Meet Queensland’s 40 Under 40 of 2026

FIRST AMONG EQUALS AWARD PRESENTED BY INDAILY

Tiffany English

Founder & CEO, Access Offshoring

After a life-altering medical crisis left her partially paralysed in 2021, Tiffany English transformed both her approach to leadership and the future of her business.

Rather than stepping away, she redesigned Access Offshoring into a system-driven, AI-powered organisation that is reshaping the offshoring industry.

Under English’s leadership, Access Offshoring has achieved rapid global grow while maintaining exceptional staff retention and client loyalty. She also gives back to Queensland’s business community through mentoring and her leadership role as vice president of the Franchise Council of Australia (Queensland).

English is currently leading an expansion into the UK, European and US markets. This is the first time an Australian-built cultural intelligence framework will compete in the markets where the global offshoring sector was invented.

EMERGING INDUSTRIES AWARD PRESENTED BY PIPER ALDERMAN

Alex Thompson-Welch

Owner & manager, Eastwell Farms

After leaving a career in education and IT, Alex Thompson-Welch joined the family farm in 2021, launching the business as a direct-to-consumer brand centred on regenerative agriculture, food provenance and agritourism.

Under his leadership, the business has expanded to more than 100 products while educating consumers about sustainable food systems and the general public on food provenance, through farm experiences and social media.

Thompson-Welch is now driving the next phase of innovation with a 24/7 self-service produce hub and AgriLoop, a technology platform designed to connect farmers, restaurants and consumers while transforming local food distribution.

GAME CHANGER AWARD PRESENTED BY FELONS BREWING CO

Arutha Kulasinghe

Chair In Spatial Medicine, The University Of Queensland’s Frazer Institute

Arutha Kulasinghe, a globally recognised cancer researcher and founder of the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre at Wesley Hospital, is pioneering spatial medicine to better understand how cancers develop and respond to treatment, accelerating more personalised care for patients.

Kulasinghe has also led groundbreaking work mapping Covid-19’s impact on vital organs. Named Cure Cancer Australia’s Researcher of the Year and one of Australia’s Top 100 Innovators, he is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and translating world-leading research into real-world clinical outcomes that improve patients’ lives.

FOOD INNOVATION AWARD PRESENTED BY THE WEEKEND EDITION

Augusta Puttkammer

Co-founder & managing director, Happy Pops

Cordon Bleu-trained chef Augusta Puttkammer founded Happy Pops in 2018 with a vision to create a premium, handcrafted dessert brand that combined quality with a memorable customer experience.

What began as a single Sunshine Coast store has grown into a multisite business, alongside a growing wholesale division and a national franchise rollout. Throughout the business’ growth, Puttkammer has remained a hands-on leader.

Passionate about creating opportunities for others, she is now focused on building a franchise model that enables entrepreneurs to establish successful businesses under the Happy Pops brand.

INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS AWARD PRESENTED BY THE ALVA HOTEL BRISBANE

David Neal

CEO, The Eighth Mile Consulting

After serving 14 years in the Australian Army, David Neal founded The Eighth Mile Consulting with the intention of establishing an organisation dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of leadership, accountability, culture and performance in a practical and effective way.

Today, the Queensland consultancy works with executive teams and leading organisations nationwide while delivering social initiatives, including supporting incarcerated veterans to rebuild purpose and reintegrate into society. Neal creates lasting positive change for individuals, businesses and communities.

INSPIRING FEMALE LEADERS AWARD PRESENTED BY BLAZEAWAY

Erin McCabe

GM of fundraising, Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section)

Erin McCabe has dedicated her career to the not-for-profit sector, driven by a passion for bringing people together to create meaningful change.

At the Royal Flying Doctor Service, she leads the philanthropy and fundraising efforts that help deliver life-saving support to more than 80,000 Queenslanders each year, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to world-class healthcare.

McCabe is a passionate advocate for the fundraising profession, mentoring emerging leaders and championing its strategic value. Through her leadership, she is proving that charities can be every bit as ambitious as the problems they are trying to solve.

CREATIVE THINKER AWARD PRESENTED BY INREVIEW

Geneva Vanderzeil

Director, Collective Gen/Geneva’s Diy School/Genevavanderzeil

What began as a Brisbane blog in 2010 has evolved into a global enterprise spanning style, travel, home and living, digital media, publishing and online education including DIY tips and lifestyle products.

Through her media platform, Geneva Vanderzeil has built a community of more than two million people, reached more than 100 million globally and delivered more than 8000 creative course enrolments.

She continues to champion the belief that everything has potential, empowering people to reconnect with their creativity and learn practical skills, while building a sustainable and purpose-driven Queensland business with worldwide impact.

SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD PRESENTED BY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Lachlan Stuart

Founder, The Man That Can Project

After overcoming his struggles with identity and purpose, Lachlan Stuart set out to help other men build stronger, more fulfilling lives across health, mindset and relationships.

