Amanda Del Signore

Amanda Del Signore

Recent Posts

Freelancer.com: Scaling Human Intelligence Through an AI-Driven Platform Pivot

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Apr 08, 2026 @ 12:03 PM

Freelancer.com has evolved from a traditional freelancing marketplace into a platform designed to coordinate complex, enterprise-level innovation in the AI era. With more than 80 million users globally, the company’s recent transformation reflects a broader shift in how organizations access and deploy specialized talent at scale.

freelancer . omc

As AI adoption accelerates, organizations are encountering a growing challenge: while automation reduces the need for routine work, it simultaneously increases demand for highly specialized human expertise. Projects involving AI development, validation, and multilingual data training require niche skills that are globally distributed and difficult to source through traditional hiring models.

A Platform Built for Coordination, Not Replacement
Freelancer’s response was to rethink the role of its platform. Rather than positioning AI as a substitute for human work, the company developed systems that use AI to coordinate human expertise more effectively.

This shift is reflected in several key developments:

Intelligent Talent Orchestration: AI-driven systems that match and coordinate teams across disciplines, languages, and geographies—demonstrated through large-scale projects spanning more than 50 languages.

Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure: Financial and technical systems capable of supporting high-value, complex engagements, including transactions reaching tens of millions of dollars.

Moonshot Innovation Program: A framework for tackling large-scale, multi-phase challenges by coordinating distributed teams, managing intellectual property, and structuring collaborative research.

Together, these capabilities move the platform beyond task-based freelancing into coordinated innovation delivery.

Positioning for Emerging Technologies
Freelancer’s model is increasingly aligned with emerging fields such as quantum computing and advanced AI, where expertise is scarce and globally dispersed. By enabling organizations to access and coordinate that expertise, the platform is positioning itself as infrastructure for a new category of innovation work.

Rather than replacing human input, the company’s approach reinforces the role of human judgment, creativity, and problem-solving—supported by systems that enable large-scale collaboration.

Freelancer.com earned a Gold Stevie® Award for Best Business Technology Pivot in The 2025 International Business Awards®.

Interested in entering for 2026?

Topics: International business awards

Virgin Voyages: Redefining Modern Cruise Experiences Through Innovation and Guest-Centered Design

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Apr 08, 2026 @ 12:00 PM

Virgin Voyages is an adults-only luxury cruise line reshaping the hospitality and leisure industry with a modern, experience-driven approach to ocean travel. Founded in 2014 by Richard Branson, the company launched its first voyage in 2021 and has since established itself as a distinct alternative to traditional cruise models.

With a fleet of “Lady Ships” and a focus on inclusive, no-surprise pricing, Virgin Voyages delivers a streamlined, elevated travel experience across destinations in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and beyond.
Virgin_Voyages logo
The global cruise industry has long been defined by legacy operators, standardized offerings, and incremental innovation. Virgin Voyages entered this space with a fundamentally different model—targeting adult travelers seeking a more contemporary, flexible, and design-forward experience.

By eliminating common industry practices such as surcharge-heavy pricing and gratuity-dependent service structures, the company addressed long-standing friction points in customer experience while aligning more closely with modern hospitality expectations.

A Distinctive and Technology-Forward Approach
Virgin Voyages has introduced a range of innovations across both onboard experience and operational strategy. Its ships feature award-winning dining, entertainment, and wellness offerings included in the base fare, reducing complexity for travelers. The brand has also invested in advanced connectivity, offering high-speed internet capabilities that rival land-based environments, supporting both leisure and remote work needs at sea.

Beyond onboard features, the company has expanded rapidly, introducing 19 new destinations and 27 itineraries through April 2025, with routes spanning Europe, the Caribbean, and additional global markets. Strategic initiatives, including new market entries and experiential partnerships, position the brand as both a travel provider and a broader lifestyle offering.

Delivering Measurable Growth and Industry Recognition
Since 2023, Virgin Voyages has achieved significant industry recognition across multiple independent platforms. The company was named the #1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure and earned top rankings in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. It also received multiple honors from Cruise Critic, including Best Overall Cruise Line, Best Dining, and Best Service.

Operationally, the company has supported its growth with a capital raise to accelerate international expansion and enhance customer experience. At the same time, it has maintained a strong focus on workforce practices, implementing policies that ensure crew members receive living wages independent of gratuities—an approach that contributes to employee satisfaction and service quality.

