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Success stories of past Pause winners

17 June, 2024
Success stories of past Pause winners | News | Pause Awards
George Hedon, founder and CEO, Pause Fest & Awards
George Hedon
17 June, 2024
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If you’re considering entering the Pause Awards but need a little extra motivation, this is for you. We’ll highlight three incredible case studies of past winners and their breakthrough moments that made a significant impact.

Let’s explore how WeMoney, Quad Lock, and Envato achieved monumental success through the Pause Awards, and how tactical strategies from Tanck, Tixel, and Kollektive helped them score big successes.

WeMoney’s Breakthrough Year

Dan Jovevski, Founder & CEO of WeMoney, shares that winning the ‘Wildfire’ category and becoming the first-ever Diamond best-in-show winner at the Pause Awards in 2023 was a game-changer for their business. This victory not only enhanced their hiring capabilities but also bolstered their business initiatives.

As a result of this recognition, WeMoney was able to hire a new senior executive and form a partnership with Mastercard. This partnership highlighted their advancement in Open Banking and participation in the Start Path Program, propelling their business to new heights.

Quad Lock’s Journey of Triumph

Quad Lock has been a consistent performer at the Pause Awards since 2021, winning multiple awards annually. Their evolving strategies and market dominance are evident through their continued success. The Awards Night has become a significant team-building event for Quad Lock, with a quarter of their team attending the ceremony each year.

Their commitment to team spirit is exemplified by rewarding four Pause winners with exclusive experiences at their brand activation at the Melbourne GP Formula 1. Additionally, securing Formula 1 rising star Oscar Piastri as an ambassador has boosted their international visibility and reinforced their innovative brand image.

Envato’s Monumental Success

Envato, led by Collis and Cyan Ta’eed, celebrated a landmark exit by selling to Shutterstock for $US245 million. Their journey includes winning a Pause Award in the B-Good category in 2021 and an earlier win by Cyan in 2018 for the Unexpected Twist category. Cyan reflects on the award as a source of personal and professional pride, showcasing the significant value and recognition derived from the Pause Awards.

Breakthrough Stories from 2023 Winners

Tanck

Tanck’s breakthrough came when Neil and Angus realized their strategy for developing the Tanck structural and systematic engagement approach was to help organizations build internal capabilities to advocate directly to governments. Early success was evident when a client organization received $1 million in federal government funding to produce online videos on mental health, validating the effectiveness of the Tanck model.

Tixel

The turning point for Tixel was during the 2023 Harry Styles tour, which marked the start of big international acts using their platform. They ensured seamless transactions with pre-authorized credit cards and waitlists for fans, handling over 250K fans for Taylor Swift alone. Tixel’s tools also helped drive primary ticket sales, catering to the flexible needs of live event consumers post-pandemic.

Kollektive

Kollektive responded to challenging economic conditions by reducing the minimum order quantity by over 50%, allowing retailers to adapt to changing consumer sentiments. This agility led to greater penetration of their portfolio, increased adoption of new products, and strengthened partnerships with retailers, resulting in lucrative returns and invaluable trust.

These success stories from past winners of the Pause Awards highlight the transformative impact that recognition can have on a business. Whether it’s enhanced credibility, valuable partnerships, or significant business growth, the benefits of winning a Pause Award are clear.

The Breakthrough question in the submission process showcases the tactical strategies that winners brought to their game, helping them achieve significant success. If you have a breakthrough moment or an innovative strategy that has driven your business forward, consider entering the Pause Awards.

We look forward to celebrating your breakthrough success!


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Category tracks



The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business's strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company's ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.

Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.


Categories


  • Always Evolving New

    Acknowledges a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a company, encourages employee development, and always looks for ways to optimise and innovate operations.


  • Big & Mighty Culture New

    Recognises companies (51-1000 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.


  • Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.


  • Small & Mighty Culture New

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 50 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.


  • Work Sweet Work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.


  • Company of the Year

    Honours an outstanding company that not only showcases exemplary leadership and resilience but also demonstrates a clear, quantifiable impact over the past year.


  • Customer Obsessed New

    Applauds prioritisation, understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of their customers, including feedback, personalised services and ensuring high satisfaction.


  • Defiant Ones

    Recognises firms that lead technological innovation, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.


  • Hammer

    Celebrates companies that have not only defined success on their own terms but have also concretely demonstrated their triumphs over the past year.


  • I Wish I'd Done That

    Applauds ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.


  • On the Rise

    Celebrates early-stage startups, under 4 years, that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.


  • Prodigy

    Recognises young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.


  • Singularity

    Highlights AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.


  • Women in Business

    Celebrates female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.


  • B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.


  • Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.


  • Ethical Leadership New

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.


  • Going Green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.


  • Collab New

    Honours strategic partnerships and alliances with other businesses to leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, and share resources for synergistic growth and innovation.


  • Design First

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.


  • Going Global New

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.


  • Great Pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.


  • Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.


  • New Model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.


  • Next Level New

    Applauds companies which had successful strategic acquisition and integration of another entity, staff or an asset that allowed them to further grow and scale their services.


  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, online and offline, setting new standards for success.


  • Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who've significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.


  • C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.


  • Creative Maverick New

    Honours unconventional thinkers with exceptional abilities to execute typically unimaginable initiatives, expertly coordinate teams, secure funding or successfully launch multiple ventures.


  • Ecosystem Star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.


  • Future Builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who've embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.


  • Quiet Achiever New

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.


  • Splash Down Under New

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.


  • TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.


  • Venture Cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia's economic growth.


  • Visionary New

    Recognises effective leadership by setting a clear vision, motivating the team, and making strategic decisions that guide their business towards its goals.