He founded The Man That Can Project in 2017, growing grassroots men’s circles into a nationally recognised coaching and education platform. Today, Stuart has coached more than 1200 men, hosts a podcast reaching listeners in 70 countries, and delivers keynotes on resilience, leadership and performance across Australia.

In 2025, he set a world record by completing 58 marathons in 58 consecutive days, raising more than $161,000 for mental health and inspiring his book and documentary, States of Mind.

ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD PRESENTED BY SOLSTICE MEDIA

Peter Cunningham

Director, Glo Events

After successful international careers in television and live entertainment, Peter Cunningham co-founded Glo Events, an end-to-end event production company, combining world-class production expertise with creative event design.

Together with its signature venue, Glo House, the business has quickly established itself as one of Brisbane’s most distinctive event brands, producing more than 40 corporate and private events annually.

As a Brisbane Economic Development Agency partner and Team Brisbane representative, Cunningham is helping position the city as a world-class events destination in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Abbey Filko

Founder, The Marketing Circle

Drawing on more than 15 years’ experience across marketing, tourism and business leadership, Abbey Filko helps businesses and communities build strategic marketing capability, demystify AI through practical education, and mentor emerging leaders to thrive in an evolving business landscape.

Brent Storey

Managing director, BGS Equity

After leaving school without a tertiary qualification, Brent Storey purchased a 50 per cent stake in Sun City Motorcycles at 19, before launching a Harley-Davidson dealership. Today, the self-confessed “quiet kid in a commercially minded family” leads a privately owned regional Queensland automotive group spanning seven businesses, employing more than 60 people while remaining proudly independent.

Bridgette Ford

Founder & design director, ARCHINTERIORS

Passionate about creating spaces where people connect, Bridgette Ford founded ARCHINTERIORS as a “one-woman business” from her kitchen table in 2020. Today, her award-winning design studio has delivered more than 90 hospitality and lifestyle projects across Australia, helping shape Queensland’s vibrant venue-scape through innovative, experience-driven interiors.

Cassandra Brophy

CEO, MOB 4 MOB

Proud Yir-Yoront woman Cassandra Brophy has turned a lifetime of resilience into a career advocating for First Nations people. Mob 4 Mob, Queensland’s peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, champions community voices, influences policy, and creates lasting change through culturally led leadership and advocacy.

Chanel Clark

Founder, The Marketing Club

In 2022, Chanel Clark founded The Marketing Club to create the supportive community she felt the industry was missing. In three years, she has grown it into Australasia’s fastest-growing marketing network, connecting 17,000+ professionals through events and collaboration.

Chris Langenberg

Owner & manager, GRAIN

At just 18, Chris Langenberg launched GRAIN as an online magazine to champion Brisbane’s emerging music scene. A decade later, he has transformed it into one of Queensland’s leading independent live music brands, producing more than 180 events and festivals while supporting local artists and creating unforgettable cultural experiences for audiences across Australia.

Claire Greaves

Founder & director, Humanitex

Claire Greaves helps organisations improve performance, safety, culture and workforce outcomes. In its first year, Humanitex secured clients across Australia and New Zealand while building a values-led workplace that champions the next generation of professionals.

Gabrielle Parker

Co-founder, The Ase Group

Driven by a belief that a young person’s background should never define their future, Gabrielle Parker has dedicated her career to creating opportunities through education and entrepreneurship. Since 2020, she has helped Australians develop the skills, confidence and mindset to build businesses, find employment and achieve their potential.

George Curtis

Founder & director, Before + After/Milquetoast/Venner

George Curtis has created distinctive hospitality venues that celebrate exceptional service, innovation and craftsmanship. He has earned national industry recognition while championing independent hospitality venues, developing talented Brisbane bartenders and creating memorable experiences.

Grace Kelly

Founder & director, Joaen

Grace Kelly champions craftsmanship, responsible production and a stronger connection between consumers and the clothes they wear. She won the 2026 Australian National Designer Award and has established her label as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging fashion brands.

Jasmine O’Reilly

Founder & managing director, The Outlier Group

Jasmine O’Reilly has built a business dedicated to putting people at the centre of change. She helps organisations turn ambitious strategies into lasting outcomes through innovative, human-centred approaches to transformation, workforce engagement and organisational adoption.

Joseph Te Puni-Fromont

Founder & director, Esuarve

After overcoming his own struggles with mental health, Joesph Te Puni-Fromont dedicated his life to helping vulnerable young people rewrite their futures. Esuarve delivers youth justice, education and employment programs that have transformed hundreds of lives.

Josephine Okurame

Co-founder & chief strategy officer, Sterich Global AI And Research Group

Arriving in Australia with her qualifications unrecognised, Josephine Okurame transformed the experience of being overlooked into a mission to make AI accessible. She helps businesses, professionals and communities confidently harness AI to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Kalinda Salla

Owner, Cheeky Winx

When shift work no longer fit around raising her son as a single mum, Kalinda Salla co-founded Cheeky Winx, transforming a simple gym towel into a lifestyle brand that has delighted more than 100,000 customers with colourful, innovative products.

