Meet the judges and why they love Pause Awards

The Pause Awards 2024 are set to be a remarkable celebration of innovation and excellence, bringing together some of the brightest minds across various industries. 

This year, we are thrilled to introduce 45 judges from Mastercard, Google, Uber and Kit to name a few in this group. These passionate 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:

Michael Zyla – Director – Retail & Commerce, Mastercard (Returning)
Michael Zyla returns to the Pause Awards with his extensive experience in retail and commerce. At Mastercard, Michael leverages data and services to help leading retailers achieve incredible growth and transformation. Excited to judge this year, Michael believes that “It’s not just about evaluating talent; it’s about witnessing innovation that matters. Engaging with groundbreaking ideas, disruptive concepts, and creative fervour ignites our entrepreneurial community, with a glimpse on seeing the future of technology and creativity.”

Yi Hsia Koh – Managing Director, Kit (Returning)
Yi Hsia Koh, the Managing Director at Kit, is back for another year. With a strong background in strategic management, Yi Hsia is passionate about fostering innovation within organisations. She said, “The startup ecosystem is full of passion and purpose. I’m so excited to help recognise and share the stories of all the amazing people, ideas and emerging businesses within it.”

Emile Rademeyer – Executive Director, Creative Strategy, VANDAL (Returning)
Emile Rademeyer, known for his creative strategies at VANDAL, brings a unique perspective to the judging panel. Emile’s expertise in blending creativity with strategic thinking will be invaluable. He is “excited to review the most ambitious and forward-thinking ideas and initiatives being developed by businesses and individuals across Australia. Judging the Pause Awards is a unique opportunity to contribute to building a better ecosystem for all Australians and to be part of recognising the outstanding work done in the industry.”

Ricky Fung – Head of Innovation – E-Mobility, Origin Energy (New)
New to the judging panel, Ricky Fung from Origin Energy specialises in e-mobility innovations. His focus on sustainable and future-oriented solutions makes him a perfect fit for the Pause Awards. Ricky said, “Pause Awards showcases a variety of outstanding businesses, amazing ideas, creativity and passion. It’s a privilege to witness and participate in this growing ecosystem.”

Mickey Rummery – Founder and Principal, Connect Experience Design (New)
Mickey Rummery, the founder of Connect Experience Design, joins us as a new judge. With his extensive experience in experience design, Mickey says, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be judging the Pause Awards! As someone passionate about innovation, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain deeper insights into Australia’s dynamic start-up ecosystem and to contribute my insights. I’ve long admired the Pause Awards and their dedication to showcasing world-class work. Contributing to the awards is an honour and a fantastic way to support Australian innovators.”

Laura Parr – Senior Strategy and Insights Manager, Google (New)
Laura Parr from Google brings her expertise in strategy and insights to the judging panel. As a new judge, Laura says, “It’s wonderful that these awards celebrate all innovation (big and incremental).  Working at Google, I’m fortunate to work in an environment that recognises and rewards innovative thinking, being ambitious and taking risks. I can’t wait to see the innovation and creativity from award entrants this year.”

James Bush – Head of Creative Technology, Dentsu Creative (New)
James Bush, Head of Creative Technology at Dentsu Creative, is new to the panel and brings a wealth of knowledge in creative technology. James says, “Judging the Pause Awards is an opportunity to see cutting-edge creativity and innovation across industries. It’s a chance to engage with forward-thinking ideas and to network with key influencers and visionaries who are shaping the future. Additionally, being a judge allows me to contribute to setting high standards in the industry, which fosters growth and excellence. This role not only broadens my perspective but also fuels my own creative inspiration.”

Deepak Singh – Senior People & Culture Manager, Uber Carshare (New)
Deepak Singh from Uber Carshare joins as a new judge with a focus on people and culture. Deepak says, “Judging at the Pause Awards is already one of my highlights of the year. The Award’s commitment to inclusivity mirrors my own and its impact on people, business, community and economy must be supported and celebrated. Joining this community allows me to champion innovation and inclusivity.”

Jocelin Abbey – Head of Audience Development, Mamamia (Returning)
Returning judge Jocelin Abbey from Mamamia is well-versed in audience development and engagement. Jocelin says, “I’m excited to be on the judging panel for Pause Awards 2024 because rewarding organisations, creatives and industry leaders who are making a positive impact through innovation can be life-changing. Very honoured to be a part of a great community of people and to see brilliant ideas in practice.”

Kate Thompson – Group Strategy Director, Hardie Grant Media (Returning)
Kate Thompson, Group Strategy Director at Hardie Grant Media, returns with her strategic expertise. Kate said, “Nothing excites and inspires me more than creativity, innovation, positive change and progress.”

Sonia Clarke – Founder, Little Mana (Judging Board)
Sonia Clarke, the founder of Little Mana, is a Co-Chair of the Judging Board. With her extensive experience in PR and consulting, Sonia says “Judging the Pause Awards is one of my favourite parts of the whole year! The entrants have such a huge impact on the Australian economy, and I’m constantly inspired by their innovation, resilience and flexibility. The exciting thing about startups is how nimble they can be compared to established businesses.”

Ben Ford – Head of Enterprise Sales, Tiimely (Judging Board)
Ben Ford from Tiimely joins Sonia as Co-Chair on the Judging Board with his robust growth and sales expertise. Ben says, “The calibre of winners (and nominees) in last year’s Pause Awards is a testament to the ecosystem George has created over the past several years. The rigour nominees are subjected to and the multi-rounds of judging mean that only those companies who truly deserve to pick up an award do so, and that makes these awards such an honour to be part of. I’m super-excited to see what this year’s awards throws up in terms of entrants.”

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.