Next Creative Leaders Awards, developed by The One Club for Creativity and The 3% Movement, has recognised two Australian creatives for their work and unique point of view on creative leadership.
Stacey Karayannis, associate creative director from Leo Burnett Australia in Melbourne and Kiah Nicholas, associate creative director at BMF in Sydney, were among the six winners named in the APAC region.
Next Creative Leaders is a portfolio competition that celebrates and gives a global platform to talented, gender-expansive creatives who are on the rise in the industry.
Karayannis told Mediaweek: “I’m very chuffed to be recognised alongside some awesome talent from all over the world. Hopefully, we can all keep pushing each other to create great work and keep the future of the industry strong.”
Leo Burnett Australia’s chief creative officer, Andy Fergusson, also celebrated Karayannis’ win. He said: “Stacey is not only an incredibly talented creative, but also a natural leader, who always brings her A-game to any challenge. She is proof that the future of our industry is in good hands.”
BMF’s chief creative officer Alex Derwin said Nicholas deserves the recognition: “I’m so pleased for Kiah, so proud of her, but I’m not in the least bit surprised. In many ways she’s already a creative leader in our agency without trying to be. The influence she brings from her creative and cultural reference points, her skill as a highly conceptual thinker and strategist, and most importantly her generosity of spirit and intuitive desire for collaboration.
“Kiah sprays her ideas and her energy liberally about the place and loves others succeeding as much as she enjoys it herself. If that’s not the sign of a true creative leader I don’t know what is. She’s an absolute belter of a human.”
Entrants were judged on four to six pieces of creative work and information about how they — and their work — are pushing the industry forward and making a positive contribution in terms of diversity, mentoring, and advocacy.
Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club, noted the organisation has been providing programming to help improve the industry’s diversity and gender equality for nearly two decades.
“We’re proud to co-produce Next Creative Leaders, a competition designed to identify, elevate and give voice to creatives around the world who are making a real difference, opening doors, and inspiring the next generation.”
Kat Gordon, founder and CEO at The 3% Movement, celebrated the work submitted by creatives in this year’s competition.
“As every member of this year’s jury can attest, there is an embarrassment of riches to be found. The fact that many of these talented creatives also use their gifts to improve the industry itself makes Next Creative Leaders more than a creative competition, but a community-fueled driver of change. 3% is so proud to partner with The One Club for almost a decade on this initiative. It matters.”
Each Next Creative Leader winner receives a one-year complimentary individual membership with The One Club, with opportunities to participate in future One Club awards juries, and complimentary tickets to a One Club professional development conference, panels, and mentorship events.
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Top image: Stacey Karayannis and Niah Nicholas