Kayla Warner

Manager, Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance

Passionate about turning research into real-world impact, Kayla Warner has built her career connecting government, industry and academia to tackle complex global challenges. Her work brings together world-leading partners to harness quantum technologies and strengthen Queensland’s position as a global innovation leader.

Kristy Bell

Director, Bell Criminal Lawyers

Dedicating her career to ensuring every person receives dignity, compassion and a fair hearing, Kristy Bell leads one of Queensland’s foremost specialist criminal law firms combining exceptional advocacy with genuine client care, while helping shape the profession through leadership and contributions to the state’s justice system.

Lani Cooper

General manager marketing, Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Lani Cooper has spent more than 17 years leading destination marketing and tourism strategies. Her role drives campaigns and partnerships that strengthen the region’s visitor economy while promoting sustainable, world-class tourism experiences.

Lara Strohfeldt

Owner, director & principal occupational therapist, The Place

Inspired by her own experience as a parent of neurodiverse children, Lara Strohfeldt co-founded The Place to ensure families in regional Queensland could access compassionate, neuroaffirming care close to home. Today, she leads a team supporting more than 600 families.

Lucinda Bayly

Founder & director, Bayly PR

Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, Lucinda Bayly had a vision: to prove a Brisbane agency could compete on the national stage. In just four years, she has grown the business into a thriving communications and talent management agency, known for working outside of the box and representing leading Australian brands.

Oluwagbenga (Noah) Oloja

Founder & CEO, Syncskills

After arriving in Australia and seeing skilled migrants overlooked despite workforce shortages, Noah Oloja set out to bridge the gap. His business equips international professionals to build AI and digital skills, enabling graduates to secure high-paying technology careers while strengthening the workforce and migrant communities.

Rebecca Petroff

Founder & director, Sunstate Conveyancing

Rebecca Petroff built one of Queensland’s leading conveyancing businesses. She has transformed property transactions through innovation, technology and industry education while championing flexible career pathways and leadership opportunities for women in law.

Matt Stubbs

Co-founder & director, Vela Estate

World champion athlete Matt Stubbs has channelled the discipline and resilience of elite sport into entrepreneurship. In 2025, he co-founded Vela Estate with his sister, building Australia’s fastest-growing gifting company that has delivered more than 20,000 premium gifts nationwide.

Odette Miller

Assistant director, Brisbane Institute of Modern Art

As the youngest Assistant director at the Brisbane Institute of Modern Art, Odette Miller is helping shape Queensland’s cultural future through innovative arts leadership. She is strengthening sustainable funding models while championing artists and advocating for a stronger creative sector.

Sam Van Holsbeeck

Research Fellow, Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast

Sam Van Holsbeeck leads research that helps industries and communities tackle forest health, bushfire resilience and sustainable land management. By bringing together researchers, industry and government, he turns scientific evidence into practical solutions.

Sara-Jayne Hutchinson

Operations manager, Aria Living

Aria Living manages one of Brisbane’s largest residential management businesses, including 12 residential communities and more than 1800 apartments. Sara-Jayne Hutchinson champions people-first property management, building connected communities and redefining apartment living.

Stephen Bornstein

Managing director & chief product officer, Sightline Intelligence

Stephen Bornstein built two high-tech companies that have created more than 100 skilled jobs and exported Australian innovation. Today, he helps deliver AI-powered vision technology that strengthens national security and advances defence systems worldwide.

Thomas Roccia

Founder & CEO, SecurityBreak

Recognising that AI is advancing faster than it can be secured, Thomas Roccia left a 15-year global cybersecurity career to build solutions from Queensland. Today, his company develops AI security tools and research that protect systems while proving world-class cybersecurity innovation can be created in Australia.

Tom Champion

Brewery director, Felons Brewing Co

A passion for brewing and engineering has seen Tom Champion help redefine Queensland’s craft beer industry. In his role, he has overseen the growth of an award-winning brewery while championing quality, mentoring future brewers and shaping the independent brewing sector.

Tomika Johnson

Managing director, Waddi Group

Proud Gooreng Gooreng woman Tomika Johnson sold her family home to back her vision of building an Indigenous-owned business that created opportunity while staying true to cultural values. Today, she leads Waddi Group, a national enterprise proving that commercial success, community impact and ethical business can thrive together.

Vladimir Bigdan

Managing director, Ai-Menu Systems

Seeing hospitality businesses struggle with outdated technology, Vladimir Bigdan set out to build smarter, industry-first solutions. Ai-Menu Systems powers hundreds of venues, with integrated ordering, payments and AI technology. Proving a Queensland business can compete with global industry leaders.