Meet more judges and why they love Pause Awards

The Pause Awards 2024 continue to be a beacon of innovation and excellence, bringing together some of the most distinguished professionals across various sectors. 

This year, we are excited to introduce 45 judges from Tech Council of Australia, Planet Earth Ventures, Aussie Angels and Publicis Sapient to name a few in this group. These individuals, both returning and new, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Let’s get to know them and understand why they are excited to judge this year.

Meet the Judges:

Vanessa Ronan-Pearce – Strategic Projects Lead – Payments, PaymentsNZ (Returning)
Vanessa Ronan-Pearce returns to the Pause Awards with her 20 years’ experience working with leading entrepreneurs, global thought leaders and organisations. Vanessa shares, “Pause finds and recognises the innovators at the cutting edge of innovation and creativity. I’m excited to discover and support the new up and coming thought leaders in Australia.”

Warwick Peel – Startup Governance & Innovation Advisor, Startup Boardroom (Returning)
Waz, known for over one decade experience as an innovation-led entrepreneur, is back on the judging panel. Warwick says, “As the most prolific and authentic innovation awards for Australia and beyond, I’m excited to judge and be witness to the most inspiring innovators, artists and entrepreneurs across the nation and the globe!”

Alan Kirszner – Industrial Designer and Innovator, Alan Roy Kirszner Design (Returning)
Alan Kirszner, an award-winning Industrial Designer with 20+ years of experience in diverse industries, including Architecture, Fashion, FMCG, Kids Toys and Travel Goods for both B2B and D2C businesses and Start-Ups. Alan is excited to “As an award recipient myself, I deeply appreciate and admire the judging panel’s role. Now, being on the other side as part of this year’s Pause Awards, it’s truly thrilling to witness firsthand the outstanding work of numerous entrepreneurs.”

Brooke Persich – Founder, Onlign Lab (New)
Brooke Persich from Onlign Lab Brooke is a Global Marketing Leader who’s built marketing strategy and programming for companies like Google, Android and Red Bull across New York, Paris and London. Brooke expresses her excitement, stating, “I’m thrilled to be a judge for Pause Awards in 2024 and experience first hand the innovation that is coming out of our talent in Australia.”

Jonny Levi – Founder, Planet Earth Ventures (New)
Jonny Levi, is an experienced business owner and operator, consultant, facilitator and mentor. Following a 13 year stint in consumer products, where his business was eventually acquired in 2022, joins us as a new judge. Jonny shares, “I’m pumped to be a judge for the Pause Awards and play a small part in celebrating the innovative breakthroughs & business excellence of local entrepreneurs. I’m particularly interested in those businesses and operators focusing their efforts on improving the planet through their business endeavours.”

Theodora Chan – Head of Communications and Marketing, Tech Council of Australia (New) Theodora Chan brings 15 years of expertise in communications and marketing to the panel. Theodora is excited to “What excites me most is the opportunity to support and nurture this vibrant ecosystem. Each finalist, each award recipient, serves as a beacon of possibility, igniting the imaginations of aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, and changemakers. Their stories remind us that transformative ideas can take root and flourish right here in our backyard.”

Cheryl Mack – CEO, Aussie Angels (New)
Cheryl is an active angel investor with 27+ investments, a Venture Partner at Black Nova VC, and co-founded the now famous 361 Angel Club, is new to the judging panel. Cheryl shares, “I love getting to know new people and companies and learning about what they are passionate about!”

Giles Gunesekera OAM – Founder and CEO, Global Impact Initiative (New)
Giles has 30+ years in financial services and social welfare and is honoured with an Order of Australia. Giles says, “I’m thrilled to judge the Pause Awards as it allows me to engage with innovative leaders who are shaping the future through diversity and social impact. These awards spotlight trailblazers in sustainability and inclusivity, and I look forward to celebrating and promoting outstanding achievements in our dynamic ecosystem.”

Melissa Voderberg – Associate Director of Customer Experience, Publicis Sapient (Returning) Melissa drives growth for global businesses by creating innovative strategies to improve customer experience. Melissa said, “I’m looking forward to discovering and recognising the most innovative and impactful new start-ups, and contributing to the growth and success of the broader business community.”

Ben Flint – Principal, Supernormal Agency (Returning)
Fluent in Mandarin, and Harvard-educated in disruptive strategies, Ben returns with his strategic expertise. He tells us, “Australian business leaders are recognised in the global business arena for their ability to push boundaries through innovation and informed risk taking, and I’m thrilled to contribute to the preeminent platform that fosters that.”

Christina Gerakiteys – Founder and CEO, UtopiaX (Judging Board)
Christina is a catalyst for change. She works with corporations to embed a strategic approach to innovation throughout all operations and is a valued member of the Judging Board. Christina shares her enthusiasm, stating, “The Pause Awards serve as a beacon for those working to address the global grand challenges and make the world a better place. Who couldn’t be excited about that?”

Stephen Foxworthy – Managing Director, Former Accenture Song (Judging Board)
Stephen joins the Judging Board with over 20 years’ experience in digital, a focus on customer experience strategy and high-performance multi-channel marketing. Stephen is excited to “I’m always interested in seeing how organisations and industries are bringing to life brand purpose and reimagining experiences for their customers and their people, particularly seeing how people are responding to such epic changes to society over the past year. I love a good award program!”

These judges bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives, ensuring that the Pause Awards 2024 will be a fair and comprehensive evaluation from the best minds in Australian innovation. 

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we approach the awards ceremony. Together, we break through!

For more information on the judges and the awards, visit the Pause Awards Judges Page.