2010 JOINT WINNER

JULIE MCKAY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UN WOMEN AUSTRALIA

"In many ways, I feel like this Award has been won by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work every day to make UNIFEM Australia a stronger organisation – building our capacity to contribute to broader issues of gender equality. For me personally, it has made me think about my leadership journey – what I wanted to achieve, what I still want to achieve and how best to take the next step. I am honoured to win the Award and look forward to working with AIM over the next 12 months."

Julie McKay is one of the youngest Executive Directors of a national women's organisation in Australia, a position she has held for the past 3 and a half years. Starting as the sole staff member at UNIFEM Australia, Julie has balanced the management of publicity campaigns while successfully putting in place the plans and resources needed to achieve rapid business growth, while continuing throughout to inspire her team.

Passionate about building stronger links between the corporate and non-profit sectors, Julie is dedicated to finding ways to increase the profile of non-profit leaders who often go unrecognised for having management expertise. Julie feels that some of Australia's best leaders are in the non-profit sector because they are required to maintain a vision and lead their organisations with minimal resources.

2010 JOINT WINNER

TAL RAPKE
MEDICAL AFFAIRS MANAGER, SANOFI-AVENTIS

"As a strong supporter of life-long learning I'm always looking for opportunities to develop and build upon my professional skills. This Award will provide the necessary support to continue my progression and impact as a manager and I feel fortunate to have received this recognition."

Tal Rapke began his career as a medical doctor, and after working in consulting in New York for a number of years, rose quickly at Sanofi-aventis to the position of Medical Affairs Manager.

One of the greatest challenges in his leadership journey has been to understand how to transition from thinking like a doctor to gaining self-awareness as a leader. Highly brand focused, Tal has introduced processes, brought together teams from across the business and aligned staff with the brand, achieving impactful results. Due to this success his business processes have been replicated in other divisions.

Tal is responsible for a team of medical experts and physicians and is focused on balancing patient health and commercial success while putting his unique knowledge as a clinician to good use as a mentor to high performing staff.

2009 JOINT WINNER

MAJA PALEKA
BUSINESS DIRECTOR, BT AUSTRALIA

"Since winning the award my confidence as a leader has grown. It couldn't have come at a better time - having just been promoted to Sales Manager, it increased my visibility and more recently played a part in my appointment at BT Australia. I encourage all young managers to go for it - the application process really makes you think about all the important issues in leadership and management that we sometimes just 'do' and rarely discuss... it's a great learning experience."

2009 JOINT WINNER

TAMARA SPROD
GENERAL MANAGER TMF OPERATIONS,
EMPLOYERS MUTUAL

"Through the award I have had the opportunity to formally acknowledge the coaches and mentors who have invested their time in my personal and professional development. Preparing my submission allowed me to reflect upon and recognise the achievements I have experienced in my career to date, and to realise how fortunate I am to be surrounded by great people who have contributed to my leadership and management style. I am proud to have been awarded the Young Manager of the Year James E Layt Award and encourage all young managers to participate in the program and the development opportunities AIM offers."

2008 WINNER

GERALDINE CHIN MOODY
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, BAKER & MCKENZIE

"The Award process is a great time for self reflection - a time to celebrate your successes, reflect on what is important to you and how you have got to where you are and think about your future... The Award (itself) is a bonus to open new doors and opportunities."

2011 WINNER

MARTIN KEETELS
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL COUNSEL AND NATIONAL BID MANAGER, KONICA MINOLTA

"I believe young managers have the unique opportunity to challenge existing stereotypes, understand emergent trends and add value to organisations aiming to commercialise and apply new and innovative concepts. I encourage all young managers to identify and capitalise on opportunities that will provide them the chance to build upon their skill set whilst delivering significant benefits to their business.

I look forward to continuing my professional journey with the support of AIM and the Young Manager of the Year Award."

Martin Keetels, 29, began his career as the Associate to His Honour Judge O’Brien in the District Court of Queensland before moving to start his own legal and bid management consultancy. Martin then moved on to Konica Minolta, recognising the opportunities the company could offer in developing his leadership and managerial skills. At Konica Minolta, he has risen quickly through the ranks from Senior Bid Manager to become National Commercial Counsel and National Bid Manager. Martin also leads a small team within the business charged with evaluating and recommending strategic growth options in new markets.

Martin has demonstrated exceptional strategic vision and strong managerial values and displayed outstanding career progression, receiving two significant promotions during his three years at Konica Minolta. Driven by results, Martin works to build revenue and maximise profitability by promoting and encouraging an adaptable and knowledge-based team culture. He is passionate about driving the behaviours that deliver excellence and align with the company’s strategic direction.