The Stevie® Awards are delighted to announce the seven distinguished professionals who will chair the judging committees of the 2025 (19th annual) Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service competition.

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world's top sales awards, customer service awards, business development awards, contact center awards, and more.

This year's Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners in the program were announced on March 6. All winners will be celebrated during an award ceremony on April 10 in New York City.

The seven committee chairs were invited to chair based on their professional experience and expertise. Judging chairs helped to form their committees, each of which is comprised of other professionals from around the globe. Learn more about the Stevie Awards judging process here. 

Here are this year's judging committee chairs:

Business Development & Thought Leadership Awards Judging Committee 
Chair: Will Milano, Principal, Paramount Professional Services Marketing, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Will has been a senior marketing leader in the corporate training and performance improvement industry for over 16 years. Most recently, he spent over 9 years as Chief Marketing Officer for Integrity Solutions, a Nashville, Tennessee-based sales training firm that has won over a dozen Stevie Awards in recent years. His focus in the industry has been growing brands that were previously "best-kept secrets", raising their market visibility and differentiation, driving demand and revenue growth strategies, and fostering customer engagement and retention.

Overall, Will has almost 25 years of experience in professional services marketing. He focuses on the four essential elements of B2B marketing strategy: brand strategy, demand generation, and customer acquisition, customer engagement & retention, and sales enablement. He is now the Principal of Paramount Professional Services Marketing, providing consulting and fractional CMO services to a variety of professional services organizations. Will has been the host of the very popular Mental Selling podcast since late 2021 and has been interviewed on a variety of other podcasts, sharing his insights on B2B marketing and thought leadership strategies.

Customer Service & Contact Center Achievement Awards Judging Committee
Chair: Mr. Yuji Hamamoto, President and CEO, Inspiro, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Yuji Hamamoto is the President and CEO of Inspiro, leading over 11,000 customer champions across 12 international locations. With more than three decades of diversified global experience with Mitsui & Co., he has held senior-level positions in sales and marketing, finance and investments, trading, project development and implementation, and operations management in the ICT and electronics business sector.

Since assuming his current role in 2020, Yuji has steered Inspiro into becoming an industry-recognized leader in global digital customer experience (CX) outsourcing. His focus on enhancing agent experience, improving customer experience, and optimizing operational efficiency in leading successful DX initiatives for network optimization, infosec augmentation, data consolidation, and analytics has driven outstanding results and significant growth. His leadership has notably earned the company global accolades for its excellence in management, customer service delivery, customer and agent experience, and innovative technology.

Educated at Keio University, Tokyo, with a BA degree in Political Science, Yuji’s professional journey has spanned multiple continents, including Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Russia, and the CIS countries. Today, he operates from Inspiro’s headquarters in Makati City, Philippines.

Customer Service Department & Customer Service Success Awards Judging Committee
Chair: Angela Blevins, Vice President, Club and Owner Services, Hilton Grand Vacation Club, Plainfield, Indiana, United States

Angela serves in a senior leadership role as Vice President of Club and Owner Services for Hilton Grand Vacations. She is responsible for the world-class customer service experience for close to a million customers. Prior to Hilton Grand Vacations, Angela served as Bluegreen Vacations Senior Vice President of Club Services and Customer Care, as well as a member of the Executive Committee, and was responsible for directing the induction, retention, and relationship development of all Bluegreen owners. Along with her team of contact center professionals, Ms. Blevins is focused on driving innovation and leveraging 360-degree customer data to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction and continuous product improvement.

Angela joined Bluegreen in 2003 as Director of Contact Center operations in the company’s Indianapolis office. She was promoted to Vice President of Customer Engagement and Shared Servicing in 2005 and was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Bluegreen Vacation Club in 2016. Prior to joining Bluegreen Vacations, Ms. Blevins was the Director of Contact Center and Program Management at Telamon Corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she served as the company’s customer service architect, developing and implementing business processes to support client services, field sales, and delivering contract requirements. She also led contact center operations at Aspen Systems Corporation in her native Indianapolis.

Ms. Blevins has been recognized for her innovative and engaging leadership in customer service, earning a Silver Stevie Award for Customer Service for five consecutive years, 2012 – 2016. She was named an “Influential Woman of Northwest Indiana” finalist for the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association for three consecutive years, 2014 – 2016. She also earned a Bronze Stevie Award in 2013 and was named a Woman of the Year finalist in the same year, along with various other individual and team industry awards.

