Last night at the LambEx Gala Dinner, Tayla Blight, a graduate consultant at Pinion Advisory, took home the 2024 LambEx Coles Junior Trailblazer Award.
Winning the Trailblazer Award means a lot. It’s recognition not just of personal effort but also of the industry’s eagerness to embrace new ideas and innovations. Martin Smithson from Coles, who was on the judging panel this year, was really impressed by the fresh, innovative ideas he saw. He mentioned that the quality of finalists this year was stellar, which only goes to show how promising the future looks with these bright minds at the helm.
Jason Schulz, the Chair of LambEx 2024, also praised the entries this year. He sees these ambitious young professionals as future leaders who will continue to push boundaries and inspire everyone in the industry, even those who’ve been around for ages.
This year’s LambEx event was held in Adelaide at the Adelaide Convention Centre from August 7-9, with a significant gathering for emerging talents in the industry to showcase their potential. It attracted a diverse audience of young, ambitious professionals, producers, scientists, and students, all full of innovative ideas for the industry.
The Gala Dinner itself was a fantastic opportunity for networking and celebration. For those of us at Pinion Advisory, being there to experience it all firsthand was incredibly rewarding. It was a great chance to chat with industry leaders and peers, dive into emerging trends, and discuss the common challenges we face in the lamb industry.
Reflecting on her experience, Tayla shared how transformative the journey has been for her. "Attending LambEx has been an incredible opportunity that I will forever be grateful for," she said. Working with industry experts like Jess Adamson has not only sharpened her public speaking skills but also boosted her confidence in handling media—skills that are crucial for anyone making their mark in today’s fast-paced world.
Here at Pinion Advisory, we are all celebrating Tayla's well-deserved win. This highlights the importance of supporting and nurturing young talent and creating an environment where new ideas can flourish. The LambEx Coles Trailblazers competition is a testament to that, ensuring that the future of the Australian lamb industry is in innovative and capable hands.
Tayla’s win last night is not just a personal milestone; it’s a source of inspiration for all young professionals in the agricultural sector. Congratulations, Tayla, for setting such a high standard of excellence and innovation!!