A Huge Thanks To B&T’s 30 Under 30 Awards Judges!

The winners of B&T’s 30 Under 30 Awards, presented by Vevo, are chosen by a panel of expert judges working tirelessly behind the scenes to pick from a pool of incredibly impressive talent—it’s no easy feat! With the Awards’ finalists revealed last week, we wanted to take the chance to thank the judges of this year’s Awards for their hard work!

We chatted with two of this year’s judges, Adam Harriden, executive creative director APAC at INVNT and Shani Kugenthiran, digital advertising strategy and product director, Paramount ANZ about why they decided to join the panel and what impressed them most about this year’s cohort.

The eventual winners will be revealed at a swish awards ceremony at Sydney’s Metro Theatre on 13 March. You still have time to grab your tickets here!

But we’d also like to say a big thank you to all our judges:

B&T: Why did you decide to join this year’s judging panel for B&T’s 30 Under 30 Awards?

Adam Harriden: After 30 years in the industry, I felt it was the right time to step up and help steer the next generation of leaders. Being on the panel gave me the perfect opportunity to tap into the pulse of emerging talent. It’s not just about judging; it’s a chance to see first-hand who’s coming up, what they’re bringing to the table, and how they’re shaping the future of the industry. It’s exciting to be part of recognising and nurturing the talent that will drive change and growth in the years to come.

Shani Kugenthiran: I know what it’s like to navigate this industry without a clear roadmap. Early in my career there weren’t many leaders who looked like me or shared my background and mentorship wasn’t easy to find. That experience shaped me and now I want to be the person I wish I had back then.

The B&T 30 Under 30 Awards is about celebrating the people shaping the future of media, advertising and tech. These rising stars aren’t just keeping up with change, they’re driving it. And if I get to help amplify their voices while sipping my coffee and nodding like a proud aunty, I’m all in.

B&T: What stood out as the most important value in the contestants while judging this year’s Awards?

AH: One value that really resonated with me was a commitment to fostering equality within the workplace. That’s a non-negotiable for me – creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard is essential. Mental health also came to the forefront as a key focus for many entrants, which I was pleased to see. It’s not always consistent across the board, but those who highlighted mental health initiatives really stood out. It shows a deeper understanding of what it means to lead in today’s world – leaders need to be compassionate, not just successful.

B&T: What made you most excited while judging about the future of our industry?

AH: What really excited me was seeing how eager these young professionals are to extend their expertise and grow beyond their day-to-day roles. Many of them aren’t just focused on career progression for personal gain—they genuinely want to contribute to their communities and have a positive impact on the world. There’s a refreshing sense of purpose in this generation. It’s not just about landing the next client – it’s about creating something meaningful that transcends the workplace and benefits society as a whole. That level of drive is what will push this industry forward.

SK: This next generation is fearless. They’re not waiting for permission, they are redefining how we engage audiences, use data and create meaningful connections and they’re doing it with heart. From championing inclusivity and creativity to pushing the boundaries of emerging tech and cross-platform collabs, they are moving the industry forward.

But what really excites me is their ability to think beyond individual success. They’re not just building careers, they’re building networks, movements and entirely new ways of working. They’re linking up with universities, bringing in fresh perspectives from other industries and making sure the next wave is even stronger.

B&T: How did mentorship or other recognition/resources help you as a young person in the industry?

AH: To be honest, mentorship wasn’t a big part of my journey. I came into the industry during a time when it was more about survival than support. I was constantly faced with the “sink or swim” mentality—there wasn’t much hand-holding, and you had to prove yourself through sheer grit and talent. But that said, it was a different environment back then. The industry has changed significantly, and today there’s a strong emphasis on mentorship, structure, and support for emerging talent. That’s why I’m so passionate about giving back now—I’m excited to help guide the next generation of leaders in a way I wasn’t fortunate enough to experience.

SK: Honestly? I didn’t have much of it. Not because I didn’t want it but because I didn’t see many people who shared my experience or background. I had to figure out a lot on my own.

I built a strong, diverse network over time, and now I have THE MOST incredible peers and mentors I trust and turn to. It took years but it shouldn’t have to. That’s why I make it a point to open doors, create access, and make sure the next generation doesn’t have to go it alone. Recognition and mentorship shouldn’t be a lottery it should be baked into how we build this industry.

B&T: What is the importance of championing young talent?

AH: Championing young talent is everything to me. It’s why I show up every day—to provide the opportunities I had and to give others the chance to succeed. I also believe it’s vital to prepare younger professionals for the realities of the industry. It’s not always easy; it takes hard work and dedication. But the most important thing they can do is listen and learn. By doing so, they’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.