What distinguishes Virgin Voyages is its integrated approach to innovation, employee experience, and brand positioning. Rather than adapting existing cruise frameworks, the company has built a model centered on transparency, design, and cultural relevance. Its adults-only positioning, emphasis on inclusivity, and continued investment in both technology and global expansion reflect a broader shift toward experiential travel.

Virgin Voyages earned a Gold Stevie® Award for Company of the Year – Hospitality & Leisure – Large and a Gold Stevie Award for Most Innovative Instagram Feed in the 2025 International Business Awards®.

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Topics: International business awards

Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey’s Expansion of Community-Based Behavioral Health Services

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Apr 08, 2026 @ 11:54 AM

cspnjFounded in 1985, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) is a peer-led nonprofit organization that provides community-based services promoting recovery, wellness, and independence for individuals with lived experience of behavioral health conditions. Over four decades, CSPNJ has grown from three drop-in centers into a statewide network offering community wellness centers, supportive housing, advocacy, and outreach services.

Today, CSPNJ serves more than 16,000 community wellness center members and 600+ supportive housing residents across New Jersey. The organization employs over 360 staff, many of whom bring lived experience to their roles, reflecting CSPNJ’s commitment to peer-led service delivery.

Expanding Housing, Outreach, and Crisis Services
CSPNJ has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in homelessness outreach and crisis response services. Through partnerships with state agencies and community organizations, the organization provides preventative services, street outreach, and warming centers across multiple counties. Since 2023, CSPNJ has launched several new statewide and county-specific programs, including initiatives supporting veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The organization has also strengthened its crisis response capabilities. Its Peer Wellness Respite programs, which serve as alternatives to hospitalization, increased occupancy rates from 72.2% to 92.6% between 2023 and 2024. In 2025, CSPNJ introduced Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT), providing rapid, community-based mental health support through peer specialists and behavioral health professionals.

Growing Impact and Community Reach
Since October 2023, CSPNJ has grown by 28%, reflecting the addition of new programs and increased demand for services. Over the past year alone, the organization has reached more than 12,000 individuals through homelessness outreach and related services.

The organization is also seeing increased engagement from younger populations. Across its statewide network, CSPNJ has welcomed hundreds of new members aged 18–30, reflecting shifting community needs and the ongoing impact of mental health challenges following the pandemic.

Internally, CSPNJ has focused on workforce development and organizational culture. The organization has been recognized as a Top Workplace in both 2024 and 2025, with 90% of employees reporting that their work is meaningful.

Strengthening Visibility and Communications
Alongside program expansion, CSPNJ has increased its public visibility and communications efforts. Historically operating with a limited external presence, the organization has expanded its reach across digital platforms, media outlets, and community partnerships, increasing awareness of its services and mission.

These efforts have supported greater accessibility to services and strengthened CSPNJ’s role as a resource for individuals and communities across New Jersey.

Supporting Communications Leadership
This work has been supported in part by Chelsea Triano, CSPNJ’s Marketing Coordinator, who was also recognized in The 2025 International Business Awards®. As a one-person communications team, Triano has led efforts to expand CSPNJ’s digital presence, increasing social media engagement and building stronger connections with community partners.

Her initiatives include developing accessible communications tools, expanding partnerships, and leading events that support community engagement and awareness. These efforts have contributed to increased visibility and improved access to CSPNJ’s services across the state.

Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey won a Silver Stevie® Award for Organization of the Year – Non-Profit or Government Organizations – Large, and Chelsea Triano won a Silver Stevie Award for Communications Professional of the Year in The 2025 International Business Awards.

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Topics: International business awards

Advancing AI-Driven Talent Acquisition in a Competitive Hiring Market

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Apr 08, 2026 @ 11:29 AM

Apexon is a technology services firm that works with organizations across industries, including financial services, retail, and automotive. The company focuses on digital engineering, technology solutions, and transformation initiatives that help clients modernize systems, improve operations, and support long-term business growth.

