Woollahra was proud to attend the 2026 Business News 40under40 Awards, with Directors Sam Smith and Chris Schmid joining Western Australia’s leading young business minds for a night of recognition, connection, and celebration.
The 40under40 Awards are widely regarded as one of the state’s most prestigious platforms for recognising emerging leaders—highlighting individuals who are driving innovation, growth, and meaningful impact across their industries.
From Winner to Judge
This year marked a particularly significant moment for Woollahra.
Following his recognition as “First Amongst Equals” in 2025, Chris Schmid returned to the awards—not as a nominee, but as a member of the judging panel.
This invitation reflects both the impact of Chris’ leadership and the growing recognition of Woollahra’s role in shaping purpose-driven business in Western Australia.
Being asked to help assess the next generation of leaders is a powerful endorsement—one that highlights the respect Woollahra has earned within the broader business community.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders
The 2026 awards showcased an outstanding group of finalists and winners, with the Kaynar Group founder taking out the top honour—a reflection of the strength and diversity of emerging leadership across the state.
From mining and civil services to technology, sustainability, and social enterprise, the event highlighted the breadth of innovation and ambition shaping Western Australia’s future.
A Night of Connection and Inspiration
Beyond the awards themselves, the evening provided an opportunity to:
- Reconnect with industry leaders and peers
- Celebrate shared achievements across sectors
- Reflect on the continued growth of purpose-driven business
For Woollahra, events like this reinforce the importance of community, collaboration, and leadership in driving long-term impact.
Looking Ahead
Returning to the 40under40 Awards in a new capacity is a proud moment for Woollahra—and a reminder of how far the journey has come.
From being recognised on stage to helping shape the next generation of winners, it reflects the evolution of both our business and our purpose.
At Woollahra, we believe true leadership is measured not just by success—but by the ability to create opportunity for others.
