Gone are the days when positions of leadership depended on decades of experience. Climbing to the top of the ladder was once a slow burn with fruitful outcomes restricted to those 20 to 30 years in the game, but things are changing.
A 2020 review published by the AFR of the top 300 companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange revealed the average age of a chief executive in Australia is 47, a number expected to continue to decrease.
In the last decade, a rise of youthful, democratically elected political leaders has demonstrated a desire for fresh ideas.
Jacinda Ardern was elected as Prime Minister of New Zealand at the age of 37. Sanna Marin, Prime Minister of Finland was elected at age 34. Just last week, Humza Yousaf was elected as First Minister of Scotland at age 37.
The secret is out, young leaders are driving change all over the world.
Right here in South Australia, the South Australian Business Chamber has tapped into this movement, harnessing state pride, innovative thinking, and bold creativity from a younger demographic through the launch of a new membership category for under 40 business leaders known as ThirtyNiners.
Picture — the South Australian Business Chamber. Elspeth Hussey, Jessica MacDonald, Thomas Carlton
During a presentation to prospective ThirtyNiners this week, Jess MacDonald, Executive Director of Yanun Project Services, and founding member of ThirtyNiners shared her desire to influence policy and decision-making in South Australia, attributing positive change in our state to the collective efforts of young and innovative minds.
“Joining ThirtyNiners provides a unique and powerful opportunity to connect, collaborate and partner with like-minded professionals in the South Australian business community.
“I look forward to working with ThirtyNiners to influence policy and decision-making, and I know that through our collective efforts, we will help shape the future of our incredible state”, said Ms MacDonald.
Jess illustrated this demographics’ ambitious attitude and willingness to try, fail, and try again by encouraging prospective ThirtyNiners to “suck it and see”, reinforcing what entrepreneurs know only too well — that reward doesn’t come without risk.
Andrew Kay, CEO of the South Australian Business Chamber shared with the group how their collaborative voice will inform the South Australian Business Chamber’s policy and advocacy positions.
“ThirtyNiners will speak with one voice to influence policy in South Australia. They will have access to politicians, thought leaders, key industry players, the South Australian Business Chamber board of directors and each other to help form ideas and actions that will shape our state”, said Mr Kay.
80+ prospective ThirtyNiners attended a launch event at Light Adelaide where they enjoyed an opportunity to network with the South Australian Business Chamber team and find out how they can be involved in this exclusive membership to help drive change in South Australia.
To find out more about ThirtyNiners visit business-sa.com/thirtyniners
