Award-winning businesswomen and the secrets of success

MEET the winners of this year's Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network awards.

Russell and Emma Gibbons from Huds and Toke. Picture: Brett Wortman

MELINDA BINGLEY, MAB PERSONAL TRAINING

What does winning this award mean to you? Personally it means that it's awesome and it's recognition that I am on the right path; that following my heart does work, that doing what I love, what I am passionate about ... works. Professionally it means I can connect with more people on a bigger scale, help more people, create positive change on a bigger scale, grow MAB.

Describe the awards process in three words? Confronting, exciting, positive.

Why do you think you won? Because I can do really good starjumps; because I am authentic and I am a woman of my word. I was a finalist last year and I have achieved what I said I would plus more; I am passionate and excited about inspiring women to be the best they can be.

BROOKE BENNETT, KAWANA SHOPPINGWORLD

What does the award mean to you? I am completely shocked. I put my heart and soul into my work at Kawana Shoppingworld, and to know that I have been rewarded by those in the Business Women's Network truly means the world to me. It can be a very demanding role at times and to know that my hard work has been recognised by those outside of the business is very humbling.

The awards process in three words? Humbling, rewarding and exciting.

Why do you think you won? Because of my commitment to my centre retailers and customers during the most difficult 18 months as we moved through our development.

DEBBIE BATTAGLINI-CLARKE, BOQ MAROOCHYDORE

What does the award mean to you? Winning this award is great validation of what I've achieved to date and an honour to be recognised among a high level of successful business women. Personally, I feel very proud to be able to set an example for my children that hard work and being passionate about what you do leads to success.

Describe the awards process in three words? Reflective, challenging and inspiring.

Why do you think you won? I believe it is the balance of business success and community involvement. That's what makes a good corporate citizen.

EMMA GIBBONS, HUDS & TOKE

What does the award mean to you? Personally it gives me added confidence to continue on with my creativity and forward growth within my industry. It also has allowed me to be enveloped in a support base of women here on the Sunshine Coast which has been very warm and welcoming. Professionally it gives credibility to our business especially when exploring our markets internationally.

Describe the awards process in three words? Exhilarating personal growth.

Why do you think you won? The winning was out of my hands, that was up to the judges; all I did was put my best foot forward to show the passion for my business and my industry and that must have shone through.

Originally published as Award-winning businesswomen and the secrets of success