Because that work depends on specialized technical talent, recruitment plays an important role in the company’s ability to deliver for clients. Finding candidates with expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI/ML, and full-stack development has become increasingly important as technology needs continue to evolve.Mischelle Martis headshot

Apexon Talent Acquisition Manager Mischelle S Martis has developed a structured and forward-looking approach to technical recruitment, combining over eight years of experience with evolving technologies and market insights. 

Working across industries including automotive, banking and financial services, and retail, Mischelle has focused on aligning hiring strategies with business priorities. Her work emphasizes efficiency, scalability, and responsiveness to changing technical skill demands—particularly in high-growth areas such as AI/ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and full-stack development.

A key aspect of her approach has been integrating AI-powered tools into recruitment workflows. By automating sourcing, screening, and candidate engagement, she has helped streamline processes and improve the speed and consistency of hiring outcomes.

Strengthening Recruitment Operations Through Process Innovation
Since early 2023, Mischelle has led the implementation of GenAI-driven recruitment solutions across the hiring lifecycle. These tools have enabled more targeted candidate matching, reduced manual workloads, and improved overall efficiency.

In addition, Mischelle introduced enhanced technical assessment processes and developed an Interview Training Program for hiring managers. These efforts resulted in a 20% improvement in quality of hire, reflecting stronger alignment between candidate capabilities and organizational needs.

Mischelle has also prioritized integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into recruitment strategies. Her work has focused on building more inclusive talent pipelines across technical disciplines.

One of her key initiatives was the launch of a DEI-focused Employee Referral Bonus Program, designed to encourage internal advocacy and broaden access to underrepresented talent. By collaborating with external partners and supplier networks, she has supported the development of more diverse candidate pools and strengthened inclusive hiring practices throughout the recruitment lifecycle.

Beyond sourcing and hiring, Martis has contributed to operational improvements within talent acquisition. She led a Reporting Optimization Initiative that standardized recruitment dashboards and key performance metrics, improving data accuracy and enabling more informed decision-making.

Her experience in areas such as vendor management, zero-based budgeting, and margin optimization has also supported cost efficiency and scalability across recruitment functions. These efforts have helped position talent acquisition as a more strategic contributor to business performance.

Mischelle was recognized with a Silver Stevie® Award for Recruiting Professional of the Year in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Great Employers.

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Topics: Stevie Awards for Great Employers

Blancco’s Advancements in Secure Data Erasure for the Circular IT Economy

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Mar 25, 2026 @ 04:06 PM

Founded in 1997, Blancco Technology Group develops secure data erasure and device diagnostics solutions designed to help organizations safely manage end-of-life IT assets. As companies face growing data privacy requirements and rising volumes of retired hardware, Blancco’s technology enables enterprises and IT asset disposition (ITAD) providers to securely remove data and prepare devices for reuse or resale.

From its early focus on certified data sanitization software, the company has expanded its capabilities to address broader operational and sustainability challenges tied to the lifecycle of IT equipment. Each year, tens of millions of Blancco erasures are performed worldwide, helping organizations protect sensitive information while allowing data storage assets to be redeployed or responsibly recycled.

Today, Blancco’s technology is used by enterprises, mobile industry stakeholders, recyclers, and ITAD providers that process large volumes of retired devices. The company’s diagnostic tools and erasure solutions help organizations securely transition devices into the secondary market while meeting increasingly strict privacy and compliance standards.

Linking Data Security With the Circular Economy
A defining feature of Blancco’s approach is its focus on combining data security with sustainability. As global electronic waste continues to grow, extending the usable life of IT equipment has become a priority for many organizations. Blancco’s solutions support this shift by enabling secure data removal while helping devices move safely into the circular economy rather than being destroyed or discarded.

The company continues to expand its technology portfolio, supported by more than 40 patented or patent-pending innovations. In November 2024, Blancco introduced Autopilot Detection, a feature designed to address a growing challenge for ITAD providers when processing enterprise devices enrolled in Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) systems, such as Microsoft Windows Autopilot and Intune.

Devices enrolled in these management systems can automatically reconnect to enterprise networks and resynchronize data even after initial erasure, creating a potential security risk if the device is intended for resale. Prior to the development of Autopilot Detection, identifying these enrollments often required manually powering on devices and inspecting them individually—an approach that slowed processing and introduced the risk of human error.

