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At Startmate, we believe in the power of visible role models. The saying “You can’t be what you can’t see” rings true, especially in leadership.

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When women see others thriving in leadership roles—whether as managers, mentors, or trailblazers—they’re more likely to believe that they, too, belong at the top. This is why we’re running the #LadymatesLeadership Award: to showcase and spotlight the incredible women leaders in the ANZ tech and startup ecosystem.

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We know there are countless women driving change, leading teams, and inspiring others every single day. Yet, too often, their contributions go uncelebrated. This competition is about changing that. It’s a chance to:

• Shine a spotlight on the extraordinary women whose leadership shapes our industry.
• Inspire the next generation of women leaders to step up and see their own potential.
• Champion diversity in leadership, because when leadership reflects everyone, we all thrive.

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By amplifying these stories, we’re not just celebrating individuals—we’re building a movement. A movement where women in leadership are the norm, not the exception. A movement where every ambitious woman can look up and see someone who inspires them to keep going.

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So, let’s tell these stories. Let’s celebrate the women who’ve made a difference in our lives and in our workplaces. Let’s show the world that leadership has no limits.

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This competition is just one step toward creating a more visible, inclusive, and inspiring future for women in tech and beyond. 🌟

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How to Enter

• Write a LinkedIn post celebrating an inspiring woman leader in your life. Share their story and why they’ve made a significant impact on you, your team, or the ANZ tech/startup space.
• Use the hashtags #youcantbewhatyoucantsee and #ladymatesleadership in your post to enter.
• Submit your post by Thursday, 5 December 2024

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Eligibility

• Open to residents of Australia and New Zealand (we encourage both men and women to nominate)
• The person you nominate must be a woman and work in the ANZ tech or startup ecosystem, whether they’re a manager, mentor, or peer.
• The person you nominate must CURRENTLY be in a leadership role.
• You must make a LinkedIn post to participate.
• Written and/or video submissions welcome

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Prizes

The winner will receive $500 for themselves and $500 for the inspiring leader they wrote about.

Prize options:

• Free entry one year membership into our Ladymates Collective and/or Ladymates Leadership (Silver) memberships; or
• 2 x $500 gift vouchers for a weekend getaway with Unyoked
• 2 x Kindle + amazon book voucher valued at $500.

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Criteria for winning

Posts will be judged based on:

1. Leadership: Is this person a ground-breaking thinker, everyday hero, or innovative role model?
2. Impact: What type of personal or organisational impact has the person made?
3. Inspiration: Does the person motivate and celebrate other people to become great leaders?

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Important Notes

• By entering, you agree to allow Startmate to share your post or excerpts as part of our efforts to promote women in leadership.
• There is no entry fee or purchase required to participate.
• The decision of the judges will be final.
• There is only one winner. 
• By participating, entrants agree to release the Organiser from any liability related to the Award or prizes.

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Timeline

• Competition Opens: Thursday, 21 November 2024
• Submission Deadline: Thursday, 5 December 2024
• Winner Announcement: Sunday, 8 December 2024

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How to Maximise Your Entry

• Use visuals like a photo of the person you’re celebrating (with their permission) or a video of you speaking about how incredible this person is.
• Share specific examples of their leadership and how they’ve made a difference.
• Tag them in your post (if they’re on LinkedIn) so they can see the recognition they deserve.
• Make sure you tag Startmate and use the hashtags #ladymatesleadership and #youcantbewhatyoucantsee

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Questions or Help?

If you have any questions about the competition or your entry, feel free to contact us at holly@startmate.com.au.

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Let’s celebrate and amplify the voices of incredible women leaders! 🌟