Call for noms for the Sandy Smith Inspiring Individual Award

AUCKLAND, Today: The Comms Council and Warner Bros. Discovery are searching for the industry’s most inspirational leaders, with nominations now open for the Sandy Smith Inspiring Individual Award.

Nominated by their peers, the Inspiring Individual is the ‘unsung hero’ in an organisation; the person who inspires others with their generosity of spirit, patience, willingness and passion, and who is integral to the company’s culture and success.

Warner Bros. Discovery senior director Donna Gurney said: “Developing diverse talent within our industry has never been more important and it is our privilege to do so in honour of Sandy, recognising the positive impact she made on so many people.

“This $ 10,000 award isn’t about who sits at the top of the org chart, it’s about recognising someone who goes out of their way to make a difference, making our industry a better place for all.”

Sandy Smith worked in the media industry for 25 years, building many enduring client relationships.  Her expertise and understanding of the sector led to her involvement in groups dedicated to improving advertising standards, research and addressing key industry issues.

The Inspiring Individual Award was launched in 2011 at the Comms Council Media Awards.

“This $ 10,000 award isn’t about who sits at the top, it’s about recognising someone who goes out of their way to make a difference,”

The inaugural recipient was Richard Fenner, then of Spark PHD. Other recipients have been …

• Liz Fraser, who at the time was general manager MSN.co.nz and chairwoman of the IAB
• Alistair Jamison, ceo, Starcom & VivaKi NZ
• The 2013 winner, Louise Bond, ceo of Spark PHD
• Claire Harris from Nielsen in 2014
• Chrissy Payne of OMD in 2015
• Julia-Ann Hedges in 2016
• Matt Bale, Co-founder of MBM in 2017
• Robert Harvey, ceo of Dentsu in 2018
• Anne Lipsham, head of strategy at FCB Media in 2019
• Sean McCready, managing partner at MBM in 2021

The winner will be announced at the Beacons in June.”

The Inspiring Individual Award nominees are selected by their peers. Nominees need to meet the following criteria:

• Is a mentor for others – this person invests time in younger members of the team, inspiring them professionally and encouraging them to evolve as individuals.
• Shares their knowledge and wisdom accumulated during their time in the industry.
• Is the person colleagues go to when they want an answer that will be wise, practical and honest.
• Contributes to the media industry – this person sees the value in being involved in industry developments and initiatives in a constructive way.
• Approaches challenges with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Challenges the status quo with logic and reason.
• Embraces the changes in our ever-evolving media landscape.

Nominations should include an explanation as to why the nominated individual is deserving of this award. A nomination form can be downloaded via the Comms Council website (www.commscouncil.nz).  Completed nominations should be sent to awards@commscouncil.nz by 4pm, Friday 20 May 2022.

The winner of the Sandy Smith Inspiring Individual Award will be announced at the Beacon Awards on Thursday June and will receive $ 10,000 to be used to further their education.