and our city have come since I started this journey.”
Winning the 2023 Creative Thinker Award also highlighted the growing influence of creativity in Queensland’s economy.
“Receiving the Creative Thinker Award was a real honour because it recognised creativity not just as artistic expression, but also as valued leadership and entrepreneurial qualities in the broader business world,” he says.
“It reinforced that culture, live music and the creative industries have an important role in shaping Queensland’s future and helped solidify our positioning as leaders in this field.”
The recognition extended well beyond the arts sector.
“Professionally, it opened doors to new conversations and partnerships outside the arts sector. Personally, it gave me confidence to keep backing ambitious ideas and advocating for the value of independent creative businesses.”
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The awards night itself also left a lasting impression. “There was such an incredible mix of people from completely different industries, all doing genuinely interesting work,” he says.
“It was a great reminder that innovation comes in many forms, and I left feeling inspired by the calibre of people Queensland is producing.”
For Adam Brunes, co-founder of Brisbane communications agency Aruga, one of the most powerful aspects of the inaugural program was the diversity of the people it celebrated.
Nominated anonymously for the inaugural Queensland 40 Under 40 Awards, Brunes says the recognition came at a time when Aruga had established strong momentum after seven years in business.
More importantly, it recognised leaders creating impact beyond commercial success. “I love that 40 Under 40 isn’t simply about celebrating commercial success,” he says.
“It recognises people who are building businesses, organisations and initiatives that create a positive impact beyond themselves. Whether through community leadership, philanthropy, advocacy or innovation, it shines a light on the often-quiet achievers who are helping make Queensland a better place to live, work and do business.”
Brunes was particularly encouraged to see the arts represented alongside industries such as technology, health and professional services.
“The arts doesn’t always have a seat at the table when we talk about business and entrepreneurship, despite being home to some of the most innovative, resourceful and clever leaders I know.”
Since becoming an alumnus, the value of the program has continued to grow.
“The network has been the greatest benefit,” he says. “In just a few years, I’ve crossed paths with fellow alumni as clients, collaborators, peers and friends.
“Each new cohort expands that network and brings another group of interesting Queenslanders into the fold.”
The experience inspired Aruga to sponsor the program in both 2024 and 2025.
“The program had recognised and celebrated me, so when Aruga was in a position to support the next group coming through, it felt like a very natural thing to do,” he says.
“As Queensland accelerates towards 2032 and the world’s attention turns our way, there’s enormous excitement about what’s ahead.
“That’s what I love about 40 Under 40. It shines a light on the people already building a better Queensland. They’re creating jobs, strengthening communities, solving problems and backing our state through action, not just ambition.”
The 2026 InDaily Queensland 40 Under 40 Awards will be held at Rivershed, Brisbane, on Thursday, August 27. Purchase your tickets today and join Queensland’s business community in celebrating the state’s next generation of leaders.
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