Brisbane Powerhouse artistic director and CEO Kate Gould believes being recognised with an award nomination can provide the impetus to achieve even more.

“Very often people don’t realise the impact that they’re making, they don’t know how they’re tracking,” said Gould, who is a judge for the inaugural 40 Under 40 Awards.

“When others pick them out and say ‘you’re doing something exceptional’, it really gives them confidence in their own field.”

Gould speaks from experience, having been nominated for a Young Queenslander award early in her career, which she said was “quite a recognition” and gave her the opportunity to reflect on what she could do better.

Almost two decades on, having made a name for herself nationally as an arts and cultural leader, including as CEO/associate artistic director of the Adelaide Festival and co-founder of MONA’s Dark Mofo, she returned to her hometown of Brisbane two years ago.

“Queensland is in this extraordinary growth phase and we can see there’s evidence of this expansion [in] our need for workforce development,” she said.

“The 40 Under 40 Awards are bringing attention to the good work people are doing and supporting the industries that are really innovating in Queensland.

“I think [the awards] really reflect the growth and innovation that’s happening.”

Gould’s time in Adelaide gave her exposure to South Australia’s 40 Under 40 Awards, which shine a light on early and mid-career achievement.

“I did get to know the people who were participating or nominated,” she said.

“It lifted their profiles and that was really helpful to them at a time when they were growing a business or growing their own practice.”

Having nominated several people for the awards, she said she “never underestimates the value” of doing this.

“It’s really important, I think, in the process of how [the nominee can] build a business and professional connections,” she said.

“There’s great networking opportunities [and] a chance to promote [one’s] work or business through the awards.”

Gould is impressed with her home state’s arts and business communities’ approach to work.

“What really inspires me in returning is that collaborative nature of working in Queensland – there is a sense here of great support,” she said.

She added that while “some cities are much more dog eat dog”, Brisbane has remained “true to its original self” as it grows and continues to encourage and nurture its talent.

She is keen to see the city’s young leaders and entrepreneurs, and those across the state, enter the 40 Under 40 Awards.

“I’m very excited by the different industries people work in and the innovation that exists in Queensland,” she said.

Nominations are now open for the 40 Under 40 Awards presented by InQueensland and The Weekend Editions.

The awards will acknowledge this year’s alumni of 40 of the state’s brightest, including the winners of the 10 category awards.