Customer Service & Contact Center Individual & Team Awards
Chair: Lisa P Oswald, Senior Vice President, Global Customer Service, Travelzoo, New York, New York, United States

Lisa P. Oswald is senior vice president and global head of customer service at Travelzoo, supporting its 30 million members and client network since 2011. Previously, she was vice president of operations and customer service for Priceline, where she led sales and service for the dot com and its affiliate partner network for a decade-plus.

Lisa is an Advisory Board member with Execs In The Know, a founding and exclusive community of women executives at leading travel brands, and a strategy advisor with SOCAP International, the customer care industry’s membership association. She is a past recipient of the Gold Stevie Award® for Customer Service Executive of the Year from The American Business Awards, and the Travelzoo service team is the recipient of numerous excellence awards from the British Travel Awards and Stevie Awards®, including the People's Choice Award for Favorite Customer Service.

Sales Achievements & Sales Distinction Awards Judging Committee
Chair: Tunde Hubina, Vice President of Client Services, Startek, Miami, Florida, United States

Tunde Hubina is a visionary leader in customer experience and sales, with over 20 years of expertise spanning the Telecommunications, Healthcare, and Automotive industries. As Vice President of Client Services at Startek, Tunde drives strategic account growth and manages relationships with Fortune 500 clients.

Known for blending operational excellence with cutting-edge innovations, Tunde excels in devising and executing strategies to lead large-scale transformation programs, redefine employee engagement, elevate customer experiences, and deliver measurable business impact.

Sales Individual & Sales Team Awards
Chair: Zeki Yuksekbilgili, Founder & Trainer, Yuksekbilgili Training and Consulting Services, Istanbul, Türkiye

Zeki Yuksekbilgili, an accomplished individual, holds a doctorate degree in Business Management. He is widely recognized as the visionary behind Yuksekbilgili Training Co., one of Türkiye's largest training companies. Moreover, he serves as a distinguished lecturer at Istanbul Gelisim University.

His teachings primarily revolve around Marketing Management, Sales Management, and Research Methodology. With an extensive professional background spanning over 20 years, Zeki Yuksekbilgili has successfully delivered training programs to over 50,000 individuals across more than 500 companies in the past decade. Additionally, he has authored 20 books on marketing management, sales, and training.

Solution Provider, Solutions & Implementation Awards Judging Committee 
Chair: Paul McGee, VP Employee & Customer Success, Toco Warranty, West Hills, California, United States

Paul McGee is a business strategist with an artist’s passion specializing in customer experience, brand management, and employee retention. A 12-time judge and 2-time chairperson for the Stevie Awards, Paul brings over 25 years of management expertise spanning strategy, operations, and marketing. His executive leadership has shaped high-performing organizational cultures and driven exceptional customer outcomes.

Paul holds an MBA and three bachelor’s degrees from Boise State University, including Teaching and Theatre Arts, and is also a licensed real estate and insurance agent. An accomplished actor and director, Paul serves on the Board of Governors at Theatre 68 in NYC and LA. He draws parallels between the stage and the boardroom, believing that empowered teams—like actors free to express creativity—are the key to successful businesses.

Paul resides in Pasadena, CA, with his wife, twins, and their dog, Rocky, and is passionate about applying his award-winning strategies to elevate businesses, brands, and employee performance.

The Stevie® Awards, organizer of the world’s premier business awards programs, has announced that ValueSelling Associates will sponsor the 2025 (19th annual) Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service for the 18th consecutive year.

ValueSelling has been a sponsor of the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service since 2009. ValueSelling Associates are again sponsoring the Sales Individual Categories, which include Woman of the Year in Sales, Senior Sales Executive of the Year, Virtual and Pre-Sales Professional of the Year, Sales Representative of the Year, and Sales Training or Education Professional of the Year, among others.

Complete details on the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are available at StevieAwards.com/Sales. 

Winners were announced in the 2025 competition on March 6. More than 2,100 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry, in 45 nations and territories, were evaluated in this year’s competition. Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 170 professionals worldwide on seven specialized juries.