Automating Detection During the Erasure Process
Blancco Autopilot Detection was developed to automate this process. Integrated within the company’s flagship Blancco Drive Eraser software, the feature programmatically identifies and flags devices enrolled in UEM systems during the erasure workflow. This allows ITAD providers to detect potential risks in a single automated step rather than through manual inspection.

Industry trends highlight the significance of this challenge. Microsoft operating systems account for more than 70% of the global desktop OS market, and a substantial share of devices processed by ITAD providers are enrolled in enterprise management systems. By automating detection, Blancco’s technology reduces labor requirements, improves processing accuracy, and helps organizations protect sensitive data.

The operational benefits are measurable. Blancco reports that the automated detection process can reduce device processing time to roughly 2.5 minutes per asset, representing a significant improvement over previous manual workflows. For ITAD providers handling thousands of devices per week, this efficiency gain can shorten the time to bring refurbished devices back to market while reducing operational risk.

Continuing Product Expansion
Since the launch of Autopilot Detection, Blancco has continued expanding its capabilities. In 2025, the company acquired Key Deploy from Blair Technology Group and integrated it into its software platform as Blancco Asset Reimaging, allowing ITAD providers to reinstall the Windows operating system on sanitized devices as part of the preparation process for resale.

Blancco has also broadened its device support across the Apple ecosystem. Its erasure technology now supports Apple Watch®, AirPods®, iPhone®, iPad®, Mac® computers, and related accessories, reflecting the growing demand for secure processing of used consumer electronics entering secondary markets.

Together, these developments illustrate how Blancco continues to refine the infrastructure supporting the circular IT economy, helping enterprises protect data while extending the useful life of millions of devices worldwide.

Blancco won a Gold Stevie® Award for Technical Innovation of the Year – Information Technology in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence.

Interested in entering for 2026?

Topics: Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence

Little Windmill’s Steady Rise in Australia’s Children’s Apparel Market

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Mon, Mar 16, 2026 @ 12:37 PM

2025 Winner Spotlight - RESIZED IG-7-3Founded in 2017 as a home-based venture on a cattle station in regional Australia, Little Windmill Clothing Co. began with a simple idea: create practical, sun-safe clothing suited to rural life.

Established during Founder Katie Eslick's maternity leave, the business initially focused on cotton children’s wear inspired by a Western aesthetic. What started as a small creative project quickly gained traction among parents seeking durable, stylish alternatives to mainstream children’s fashion.

By 2020, demand had grown enough for the company to formalize its own label and original designs. In its early years, operating around the demands of a young family, Katie steadily expanded production and distribution.

Today, Little Windmill operates two retail shopfronts, a warehouse facility, and employs eight staff members. The product range has broadened to include unisex adult apparel, accessories, footwear, baby items, and curated gift hampers featuring products from other local businesses.

A defining feature of the brand has been its emphasis on quality and durability. The company reports a return rate of under five percent, significantly below broader apparel industry averages. Its clothing is designed for longevity, with customers frequently citing fit and fabric durability as distinguishing characteristics. Ethical sourcing and careful material selection are core to its operating model, reflecting a deliberate move away from fast-fashion production cycles.

Growth has been steady and measurable. Retail sales have risen substantially since the company’s first year. Online sales now account for approximately 80% of total revenue, with website visits continuing to increase annually. Wholesale expansion has also played a role, with more than 22 wholesalers stocking the brand, including partners in the United States. The company regularly participates in trade events such as Rockhampton’s Beef Week to maintain in-person engagement with customers.

Beyond financial performance, the business remains closely tied to its regional roots. It supports local events, school fundraisers, and community initiatives, and has created retail and customer service jobs in rural areas. While its online presence drives most sales, its physical stores continue to serve as community gathering points.

From its beginnings on a cattle station to its current national and international reach, Little Windmill illustrates how a niche concept, grounded in authenticity and operational focus, can evolve into a scalable enterprise.

Little Windmill won a Gold Stevie Award for Small Retail Company of the Year, and two Bronze Stevies for Company of the Year- Consumer Products - Durables - Small and for Startup of the Year - Consumer Products Industries in The 2025 International Business Awards®.

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Topics: International business awards

ValueSelling Associates Marks 19th Consecutive Year Supporting Workplace Excellence as a Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service Sponsor

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Feb 18, 2026 @ 11:11 AM

The Stevie® Awards, organizer of the world’s premier business awards programs, has announced that ValueSelling Associates will sponsor the 2026 (20th annual) Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service for the 19th 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 Sales.StevieAwards.com.

