Spotting Stars and Identifying Tomorrow's Household Names

Join hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke as they sit down with John Cunningham, the lead judge for Best Emerging Business in the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards. 

John reveals his role as a judge in a prominent business awards program, focusing on the dynamic emerging business category. With a keen eye for spotting potential and a dedication to fostering business excellence, the hosts discuss the essential criteria they employ while evaluating burgeoning companies.

The conversation covers topics such as their background in acquisitions and business growth, the importance of networking among judges, and the criteria they use to evaluate emerging businesses. 

They emphasise the significance of looking beyond just profitability and consider factors like vision, passion, and growth trajectory. Natalie says, " One of the big things for us with the Business Awards is you don't have to think you are successful to enter other categories and learn about yourself because sometimes you learn that you are actually quite successful at what you are doing, you also discover a lot about yourself, and you can grow from it".

The judges also provide feedback to companies, highlighting areas for improvement and offering guidance. Throughout the discussion, they mention several successful companies that have participated in these awards, emphasising the value of being a finalist and the growth potential it represents. 

Join now and it will help you to make the decision about entering the Business Awards.