The alumni effect

For many of South Australia’s rising business leaders, the real impact of the InDaily 40 Under 40 Awards begins long after awards night ends.

Beyond the trophies and celebration, the program has become a launchpad for confidence, credibility and connections – helping founders and innovators expand their businesses, grow their networks and step more visibly into leadership.

For Rochelle Mutton, founder and lead occupational therapist at Motivate Kids, being part of the program shifted the way she viewed the impact of her work.

Mutton launched the Adelaide-based paediatric occupational therapy practice in 2017. Since then, the business has grown into an award-winning practice working with children, schools and educators through neurodiversity-affirming programs and purpose-built therapy spaces.

Winning the Social Impact Award in 2025 was, she says, deeply affirming.

“Honestly, until that moment I had been entirely head down, working hard alongside an extraordinary team,” Mutton says. “The award was a rare invitation to come up for air and actually see the work we’d been doing.

“I’ve come to see our work has potential well beyond our practice.”

One of the biggest benefits of the awards for Mutton has been the network that comes with becoming part of the 40 Under 40 alumni community.

“South Australia has a remarkable community of people building things that matter, across every industry, and 40 Under 40 brings them into the same room,” she says. “That cross-pollination of ideas is genuinely invaluable.”

Similarly, being part of the 40 Under 40 community helped Edward Robinson accelerate opportunities for his growing space education company.

Robinson Aerospace Systems develops satellite systems and STEM education platforms used by schools and universities globally, with one milestone seeing student-built experiments launched aboard a SpaceX mission.

“Winning the Emerging Industries Award gave both myself and the company additional credibility and momentum,” Robinson says.

“The award significantly expanded my network and opened doors to conversations and opportunities that may not have happened otherwise.

“You become part of a network of highly driven people across many different industries, and there’s a genuine willingness among alumni to support each other, collaborate and share advice.”

That sense of connection is echoed by Elaine Tang, founder of South Australian skincare company Melvory.

Tang started the business while on maternity leave, hand-making skincare products late at night before loading up the car for weekend markets with her young children alongside her.

Today, Melvory manufactures more than 70 skincare products in Adelaide, employing a diverse Australian workforce including people with disabilities, and donating more than 1.5 million meals to children in need through charity partnerships.

Winning the Inspiring Future Leaders Award recognised years of unseen sacrifice and perseverance.

“So much of the journey behind Melvory happened quietly behind the scenes: the long nights, the sacrifices, the risks and the years of reinvesting back into the business while raising a young family,” Tang says.

“To be recognised among such inspiring South Australians represented more than business success. It represented resilience, purpose and building something that genuinely impacts people.”

Being a part of the alumni network has strengthened Tang’s confidence as a leader while connecting her with founders across multiple industries.

“You are surrounded by ambitious, driven people from completely different industries, yet there is a shared understanding of the challenges that come with building something meaningful.”

For emerging founders, the recognition can also be transformational.

Alec Randall launched It’s Olio in 2023 with a mission to make premium South Australian olive oil more accessible to Australian households.

At the time he entered the awards, Randall was working relentless hours to get the business off the ground.

“I was full of imposter syndrome, especially after hearing about all the incredible things the other finalists and winners were achieving,” he says.

Winning the Food Innovation Award changed the trajectory of both the business and his mindset. “Sales increased, retail conversations became easier and people naturally viewed the brand with more credibility.”

“Personally, it gave me confidence, connections and access to a network of incredibly driven people, which is priceless.”

With nominations now closed, attention is turning to this year’s awards night, where a new cohort of finalists will join the growing alumni community.

For attendees, the event offers more than just a celebration of business success. It’s a chance to hear firsthand from the founders, innovators and leaders shaping South Australia’s future – and to connect with the people building the state’s next generation of industries, ideas and impact.