Eligible nominees for this competition include departments, teams, and professionals from around the world who work in customer service, contact centers, business development, and sales. New products and services and solution providers used by those professionals are also eligible. The 2025 awards recognized achievements since July 1, 2023. Explore the full list of categories.

ValueSelling Associates is the creator of the ValueSelling Framework®, the sales methodology, training and toolset that aligns your revenue engine with a common language to enable sales professionals to compete on value, not price, and saves time in all selling scenarios. Since 1991, ValueSelling Associates has helped thousands of sales professionals realize immediate revenue growth and achieve results they never thought possible. They offer bespoke training to FORTUNE 1000, mid-sized, and start-up companies to drive sales results.

“Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards, shared, ‘ValueSelling has been a loyal supporter of the competition since its early years, playing a key role in the program’s impressive development. We’re thrilled to join forces with ValueSelling once again as we shine a spotlight on exceptional sales professionals and organizations around the world. The Stevie Awards depends on committed partners like ValueSelling who understand the value of celebrating excellence in the workplace.’”

President and Chief Executive Officer of ValueSelling Associates, Julie Thomas, said, “The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service is an excellent platform for recognizing the accomplishments of our customers and business partners. We look forward to celebrating those sales professionals who found ways to connect, secure new business, and propel their companies forward in this tough selling environment.”

Winners will be celebrated during an awards banquet on April 10 in New York, NY USA.

View full details for the 19th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service at StevieAwards.com/Sales.

About ValueSelling Associates
ValueSelling Associates, a leading global sales training company, offers a practical methodology for selling on value, not price. The ValueSelling Framework® is a proven formula that simplifies complex B2B sales, and the Vortex Prospecting™ program provides a repeatable process that increases connections and conversions to the revenue pipeline. Once trained on the ValueSelling method, organizations grow revenue and increase productivity. Since 1991, thousands of professionals around the world have chosen ValueSelling Associates for customized training, reinforcement, and coaching to drive sales results. Learn more at ValueSelling Associates, Inc.

Stevie-winner Yedir is a technology-driven company operating in the food delivery sector in Türkiye with a unique focus on connecting local home chefs with nearby customers.

The platform offers fresh, homemade meals while enabling individuals, particularly those who have not previously participated in the delivery sector, to do so. By harnessing advanced technologies like AI, the Yedir App has created a solution that supports both customers and chefs, transforming the way food delivery services function.

Founded in May 2023, Yedir quickly gained attention for its innovative approach. The platform launched its final, improved version in May 2024, bringing with it a host of features designed to enhance the customer experience. These include ingredient-based meal suggestions, optimized pricing for chefs, and personalized recommendations for customers. Yedir’s success stems from addressing an unmet need in the market—connecting customers with healthy, home-cooked meals while offering local chefs the opportunity to build and grow their businesses.

Since its launch, Yedir has experienced impressive growth. By May 2024, the app had expanded to onboard 152 home chefs across 18 cities in Türkiye, with a daily growth rate of 7%. This rapid expansion was fueled by a clear market demand and a non-advertising spread strategy that saw the app reach over 1,000 users.

The platform actively contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including economic empowerment, food security, and gender equality. By offering home cooks, many of whom are women, a way to monetize their cooking skills, the app provides them with financial independence and professional development opportunities.

Moreover, Yedir ensures the health and safety of customers by adhering to stringent hygiene standards, collaborating with the Food Engineering and Gastronomy departments at İzmir University of Economics to provide training programs for chefs. This holistic approach not only improves the culinary landscape but also supports the broader goal of sustainable and inclusive growth.

In addition to its technical innovation and social impact, Yedir's success also lies in its ability to address challenges faced by home chefs. Many chefs were previously unaware of how to start and scale their businesses. Yedir created solutions that allowed these chefs to work within a flexible framework, choosing their own menus, days, and times to sell meals, which gave them more control over their business operations.

This business model, along with Yedir’s collaboration with local food companies and authorities, helped to establish home cooking as a recognized profession in Türkiye. The app’s allergen filters, calorie content display, and other health-conscious features ensure that the meals offered are safe, nutritious, and compliant with EU standards.

Yedir won a Bronze Stevie Award for Startup of the Year – Consumer Services Industries in The 2024 International Business Awards.

