Winners & Finalists

2009 WA Business Icon Winner

Rebecca Olsen

“I learnt a lot about myself during Business Icon. I learnt that I am and can be much more then my university major. I can campaign, fundraise, save the environment and create a whole new business all in one week and I can do this on very little sleep. I can meet 31 people I don’t know, and with them achieve far more then I ever imagined.”

“Before this competition, my career goal was to get a really great job – But now I see endless opportunities. This competition opened my eyes up to the world and made me see that I can so anything I set my mind to.”

“As an amazing experience as this was for me, it wouldn’t have been possible without the time and energy put in by current business leaders. Their forward thinking and social awareness gives young people like me this fantastic opportunity to grow – something for which I am very grateful for and will never forget.”

2009 WA Business Icon Finalists

Nathan Howe

“Participating in Business Icon was a challenging but rewarding experience that gave me an insight into a career in consulting. Through this competition I gained lasting friendships and confidence to tackle seemingly insurmountable obstacles. For reaching the finals I was rewarded with prizes including small business skills workshops, personal branding and career coaching, and was invited to complete an internship in the field of my study.”

Ben Hamer

“In undertaking the Business Icon competition, I was unaware of how a one week experience could escalate into a future of possibilities. I was exposed to a variety of influential industry professionals and challenged with real life tasks that have prepared me for the demands of the aspiring entrepreneur; an invaluable life experience.”

“Business Icon has enabled me to apply my strengths whilst having my weaknesses exposed, which motivated me to continually improve. As a result, I constantly challenge myself to do better. Also, due to the group oriented nature of the competition, I was taught how to be a more positive leader sensitive to the needs of others. Subsequently, I have developed into more of a team player, which is a quality highly desired by employers.”

“The competition has given me confidence to explore further possibilities and aspire for greater heights, instilling a determination to succeed and an assurance in my abilities to get there.”

Kylie Judd

“The program was lifechanging. I’ve never pushed myself so hard with so little resources and so little time. An absolute inspriation as to what you can actually achieve when pushed to extreme! I never thought I was creative until I entered and really had to rack my brain about how to push a concept forward. Now i realise everyone has that inside them, we just never let ourselves try! I’ll always remember the passion Tracey and other volunteers had for the program, and I just wish one day I’ll find something that I can be that passionate about and make a difference in someone elses life. I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime because of what we achieved together, definately something great to look back on.”

2008 WA Business Icon Winner

Tara Franzinelli

2007 WA Business Icon Winner

Karissa Kotterrell

2006 WA Business Icon Winner

Jason Walsh

“The skills I learnt in BI significantly help me in my day to day work. I am able to advise clients on the entrepreneurial aspects of their business, not just the numbers side like a lot of traditional accountants. The presentation skills and the ability to work under pressure that I learnt throughout the competition have also been paramount to my job success.”

Video interview with Jason Walsh