I was honoured to be invited by Telstra to be part of the judging panel for the 2022 Telstra Best Of Business Awards. I was on the judging panel for the Outstanding Growth award, one of eight categories.
My key takeaway from the awards ceremony – along with a deep sense of pride in the efforts of all finalists – was that businesses only improve at the rate an owner improves their own knowledge and skills.
I’ve always been a huge believer in lifelong learning; the moment you think you know it all is when you start being left behind. This has never been more relevant than today, with new digital tools, platforms and opportunities appearing at an incredible rate.
Article: Bill Lang
Winner: Complete Home Filtration
Complete Home Filtration designs, manufactures, and installs water filtration solutions to deliver premium in-home water. 100% Australian, the company prides itself on helping Australians access the best water possible.
The business was founded to provide Australians with a more affordable and sustainable way to access unlimited, clean, freshly filtered water throughout the whole home. The benefits are not just limited to drinking clean and safe water but to the entire home. They believe that everyone should be drinking, showering, bathing, cooking and washing clothes with clean, freshly filtered, chlorine-free water.
I was particularly struck by the founder’s story. With ten years of experience in water filtration industry, Suzanne Dodds undertook an executive MBA program which proved a game-changer for her and for the business. She applied many concepts learned through her MBA to her growing business, including doing deeper market research and completing a business plan (which is the best advice I can give any business owner looking to go places). She then set about inventing an entirely new approach to filtration.
The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Based in WA and formally launched at start of pandemic, sales now number in the tens of millions, with plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Australia.
It’s another reminder that every owner can benefit from deepening their learning, skills and experience.
View the full list of award winners at telstrabestofbusinessawards.com.