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Stevie-winner Beyond the Valley LLP (btvadventures), founded in 2022, is a premier provider of active adventures and cultural experiences in Pakistan’s stunning Karakoram region. Headquartered in Lahore, Pakistan, the company operates with a team of 10 employees and specializes in offering sustainable and responsible travel services.

Founded by Hina Umer and Umer Latif, Beyond the Valley emerged from their shared passion for travel and admiration for the serene beauty of the mountains. Despite Pakistan's awe-inspiring landscapes, the country remains an underexplored destination for many global travelers. The founders' vision was to create a company that not only provides exceptional travel experiences but also helps raise awareness about the unique cultural and natural treasures the Karakoram region offers.

Beyond the Valley seeks to change the narrative about Pakistan by promoting tourism in a way that respects both the environment and the local communities. By focusing on sustainability, the company strives to attract international visitors who are looking for responsible travel options in less discovered, yet remarkable regions of the world.

Support for Local Communities and Businesses
One of Beyond the Valley’s primary goals is to ensure that its tourism efforts benefit the local communities in the Karakoram region. The company employs local guides, transportation services, and support staff, including porters and cooks, from locally owned businesses. This approach not only enhances the authenticity of the trips but also creates direct economic opportunities for the people who call the Karakoram home.

The company employs two permanent guides (full-time) from local areas, Hunza and Skardu, respectively, which is a unique feature not found in any other organization in Pakistan, as guides are typically only employed part-time there. The guides receive regular salaries and benefits, ensuring they are well-compensated year-round, even during the off-season. These guides undergo ongoing training at the company's office, helping them stay prepared and knowledgeable about the region, its history, and its culture.

Through this holistic approach to tourism, Beyond the Valley has succeeded in providing a platform for local businesses to thrive. By integrating local products and services into their travel offerings, the company ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are shared broadly across the region.

Building Strong Partnerships and Gaining International Recognition
Since its inception, Beyond the Valley has made significant strides in expanding its reach within the global travel industry. In its first year, the company secured partnerships with leading travel companies. Clients from countries such as the UK, the USA, Austria, and Belgium have praised Beyond the Valley’s all-inclusive travel packages, awarding the company’s services with high ratings. Customers particularly highlight the hospitality of the local people and the authenticity of the experiences provided.

Beyond the Valley’s philosophy is not just about providing exceptional adventures, but also about creating lasting connections between travelers and local communities. The company’s emphasis on integrating cultural, educational, and experiential elements into each trip has contributed to its growing reputation as a responsible and impactful travel provider.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Adventure Travel in Pakistan
Beyond the Valley is helping to reshape how adventure tourism is viewed in Pakistan. By focusing on sustainability, cultural exchange, and responsible tourism practices, the company is playing a key role in promoting the Karakoram region as an exceptional travel destination.

As the company continues to expand its reach and influence, it aims to help change the global perception of Pakistan and inspire more travelers to explore the natural wonders of the Karakoram region.

Beyond the Valley won a Bronze Stevie Award for Best Small Hospitality & Leisure Company of the Year in The 2024 International Business Awards®. They also won a People's Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Companies in the Hospitality and Leisure category.

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John R. Miles is a former US Navy Officer and Fortune 50 CEO who transitioned into entrepreneurship with the launch of Passion Struck, a coaching and media company focused on helping individuals, especially leaders, live intentionally.

Drawing from his own experiences overcoming obstacles—including a childhood traumatic brain injury—Miles developed a coaching platform that combines personal insights with research to guide individuals toward living purposeful, fulfilling lives. By melding compelling storytelling with expert insights and actionable strategies, Passion Struck offers a diverse range of content—including podcasts, videos, TV shows, educational materials, and live events—designed to spark the inner fire of passion and purpose.

In 2024, Miles published Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life, a book that expands on the principles of intentional living and leadership he has advocated for through his coaching company.

Overcoming Challenges and Shaping a New Path
Miles’ background is marked by his ability to overcome significant challenges. As a child, he sustained a traumatic brain injury that affected his cognition, speech, and memory. Despite these setbacks, he went on to serve as a US Navy Officer and later took on a leadership role in the corporate world. His career progression illustrates a commitment to resilience and reinvention. After his time in corporate leadership, Miles sought a new way to help others. In 2021, he founded Passion Struck with a focus on supporting individuals in designing their lives intentionally and embracing personal growth.

Passion Struck and Its Twelve Principles
Miles’ book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life, provides a structured approach to intentional living, focusing on principles that promote both personal and professional development. The twelve principles Miles outlines include strategies for overcoming challenges, embracing originality, setting boundaries, and engaging with others in a meaningful way. These principles are informed by both scientific research and Miles’ personal experiences, making the book a blend of theory and practical application.

Each principle is designed to guide readers in becoming more intentional in their daily lives. For example, the "Anxiety Optimizer" teaches individuals how to harness anxiety in a productive way, while the "Originality Embracer" encourages embracing unique perspectives and ideas. Miles also advocates for "Boundary Magnifiers," which emphasize the importance of setting personal limits, and "Outward Inspirers," encouraging individuals to lead with empathy.

A Platform for Growth
In addition to his book, Miles has expanded his platform with the Passion Struck podcast, which further promotes the principles outlined in his book. As of 2024, the podcast has surpassed 40 million downloads in over 169 countries. The podcast features interviews with a variety of guests, including experts in personal development, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Whether through his podcast, book, or coaching company, Miles provides resources for those looking to unlock their potential, embrace personal growth, and lead with purpose.

John R. Miles' book Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles To Unlock Your Purpose And Ignite Your Most Intentional Life by John R. Miles won two Silver Stevie Awards for Best Business Book and Best E-Book in The 2024 International Business Awards®.

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The skincare industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with some consumers prioritizing sustainability alongside effectiveness. One company leaning into this change is Botanical Skincare Lab, an Australian-based brand founded in 2022 by cosmetic chemist Kim Guseli. With a commitment to creating eco-friendly, high-quality skincare products, the company has quickly gained recognition for its dedication to zero-waste beauty.

A Mission Rooted in Sustainability
Kim Guseli's journey began with a love for creating and a fascination with cosmetic chemistry. This passion led her to become a cosmetic chemist, committed to formulating skincare products that truly make a difference.

She says, "Every product I craft is a labor of love. I take great care in formulating, using natural ingredients that are carefully chosen for their benefits. My aim is to provide you with skincare that’s both luxurious and practical, helping you look and feel your best every day."

Botanical Skincare Lab was established with a clear mission: to offer clean, effective, and environmentally responsible skincare options. The brand's focus on botanical skincare means harnessing the natural benefits of plants to promote skin health, while minimizing synthetic additives. Their dedication to sustainability is evident not only in the formulations but also in the packaging and overall business practices.

The skincare industry is known for its heavy reliance on single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials, contributing significantly to global waste. In fact, the industry produces an estimated 120 billion tons of packaging waste each year. Botanical Skincare Lab has responded to this challenge by introducing a zero-waste product line, designed to reduce packaging waste without compromising product quality.

Innovation in Action: The Zero-Waste Line
The zero-waste collection includes skincare products packaged in reusable or recyclable tins or offered completely without packaging. By prioritizing minimal and sustainable packaging, Botanical Skincare Lab aims to set a new industry standard for environmentally responsible skincare.

This approach has resonated with consumers who seek effective skincare solutions that align with their environmental values. The positive response has not only bolstered the company's reputation but has also underscored the growing market demand for sustainable beauty products.

One of their latest products is their Terra Pure Clay Face Mask Pods. These Terra Pure Clay Face Mask Pods offer a convenient and eco-friendly skincare solution. These single-use, solid clay pods are designed for easy application and are ideal for travel or at-home use. To use, simply add water or a hydrating mist to the pod, mix, and apply to the face. The natural ingredients work to detoxify and brighten the skin, leaving it refreshed and glowing.

Expanding Reach and Education
Beyond product innovation, Botanical Skincare Lab has also made strides in growing its market presence. The company has partnered with various organizations to reach a wider audience, extending its message about the importance of sustainable skincare practices.

Education plays a critical role in the brand's mission. By informing consumers about the environmental impact of traditional skincare practices, Botanical Skincare Lab hopes to inspire more individuals to adopt eco-friendly habits. The company actively uses its platform to share insights on sustainability and the benefits of botanical ingredients.