ValueSelling 2026 (1)

Winners were announced in the 2026 competition on January 29. More than 2,100 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry, in 41 nations and territories, were evaluated in this year’s competition. Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 150 professionals worldwide on eight 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 2026 awards recognized achievements since July 1, 2024. Explore the full list of categories.

ValueSelling Associates is the creator of the ValueSelling Framework®, a sales methodology, training, and toolset that aligns your revenue engine with a common language, enabling sales professionals to compete on value rather than price, and saving 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, said, ‘ValueSelling has been a loyal supporter of the competition from its earliest days and has contributed greatly to its growth. We’re delighted to partner with ValueSelling once again to honor exceptional sales professionals and organizations around the world. The Stevie Awards is proud to work with partners like ValueSelling who believe in the importance of recognizing 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 March 5 in New York, NY USA.

View full details for the 20th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service at Sales.StevieAwards.com.

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.

 

Topics: Steve Awards for Sales and Customer Service

Transforming Workplace Learning and Safety With Learning Dimensions Network

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Fri, Feb 13, 2026 @ 11:44 AM

Learning Dimensions Network (LDN), based in Fitzroy, Victoria, has established itself as a leader in corporate training, specializing in leadership and workplace safety.

With more than 30 years of experience, LDN has partnered with organizations across Australia and internationally to design and deliver bespoke training programs that produce measurable results. The company’s approach prioritizes adult learning principles, inclusivity, and the creation of engaging, empowering learning experiences tailored to each client's unique needs.

Under the guidance of CEO Melissa Williams, LDN has achieved remarkable outcomes for clients. The organization maintains a 95% client retention rate, 89% of participants meet their learning objectives, and 94% recommend LDN’s training to others. Programs are designed to develop leaders, enhance workplace safety, and drive organizational performance, equipping teams with practical strategies to inspire, motivate, and create safer work environments.

LDN is also Australia’s only provider of qualifications in creating Safety Leadership Cultures and one of the country’s largest corporate Registered Training Organizations specializing in leadership and safety, with over 23,000 enrollments.


In 2023 and 2024, LDN expanded its global footprint, delivering programs to organizations across Europe, Asia, and North America. The company introduced new initiatives addressing emerging workplace challenges, including diversity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, and leading through change. Bespoke programs have delivered tangible results, such as a 20% increase in employee engagement for a healthcare provider, a 15% reduction in workplace incidents for a construction company, and a 10% improvement in leadership effectiveness scores for a global technology firm.

LDN also partners with major infrastructure organizations to transform safety culture. The “Safety Builders for Frontline Leaders” program, developed with Webuild, was rolled out across multiple Australian projects, including the Melbourne North East Link. Designed to resonate with frontline teams, the program addresses cultural adaptation, short-service employees, and the leadership skills necessary to foster safe, productive workplaces. Over 500 participants completed the program, with 97% reporting that it met or exceeded expectations, demonstrating the program’s measurable impact on safety outcomes.

Beyond its client programs, LDN exemplifies thought leadership in corporate learning. Melissa Williams has spearheaded initiatives leveraging AI tools and interactive platforms to enhance accessibility and engagement, developed a custom IT platform to streamline project management, and shared insights with broader audiences through publications and social media. The organization’s commitment to innovation, adaptability, and high-quality delivery ensures that clients receive not only training but transformative learning experiences that drive lasting change.

LDN earned three Stevie® Awards: Gold for WHS Program of the Year; Silver for Thought Leader of the Year – Business Services, awarded to CEO Melissa Williams; and Bronze for Company of the Year – Business or Professional Services – Small in The 2025 International Business Awards®.

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Topics: International business awards

Teeny Tiny Homes’ Approach to Sustainable, Accessible Housing

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Fri, Feb 13, 2026 @ 11:27 AM

Teeny Tiny Homes logoTeeny Tiny Homes, based in Caboolture, Queensland, is redefining homeownership in Australia. Founded in 2016 by David Antonacci, the family-owned business began by renovating transportable granny flats and has since evolved into designing and constructing custom-made tiny homes.

