Meet your Judges

Meet your judges a panel of respected industry leaders and proven business innovators who bring real-world expertise and credibility to the ProGradian Awards in association with:

Jacqui Webster

General Manager/VP/Director - Australia/New Zealand

Jacqui Webster is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience leading FMCG, toy, and entertainment brands in Australia and New Zealand, known for building Spin Master Australia from the ground up, driving major growth at Paramount Pictures and Hasbro, and consistently delivering results through strategic leadership and high-performing teams.

Andrew Smith

Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director

Andrew Smith is the CEO and Executive Director of Credit Clear (ASX:CCR), a proven entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple successful ventures and championed ProGrad talent for over 20 years, making him the ideal judge for the 2025 ProForce Entrepreneur Award.

Craig Manson

Chairman

Craig is an experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director with over 15 years of board leadership and 30 years as a senior executive in technology, SaaS, banking, financial services, and consumer electronics. He specialises in helping technology businesses transform and grow, and currently chairs Alex Bank, Permaconn, and Cascade, while serving on multiple other boards and advisory groups.

Kevin Griffen

General Manager

Kevin Griffen is a highly accomplished executive who connects people, businesses, and governments through innovative technology solutions, with decades of leadership across Australasia and global markets.

Date & Time
Fri, 14 Nov, 6:30pm - 11:30pm AEDT

Location

Ivy Ballroom - Level 1/320 George St, Sydney NSW 2000

Inclusions

Cocktail event - complimentary drinks and canapés

Attire

Cocktail Attire

ProForce invites you to attend our exclusive ProGradian Awards Night


Brought to you by ProForce, the ProGradian Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of graduates who have gone on to shape the business world. As a leading career accelerator, ProForce has helped over 15,000 graduates launch thriving careers and now, we are recognising the very best among them.


Join us for an unforgettable night at the Ivy Ballroom in Sydney as we shine a spotlight on standout alumni across four award categories and reveal who will take home the $10,000 grand prize.

About the ProGradian Award

The ProGradian Award is the ultimate recognition for the top graduate ever placed in ProForce’s 20+ year history.


Whether you were placed last week, last year, or twenty years ago, this is your moment to step forward and show us why you’re one of the best graduates to come through ProForce.


We’re celebrating standout alumni across four powerful categories:


  • Business Leader of the Year
  • Emerging Salesperson
  • Rising Star
  • Entrepreneur of the Year


Our judging panel will review your story, your growth, and your impact and one exceptional winner will take home the title of ProGradian of the Year, along with a $10,000 cash prize.


  • Business Leader Of The Year

    This award recognises a standout individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and commercial impact within their organisation or industry. With a track record of results and the ability to inspire and influence, the Business Leader of the Year is someone who embodies what it means to lead with purpose and excellence.

  • Emerging Salesperson

    Awarded to a high-performing sales professional who has achieved outstanding results in the early-to-mid stages of their career. Whether they’ve smashed sales targets, led high-value deals, or driven measurable business growth, this individual is making serious waves in the world of B2B or B2C sales.

  • Rising Star

    This category celebrates early-career professionals who have hit the ground running. Whether through impressive achievements, rapid progression, or being a standout team contributor, the Rising Star is someone whose talent and potential are impossible to ignore.

  • Entrepreneur of the Year

    This award recognises a bold and innovative graduate who has taken the leap into entrepreneurship. Whether they’ve launched a startup, scaled a successful venture, or created something entirely new, this individual demonstrates vision, resilience, and the drive to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Tickets Available Now

There are two ticket types available for the 2025 ProGradian Awards:

 

Progradian Entrant Ticket (Free for ProForce graduates entering the competition)
This ticket secures a Progradian Award entry and includes event access. It can be used in one of the following ways:
 • For yourself – you’re entering the awards and attending the event.
 • On behalf of someone else – you’re submitting an entry for a colleague, peer or friend
 • To refer someone deserving – you’d like to nominate someone for an award, and we’ll follow up with them directly.


 After purchase, we’ll email a link to complete the award entry form. You can either fill it out yourself or pass it on to the nominated entrant.

 

General Admission Ticket
 Available for alumni, clients, colleagues, and industry supporters who want to attend, celebrate, and connect on the night.

Business Leader of the Year

Emerging Salesperson

Rising Star

Entrepreneur of the Year

We can't wait for you to join us at the ProGradian Awards Night.

FAQ

  • (1) Is there a fee for entering the ProGradian?

    No, there is no cost associated with entering the awards. If you are not entering the awards, there is a general admission ticket which is $39 and includes entry, drinks and canapés. 

  • (2) Who can enter?

    Anyone that ProGrad placed as a graduate over the last 20 years.


    For specific entry criteria for each category, please see the events page on the website.


  • (3) Can I enter myself and can I enter in more than one category?

    • Yes you can enter yourself. 
    • No you can't enter more than one category. However, if the judges think that your entry is better suited to another category – they will suggest that you are moved to that new category.
    • Final winners for each category will be different – i.e. one winner cannot win multiple categories.

  • (4) I’m not sure which category I should enter?

    Select the category that best fits your application to the criteria. For specific category criteria, please see the ProForce Australia website.

  • (5) How will I know that my entry has been received?

    Once you have submitted your entry, you will receive a confirmation email stating that your entry has been received.

  • (6) When is the opening date for entries?

    1st July 2025.

  • (7) When is the closing date for entries?

    29th September 2025.

  • (8) How do I submit an entry?

    Click “register now” on the ProForce website under the ‘Events’ section, You’ll be directed to "get tickets now" then from here you will be prompted to get either a 'General Admission' or 'ProGradian Entrant' ticket. Once you have filled out your information, you will receive a confirmation email with your ticket. If you are applying for a ProGradian award you will receive a second email with next steps to go into the running for an award. 

  • (9) How are the entries judged?

    A selection committee from ProForce’s leadership team will review all entries and create a final shortlist to be provided to the judging panel. Our panel of esteemed judges will then review the shortlisted entries and determine the winners for each category of the 2025 ProGradian awards. Finalists will be announced for each of the categories alongside the winners.

  • (10) When are the winners announced?

    Winners will be announced at the ProGradian award ceremony on Friday 14th November 2025.

  • (11) Can I re-enter the ProGradian in the future if I am not successful this year?

    Yes, if you are unsuccessful in the 2025 awards you are eligible to enter again in future years.

  • (12) Got further questions?

    Please contact the ProForce team directly, email info@proforce.net.au or view the website.

  • (13) How many winners will there be, and who receives the $10,000 prize?

    There will be one winner selected from each of the four award categories: 

    • Business Leader of the Year 
    • Emerging Salesperson 
    • Rising Star 
    • Entrepreneur of the Year 

    From these four category winners, one standout individual will be named the overall ProGradian of the Year and awarded the $10,000 cash prize.


We can't wait to see you there. Our friendly team is always available to assist you!

Contact us for more information:

Contact Us

We can't wait to see you there. Our friendly team is always available to assist you!

Contact us for more information:

Contact Us