Looking ahead, Botanical Skincare Lab remains committed to continuous growth and innovation. The company aims to expand its product offerings while maintaining its focus on zero-waste and sustainable practices.

Botanical Skincare Lab won a Gold Stevie Award for Startup of the Year - Consumer Products Industries in The 2024 International Business Awards®.

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Stevie-winner Umbrella IT (UIT) is a global provider of web and mobile development services and IT consulting. Over its 14 years in the industry, UIT has completed more than 250 projects for clients across a range of industries, including retail, entertainment, and education.

In recent years, UIT has grown significantly, both in its workforce and geographic presence. The team has expanded to over 300 specialists, more than doubling in size in the last three years. The company also opened offices in the United Kingdom and Dubai in 2022 to better serve its growing client base.

Bridging Technology and Practical Applications 
UIT’s work stands out for its focus on practical solutions, especially in areas like AI, machine learning, and virtual reality (VR). One of its flagship projects, the Beyond Words platform, demonstrates this approach by addressing real-world challenges in education. 

Beyond Words is an educational technology tool designed to help users improve their speaking skills. The platform uses AI to analyze pronunciation and provide detailed, actionable feedback. Its standout feature is a phonemic analysis tool, which evaluates every word and sound spoken by the user. This makes language practice more interactive and targeted, helping users to address specific areas of improvement.

To increase engagement, UIT integrated VR functionality into Beyond Words. Users can interact with virtual environments and characters, enhancing the learning process by mimicking real-life scenarios. The platform also allows users to interact with content through multiple-choice answers and voice feedback, making the experience both immersive and intuitive. Since its launch, Beyond Words has been adopted in several European countries, where it has been credited with improving students’ language skills. 

Expanding Expertise in VR 
UIT has also worked on tools designed to make VR more interactive and functional. For example, the company developed a system that allows users to pause VR scenes, interact with characters, and provide responses in real time. This solution fills a gap in the VR market by making virtual environments more dynamic and adaptable to user input. 

Behind these developments is a custom AI module that UIT created to process data in real time. This module integrates multiple AI models into a single system capable of handling complex tasks like voice recognition and real-time interaction in VR environments. These features not only enhance the user experience but also highlight UIT’s commitment to applying advanced technologies in ways that have practical benefits. 

Growth Aligned With Client Needs 
Despite its focus on emerging technologies, UIT has remained committed to addressing the practical needs of its clients. The company has developed a range of customizable services designed to adapt to different project requirements, whether for large enterprises or smaller businesses. This flexibility has allowed UIT to maintain strong relationships with clients across industries.

In addition to its project work, UIT has implemented internal initiatives to improve efficiency. For instance, it has streamlined administrative processes through enterprise resource planning systems, which simplify tasks like approvals and travel orders. These changes not only benefit UIT’s internal operations but also ensure smoother collaboration with clients. 

As UIT continues to grow, it remains focused on balancing technological advancement with practical outcomes. The company’s work in AI and VR shows its ability to tackle complex technical challenges while delivering solutions that address real-world problems.

Umbrella IT won a Gold Stevie^® Award for AI Solution in EdTech and a Bronze Stevie Award for Company of the Year - Computer Services - Medium-size in The 2024 International Business Awards^®.

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Stevie-winner Design Pop is an event design company specializing in decor and entertainment for corporate events. The company’s approach combines creative storytelling, thoughtful design, and attention to detail, aiming to provide clients with events that leave a meaningful impression. 

Design Pop recently earned recognition in The 2024 International Business Awards^® for its work on a breakfast event hosted during a site visit for the Financial & Insurance Conference Planners (FICP). The FICP is a professional association that supports and connects meeting planners and hospitality partners within the financial and insurance industries. FICP provides resources, networking opportunities, and educational events to help members develop effective meeting strategies and enhance their professional skills.

The FICP activities often include organizing conferences, workshops, and site visits to evaluate potential destinations for annual programs and large-scale meetings. The organization also promotes best practices in event planning, with a focus on delivering value to stakeholders in the financial and insurance sectors.

Design Pop's event was part of an effort to showcase Puerto Rico as a potential destination for FICP’s 70th anniversary program in 2027. With high stakes for this opportunity, the company designed an experience intended to connect with the attending planners on a personal and emotional level. 