With a focus on high-quality materials, functional design, and durability, Teeny Tiny Homes has built a reputation for delivering affordable, sustainable, and beautiful homes to Australians from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Since its inception, the company has responded to growing demand for accessible housing. By 2022, the business had relocated to a larger facility to increase production, now building 12 homes per month, a threefold increase from previous capacity. This expansion reflects Teeny Tiny Homes’ commitment to efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction while maintaining personalized service and direct communication with clients.

Innovation extends beyond production. The company has implemented time-saving technologies, such as a carpenter trolley system, and has pioneered transparent pricing based on material and labor costs. These practices empower customers with clarity and confidence while also reducing environmental impact by sourcing materials locally and partnering with Australian suppliers.

Teeny Tiny Homes has continued to take on ambitious projects, including its largest build to date: 16 custom portable units for a strawberry farm. The team has also grown to 20 skilled employees, enabling the company to deliver complex projects while maintaining the high-quality craftsmanship for which it is known. The business has garnered attention in local, national, and international media, further highlighting its leadership in the tiny home market.

At its core, Teeny Tiny Homes is more than a construction company; it is a solution provider addressing the Australian housing crisis. With housing affordability challenges, rising property prices, and increasing unmet demand, the company offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative that empowers individuals to achieve homeownership and financial freedom. Each project contributes not only to a client’s personal goals but also to the broader community, reinforcing the company’s commitment to social impact.

TeenyTiny Homes earned two Gold Stevie® Awards for Company of the Year – Materials & Construction and Best Entrepreneur – Materials & Construction in The International Business Awards®.

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Topics: International business awards

Worthy: Advancing Sustainable Design Through Full-Circle Innovation

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Jan 21, 2026 @ 10:05 AM

2025 Winner Spotlight - RESIZED IG-4-Jan-21-2026-03-00-53-4776-PMStevie winner Worthy is an Australian company founded by Angela Michel that is redefining sustainable product design by creating what they describe as the most sustainable drink bottle on the planet.

Built entirely from ethically sourced and sustainably produced sugarcane, Worthy’s bottles are carbon-negative and manufactured with zero waste—an approach that sets a new benchmark for environmentally responsible consumer products.

Central to Worthy’s model is its use of renewable resources and clean energy. The bottle is made from sugarcane stems, while the plant waste (bagasse) powers the factory, ensuring no material is discarded. The agricultural process for the raw materials relies solely on sunlight, rainwater, and natural sugarcane waste for fertilization, significantly reducing the overall environmental impact. Compared with traditional bottle materials, the process minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals, reduces industrial emissions, and supports a healthier manufacturing ecosystem.

A full-circle lifecycle is foundational to Worthy’s ethos. While the bottles are fully recyclable through standard household systems, customers are encouraged to return broken or unwanted components for repurposing into new sugarcane-based products. This closed-loop model ensures continual reuse of resources and helps keep plastic waste out of landfills and communities.

Worthy’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental outcomes. The company partners with Vision Rescue, contributing 10% of each bottle’s proceeds to support education, nutrition, and clean water programs in Mumbai’s slum communities. Angela's firsthand visits to these neighborhoods reinforced the need for solutions that address both environmental and social challenges. Additional partnerships include RAMS, an Australian nonprofit that provides resilience programs for at-risk adolescents. Through workshops and student engagement, Worthy aims to inspire young people to pursue sustainability and social impact.

Ethical sourcing is equally central to Worthy’s operations. Its sugarcane resin supplier in Brazil is recognized for responsible environmental practices, fair wages, and safe working conditions. Worthy’s packaging further reflects these values, using FSC-certified recycled cardboard, compostable mailers, and solar-powered production facilities that recycle all manufacturing scraps.

In recent years, Worthy has earned recognition across multiple sustainability and consumer product awards, reflecting the strength and credibility of its mission. Since receiving a Stevie Award, founder Angela Michel has expanded the company’s reach, transitioning from her part-time radiography career to focus fully on growing Worthy globally. The brand secured a major partnership with an Australian supermarket, producing nearly 10,000 bottles for their centenary campaign. The company has also grown from a sole operation to a small team supporting its ongoing scale.

Worthy received a Silver Stevie® Award for Product of the Year - Sustainability and Climate Protection in the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

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Topics: Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards