Judges
2010 Judges
Tracey Hodgkins, CEO AELC Pty Ltd
Jordan Green, Deputy Chairman Australian Association of Angel Investors, Chairman of Melbourne Angels
David Markus, Founder and Managing Director Combo IT
Andrew James, State Manager Victoria, Intermediary Distribution of St George Bank
Alex Badenoch, Executive Director, Talent and OD for Telstra
Linda Brown, Deputy Vice Chancellor (TAFE), Swinburne University
2009 Judges
Jordan Green – Co‐founder and Deputy Chairman of the Australian Association of Angel Investors
Tracey Hodgkins, CEO AELC Pty Ltd
Dr Alan Finkel – Chancellor Monash University
Andrew James – State Manager, St George Bank
Carlo Santoro – Managing Director RetailCare
Ron Gauci – Vice President Aust/NZ Verizon
Evan Thornley—CEO Better Place
David Markus, Founder & MD Combo IT
Geoff Avard, General Manager Strategy, Yellow Pages
What the 2009 judges had to say
Dr Alan Finkel – Chancellor Monash University
Alan is Chancellor of Monash University and Entrepreneur/Inventor Extraordinaire. Alan judged for the first time at Business Icon in Victoria.
“I’ve judged many awards and business plan competitions but it is usually a sterile process, reading lots of documents on aeroplanes or late at night at home. The Business Icon competition was like no other – the creativity under pressure displayed by the contestants and the interactive grilling from the judges was like the dynamic real-world experience one could expect to have in the high-rise office of a Silicon Valley venture capitalist.”
Andrew James – State Manager, St George Bank
Andrew judged in Melbourne for the first time this year and is now a member of the Victorian Business Icon Advisory Board.
“The Business Icon competition is a wonderful showcase of young and talented individuals, who possess a passion for new ideas. The competition allows the participants to utilise their skills and enthusiasm, to grow through a range of diverse and challenging tasks. The energy and drive shown during these tasks is incredible, with no limits placed upon their ability to achieve outcomes. The Business Icon Program is a unique journey of discovery for all participants, moderators and judges alike, which promotes the growth of knowledge, fosters teamwork and ideas. It was an absolute pleasure to be involved.”
Carlo Santoro – Managing Director RetailCare
Global Board Member: The Entrepreneurs’ Organization
“I was both amazed and in awe of many of these up and coming entrepreneurs. The level of talent out there and the dedication to succeed is really inspiring”.
Ron Gauci – Vice President Aust/NZ Verizon
“What an excellent program you are running. You are not only developing young minds but providing them with the opportunity to exhibit their entrepreneurial talents and innovative spirit. I was very impressed with the program and was delighted to have been given the opportunity to participate and contribute. Please remember to include me in the future as I believe in what you are trying to achieve here.”
Jordan Green – Co‐founder and Deputy Chairman of the Australian Association of Angel Investors
“The Australian Business Icon is an inspirational experience for all who participate. Designed on sound scientific foundations and executed with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. The competition empowers young people and challenges them to grow, learn and adapt at the pace that the 21st century demands for success and for leadership. I applaud the Advantage Foundation for its visionary commitment to our next generation of leaders and commend this challenge to anyone who would be a participant, a mentor, or a judge.”