The event, held at Puerto Rico's The Conquistador Resort, transformed the venue’s Grand Ballroom into a unique setting. The room was kept pitch-black, with amber uplighting, creating a dawn-like atmosphere that symbolized new beginnings. Guests entered along a 100-foot pathway lined with Ficus trees and inspirational signage, accompanied by the song “A Million Dreams” from the movie The Greatest Showman. A stilt walker dressed as a butterfly guided attendees to the ballroom, setting the tone for a creative and unexpected breakfast experience.  
The tablescapes featured rare florals, custom vinyl signage, and themed prop books with humorous titles such as “Event Lives Matter” and “Rise & Sign: It’s Breakfast Time!” In the prop book titled “FICP: The History of Annual Conferences: From Cleopatra to Trump,” guests could read a humorous fictional backstory that represented the longevity of FICP’s association. These details were designed to engage attendees while showcasing the collaboration between the event’s sponsors. 

They executed an unexpected breakfast experience with the intention of connecting with these planners on an emotional level, using music, lighting, décor, and a thoughtful storyline that showcased partnership potential.

Design Pop organizes over 75 events annually, catering primarily to corporate planners from around the world who bring their incentive programs to Puerto Rico. From intimate gatherings to large-scale productions, the company designs and produces themed experiences, including welcome parties, awards ceremonies, galas, concerts, and beach farewells, all featuring their signature décor and customized entertainment. Recently, Design Pop has expanded its unique events globally to destinations like Madrid, continuing to create memorable experiences.

Design Pop won three Gold Stevies and a Bronze Stevie^® Award for Best Conferences & Meetings - Networking Event; Art, Entertainment & Public Pop-Up Event; Corporate & Community - Partner Engagement Event; and Brand & Experiences - Experiential Event, respectively, in The 2024 International Business Awards^®.

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Stevie-winner OTTO Motors (now OTTO by Rockwell Automation) was founded in a basement in 2009 by Matt Rendall and three university friends, driven by the belief that self-driving technology would change the world. Armed with only $200 and an unshakable passion for mobile robotics, Matt and his team co-founded one of North America's first autonomous mobile robot (AMR) companies. The goal: to transform material handling in manufacturing facilities worldwide.

In 2015, OTTO launched its first AMR, designed to improve productivity by automating material handling in industrial settings. This was followed by the release of the OTTO 100, a small, agile robot ideal for lightweight payloads in person-to-person workflows. With innovative fleet management software and a reputation for excellence, OTTO quickly attracted some of the world’s top brands as customers.

Matt Rendall: Visionary Leadership
As the CEO of OTTO, Matt has been the driving force behind the company’s remarkable growth and success. His leadership and foresight in the AMR sector have been key to OTTO's market dominance. Under his guidance, the company exceeded expectations year over year.

Matt's entrepreneurial journey began with a deep commitment to solving real-world challenges through innovation. His hands-on approach and tireless work ethic were instrumental in OTTO’s success, particularly in the development of cutting-edge solutions like OTTO Lifter. Launched in March 2022, the OTTO Lifter was the world’s smartest autonomous forklift, and it made OTTO the first AMR company to offer both flatbed and forked AMRs. Matt’s vision for OTTO Lifter was grounded in addressing material handling inefficiencies, which consume 25% of the workforce, 55% of factory space, and 87% of production time. The solution also helped tackle safety concerns: manual forklifts are involved in 90% of serious accidents over their 8-year lifespan, contributing to 85 deaths annually.

Under Matt's leadership, OTTO didn’t stop there. In 2023, he oversaw the launch of the OTTO 600 and OTTO 1200 AMRs, expanding the company's already comprehensive fleet. These new robots, combined with two key software updates, enabled customers to optimize their floor space by transporting heavier payloads through narrow environments, setting new standards for efficiency in the manufacturing sector.

Rockwell Acquisition and Future Outlook
On October 2, 2023, after 15 years of exceeding ambitious goals, OTTO was acquired by Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation. For Matt, this acquisition was the culmination of years of hard work and strategic growth. Now, as part of Rockwell, OTTO will further enhance its ability to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by offering a fully connected factory solution, blending OTTO’s advanced robotics with Rockwell’s 120 years of automation expertise.

