Celebrating the Values That Shape Us
At EO Queensland, our values aren’t just words on a page — they’re lived, breathed, and embodied by the people who show up, lean in, and lead from the front.
At our recent Values Awards Night, we honoured the members who didn’t just represent these values — they amplified them. Through bold action, deep connection, quiet consistency, and contagious curiosity, these individuals created ripples that inspired all of us.
Each award reflects a core EO Queensland value — the threads that hold our community together and fuel our shared transformation:
- Think Big, Be Bold – For those who dream without limits and act with courage.
- Thirst for Learning – For those whose curiosity never quits, and who raise others as they grow.
- Trust & Respect – For those who lead with authenticity and make space for others to do the same.
- Together We Grow – For those who remind us that our greatest growth happens side by side.
- Cool – For those who walk their own path, inspire through action, and make EO… well, EO.
And finally, we recognised our Entrepreneur of the Year, one extraordinary member whose quiet leadership, deep contribution, and unwavering presence raised the standard for all of us.
Here’s to our 2024/25 EO Queensland Values Award winners. Meet the winners and their stories as read out on the night.
Accelerator of the Year
Our Accelerator of the Year is the definition of showing up and doing the work. She doesn’t just attend learning days, she absorbs, applies, and repeats. Again and again. Her consistency and determination set the pace for what it means to be an Accelerator.
Backed by glowing praise from her accountability coach, she brings both energy and intent to everything she does. She even joined EO members at the Queenstown Chapter Advance, a clear sign she’s already stepping into the EO mindset. As they say, you are who you hang around.
She hasn’t graduated just yet—but if this year is anything to go by, she’s not far off. Congratulations to our lawyer extraordinaire, Jeanette Jifkins.
Think Big & Be Bold Award
The finalists are: Kevin Conlon, Andrew Mills, and Mel Summer
This award recognises individuals who innovate, take risks, and see opportunity in challenge. They think big, act boldly and make a difference beyond themselves.
This year’s winner has grown their business 25X since joining EO. They recently made the bold move of appointing a CEO – freeing themselves to pursue 2 start-ups – Carelever a software business and another called “Longev” which is focused on human healthspan and optimising longevity.
Behind the scenes this year, they’ve made a significant contribution to the chapter’s progress on SLP engagement. A highly committed learner, they’ve travelled the world attending events – and are known for their obsession to put those learnings into action. Perhaps also the only member known for doing 90-day holidays with their partner, carrying only boarding luggage with no pre-booked accommodation!
They’re known for their generosity – always willing to go above and beyond to help a fellow entrepreneur or friend, with no expectation in return.
The Think Big & Be Bold Award goes to… Kevin Conlon.
Award Nomination: Thirst for Learning
The finalists are: Chris Mitchell, Troy Fox, and Linus Chang
This award recognises a member who consistently demonstrates an insatiable curiosity, a relentless pursuit of knowledge, and generously shares their insights to elevate those around them.
This year, each of these Finalists made it to over 22 events – we’ve checked, and yes, they do still have businesses to run in their spare time.
One nominee stood out for more than just showing up. This year’s winner didn’t just soak up knowledge – he gave back. His curiosity led to the design and rollout of a Tenured Members Survey to better understand how to engage our most experienced members. The insights he uncovered have since been shared across APAC and are now shaping regional strategy.
The Thirst for Learning Award goes to…
Linus Chang.
Award Nomination: Trust and Respect
The finalists are: Chris Whitrod, Will Swayne, and Brendan Gibson
These values ensure our chapter is a space where members can be their complete, authentic selves.
This year’s winner demonstrates these to the fullest. At our Forum Next Level event, he set the tone for the entire day by courageously sharing a deeply personal challenge – on stage in front of more than 100 attendees. His vulnerability gave others permission to open up, creating a space of genuine connection for the whole event.
He continues to inspire through his unwavering commitment to fundraising for his daughter’s rare disease charity, showing the power of purpose, compassion, and leadership.
This year’s Trust & Respect Award goes to… Chris Whitrod.
Together We Grow Award
The finalists are: Troy Fox, Adam Thompson, and Jason Lawrence
This award recognises individuals who are committed to each other’s growth and well-being. They build deep connections and show up for others in ways that prove they genuinely care.They remind us that EO is more than a network – it’s a community.
This year’s winner first stepped into chapter leadership a couple of years ago as a Forum Moderator – and something clearly clicked. Since then, it’s been a steady climb of contribution.
This year, he took on the role of Membership Co-Chair… and suddenly found himself on the phone to “next gens” – the children of EOers – trying to sell them on Forum being way cooler than TikTok!
Turns out, he’s surprisingly persuasive.
And the more he gives to this chapter, the more he leans in. So much so, he’s joining next year’s Board.
The Together We Grow Award goes to…
Troy Fox.
Award Nomination: Cool
Finalists are: Leigh Anderson, Shannon Semenikow, and Belinda Vesey-Brown
This award recognises individuals who embody the essence of being “cool”. Coolness meaning individuals who are risk-takers, love adventure, and push boundaries – while also being approachable, friendly, and, well… COOL! They inspire us all with their energy and enthusiasm.
And this year’s winner? Cool doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Let’s start with the garage – three motorbikes, no licence (yet), due to a broken shoulder from a practice run that didn’t quite go to plan!
There are four cars, three of them Fiats, including a 1960s red Fiat Dino – a dream that sat on a vision board for 22 years before roaring into reality this year.
This person has a 100 Dreams board and isn’t just ticking boxes – they’re making memories. From seeing theatre in London to skiing in Japan, flying a plane, scuba diving with sharks, and yes – even completing the World Nude Bike Ride in Byron. Because… why not?
On some weekends, they can be found camping in a lovingly restored 1960s caravan named Olive or cleaning headstones at South Brisbane Cemetery.
They keep a detailed list of every champagne they’ve ever tasted (and trust us, it’s long), and they regularly host dress-up murder mystery dinners… just for fun.
But cool isn’t just about what you do – it’s about how you do it. When this member turned 40, instead of throwing a party, they completed 40 random acts of kindness. They support ManUp and The Smith Family, and each Christmas make time to deliver gifts to families in need.
They’re daring, generous, endlessly interesting – and somehow manage to make it all look easy. I assure you, there’s even more to tell.
Shannon, Leigh – you may have done your cold Arctic trek, but this year’s COOL Award goes to… Belinda Vesey-Brown.
Darren J Mullins EO Member of the Year
This award recognises a member who has gone above and beyond — not with noise or ego, but with quiet consistency, deep insight, and unwavering contribution.
This year’s recipient has a rare gift — the courage to voice what others are often thinking. They lean into honest, direct conversations that elevate the depth and authenticity of every room they’re in. Their words don’t fill space — they shift it.
Calm, composed, and grounded, they bring clarity when things get noisy, and substance when things get shallow.
They also remind us what holistic success really looks like — balancing drive with health, family, and emotional well-being. Even building in Wellness Wednesdays as a ritual, not a nice-to-have.
And just in case that wasn’t enough, here’s their year in numbers:
– 13 Board meetings
– 7 Accelerator events
– 13 committee meetings
– 24 monthly updates to coaches and Accelerators
And somehow, they still called it “a fun ride.”
This member doesn’t just contribute — they raise the standard. With courage. With consistency. With class.
The 2024/25 EO Queensland Member of the Year is… Kevin Porter.