3 Strikes and You’re Not Out!!
Yas Grigaliunas
Founder | Director | Global 100 Inspirational Leaders - 2022 | Impact Entrepreneur | Circular Economy | Keynote Speaker | MC | Thought Leader | Action Taker & Maker | TEDx | SDGs
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It’s official!!?The 2023 Brisbane Economic Development Agency Lord Mayor’s Business Awards launched this week and I’m here to shout it from the rooftops!!?
Not only is my company Circonomy (formerly: World’s Biggest Garage Sale) a prolifically proud #alumni (aka: winner of the LMBA2018 Award for Sustainability in Business), I’m also a judge and finalist in various categories over the past 5 years.
Let me take you back to 2022, when Circonomy was named a finalist in not 1, not 2, but 3 categories......
Once a year Brisbane City Hall lights up for the annual Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, affectionately known to us locals as #LMBA ?
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Dignitaries, Directors, Doers, Designers, Dreamers and Data….it’s all on display on this night of Brisbane brilliance.??
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It’s an evening of fun, fashion and frivolity, celebrating businesses of all shapes and sizes, from the most inspiring mini micro entities, all the way to the most monstrous and momentous enterprises.?A collision of business leaders, all creating, leading, contributing and working on and in leading Brisbane startup and stalwart companies, on a night of all nights not to be missed.??
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We show up, dress up and level up to connect the hearts and minds of our city.
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In 2022, one thing that stood out instantly for me, was the increased abundance of a sparkly & sequins dress theme, with what felt like a LOT more colour in the room than the previously preferred safe black of years gone by.?It was so much fun to see, especially when two sequin wearing attendees attempted to hug….and carefully avoid sticking together ;-)??
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I was wrapped that my little hot pink number fit right in with the other glittering glamour of the evening!!
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There was much anticipation leading into the night, with Circonomy being in the most fortunate position of being named a finalist in 3 categories.
Statistically, we were just as likely to win all 3 awards, as we were to strike out and win none….and whilst there were predictions from our fans and faves of which category or categories we would be awarded on the night, I generally didn’t have any intuition or feel leading in…..which I felt was a signal that taking the stage was unlikely.??
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So what did that mean??Well…..it meant that I wanted to represent my team shining bright, positively proud, cheering loudly (I don’t really know any other way) and representing the city, the business and our whole close-knit network, as a passionate and positive leader, who dares to stand out, even though it’s far more safe and comfortable to blend in.?It was never in doubt that the hot pink sparkles would be the dress for the night!!??
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As a finalist, we’re all asked to prepare a speech in advance.?It’s always quite confronting to do, partly because you know you’re a finalist, statistically as likely to take the stage as any of your counterparts, but you also have heightened awareness of the fact that you’re standing alongside the literal BEST in Brisbane, so the likeliness to be on stage as an award recipient, is just as unlikely.
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I wrote my speeches on the day of the event, and I always go very deep in my heart and mind when I reflect on and prepare for this kind of thing.?It’s generally written from feel, with love at the care.?I honoured my Mum in each of the unique speeches I prepared, knowing that the last time I ever spoke to her was in that VERY room, when we surprisingly won the award in 2018.?There’s a special energy and essence in City Hall for me.
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So whilst it was 3 strikes, we’re not at all out, instead, it's been nothing but a Home Run!!
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Being in business is a team sport….and I was proud to be surrounded by some of the OG team that believed in me right from the moment we met.?There are far too many to tag, but the special ones that deserve a mention are: Peta Ellis , Harley Weston , Dominique Lamb , Anthony Kuhlmann ?? and Sarah Smith .
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Congratulations to ALL of the winners on the night, especially those in our categories:
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Australia Pacific LNG Award for Business Innovation: DoubleTake Sports
ISPT Award for Investment in Brisbane: The Princess Theatre
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Special mention to James Fielding of Audeara , a fellow founder that’s traversed & travelled this journey with me over the years.?We’ve continued to collide at events, on stage and even on LIVE TV back in our early days.??
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Congratulations finally to the whole Circonomy team.?It’s been a journey….and we’ve really only just begun.??
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Bring on #LMBA2023 ;-) thanks to the effervescent Nikki Reid and her team.
If you are sitting there wondering if you’re ready to take the plunge and enter the awards, the answer is YES, YES YES!!?
It’s been life changing and shape shifting for me personally and professionally and I am SO happy I took the leap all those years ago…..inspired by Llew Jury to enter the awards, long before we really had any idea the ripple effect it would have.??
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It’s now your time to shine bright, take a look at the categories and the incredible sponsors bringing this event to life and get out of your comfort zone and make the magic happen. Plus, a picture on these beautiful Brisbane City Hall steps on the special night is a MUST!!
The awards officially kicked off this week!!!
Nominations are now open!!!
If your business has achieved something special under one of the categories below I strongly recommend that you consider nominating and telling your story.?The profiling and networking benefits on offer through #LMBA are unrivalled.
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Plus the other champions?BDO ?Sirromet Wines ?EPICURE ?Seven Network ?NW Group
Visit?www.lmba.com.au ?to start your nomination.
I also LOVED bumping into some familiar friends and faces at the launch:
Director of Government Affairs at Cisco Australia and New Zealand
1 年You are good at that!
Registered psychologist | Leading executive coach
1 年Amazing tribute to yo you Yas and whole Circonomy team Warm regards Margaret
Director - Events at Brisbane Women's Club
1 年Congratulations Yas!
thanks Yas - we love your passion as a Champion of LMBA and Brisbane!
Corporate Events and Sponsorship Manager at Brisbane Economic Development Agency
1 年Oh my gosh Yas - you never cease to amaze me! It is wonderful to hear from you as a past winner about the value of the awards and what the win has meant to you. We are privileged to to have you as part of our alumni. ?? ??