The acquisition marked a milestone not only for OTTO but also for Matt, who had been working toward this vision since the company’s founding. This partnership enables OTTO to expand its reach and accelerate innovation, helping manufacturers achieve peak efficiency with autonomous production logistics.

Looking Ahead
With Matt at the helm and the support of Rockwell Automation, OTTO is poised to continue its leadership in autonomous material handling solutions. Matt's journey from a small basement to leading an industry-changing company is a testament to his vision, resilience, and relentless pursuit of progress. His leadership continues to drive OTTO’s mission to make manufacturing facilities safer, smarter, and more efficient for the future.

OTTO by Rockwell Automation won two Gold Stevie^® Awards for Best Large Company of the Year in Manufacturing and Best Manufacturing Solution; and CEO Matt Rendall won an additional Gold Stevie Award for Executive of the Year - Manufacturing in The 2024 International Business Awards^®.

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The Culture Equation (TCE), a Stevie Award-winning management consulting firm based in Sydney, Australia, offers practical solutions to help organizations transform their cultural landscapes.

In the complex and fast-paced world of business, organizational culture has become one of the most critical factors influencing a company’s success. Culture shapes how employees interact, engage, and contribute to the organization’s mission, values, and overall performance.

TCE focuses on helping companies reshape their culture in a way that improves performance, enhances engagement, and fosters greater alignment with strategic goals. Their solutions are rooted in a deep understanding of human behavior, leadership dynamics, and team interactions, and they emphasize practical, actionable strategies over abstract theories. By applying this approach, TCE has proven that culture transformation is not an optional luxury for organizations but a necessity for sustainable success.

A Practical Approach to Organizational Change
One of the key aspects that sets TCE apart is its emphasis on delivering practical, hands-on solutions. Organizational culture is often viewed as something intangible or difficult to change. However, TCE’s approach is built on breaking down culture into manageable, measurable components. Instead of relying on generic models or prescriptive tactics, the organization tailors its interventions to the specific needs of each company it works with.

A core principle at TCE is that culture is dynamic and must be actively managed. This means working alongside companies to understand their unique challenges and goals and designing programs that address those directly.

The Culture Canvas: Defining Cultural Blueprint
One of the standout practical tools that TCE uses in its transformation process is the “Culture Canvas” workshop. This interactive workshop is designed to help organizations visualize and define their cultural landscape. The idea behind the Culture Canvas is simple yet powerful: by mapping out a company’s existing culture and identifying areas for improvement, leaders and employees alike can better understand where they are and where they want to go.

The Culture Canvas session guides participants through a structured process that encourages open discussions, collective input, and the co-creation of a shared cultural vision. It allows organizations to define their values, behaviors, and expectations in a way that is relevant and actionable for everyone within the organization. The result is a practical blueprint that aligns all stakeholders around a common cultural framework that can be integrated into everyday business practices.

What makes this approach particularly effective is its focus on collaboration. TCE doesn’t just come in as an external consultant to impose solutions from the outside. Instead, they facilitate a participatory process in which employees at all levels are engaged in the cultural transformation. This leads to greater buy-in, ownership, and commitment to the changes being implemented.

Psychological Safety: A Key Enabler of Engagement
Another central component of TCE’s practical approach is its focus on psychological safety. Research has shown that psychological safety – the feeling that individuals can take risks, speak up, and share ideas without fear of retribution – is a critical factor in fostering high-performing teams. Without it, innovation stalls, communication breaks down, and engagement levels drop.

By focusing on this practical aspect of organizational culture, TCE helps companies create environments where employees are more likely to contribute ideas, collaborate, and take initiative without fear of failure. This, in turn, leads to improved engagement, greater innovation, and a more dynamic organizational culture overall.

Ongoing Commitment
TCE's practical and tailored approach to organizational culture transformation has made them a valuable partner for companies seeking to enhance their workplace environments.

Their focus on defining culture, developing leadership, and promoting diversity provides organizations with the tools needed to foster positive and productive workplaces. The recognition from the Stevie^® Awards further highlights their dedication to excellence in the field of culture and leadership consulting. 

The Culture Equation won a Silver Stevie Award for Company of the Year - Business or Professional Services - Small in The 2024 International Business Awards^®.

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