23 October 2006

World famous speaker to inspire Queensland's best managers

The Australian Institute of Management's 2006 Management Excellence Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 3 November promises to be a spectacular night with a keynote speech from the celebrated author of Mao's Last Dancer Li Cunxin and a breathtaking performance by international dance artists Soul Mystique.

The who's who of Queensland business and management will gather at Brisbane's Sofitel Hotel for AIM's prestigious annual awards ceremony to recognise the State's best managers.

Li Cunxin is a professional dancer and best selling author turned stockbroker and originates from China. He has performed around the globe with some of the world's best ballet companies and was even helped by George and Barbara Bush to get American citizenship.

His motivating autobiography, Mao's Last Dancer, paints a picture of his life growing up under Chairman Mao in poverty-stricken China where determination, perseverance and courage saw him beat the odds to become an internationally recognised ballet dancer.

AIM CEO (Qld & NT) Carolyn Barker said Mr Cunxin's reputation for hard work and perseverance makes him an excellent choice as a keynote speaker.

"Mr Cunxin is truly an inspiration, known around the world for his determination to succeed, his personal integrity and relentless hard work," Carolyn said.

"It is a privilege to have Mr Cunxin join us for the Awards. We are certain his story will captivate guests who can identify with Mr Cunxin's driving ambition and passion," she said.

"The life experiences Mr Cunxin will talk about in his keynote address will not only touch people's hearts but also inspire them to reach their dreams, either in business or their personal lives."

Ms Barker said AIM was expecting strong interest in this year's Gala Dinner from the Brisbane business community.

The annual Management Excellence Awards acknowledge outstanding Queensland managers and reward them for their leadership and management excellence.

28 managers and business icons from across Queensland who have recently won awards in the regional finals will be vying for State recognition in four categories of the prestigious awards.

"Whether they come from North Queensland or Brisbane, the managers competing for State recognition are well-deserving and successful business people, which will make the judging process extremely difficult."

Celebrating its 10th year in Queensland, the AIM Management Excellence Awards is one of the few awards which recognise the individual and his or her influence on the environment in which they work.

The Awards cover four categories:
o Professional Manager of the Year - for senior managers and executives.
o Owner Manager of the Year - for owners and managing partners in small, medium and large businesses. The nominee must hold at least a 50% share of the business.
o Young Manager of the Year - for those 35 years or younger.
o Rural / Remote Manager of the Year - for those who live or work at least 75 kilometres outside their nearest provincial city.

The award ceremony, to be hosted by Channel Nine personality Heather Foord, will include an evening of unforgettable entertainment with a performance from high-energy international dance artists Soul Mystique. Known as one of the most unique magical dance acts in the world, Soul Mystique will present the ancient Russian art of magical high-speed costume transformations coupled with show-stopping professional Ballroom & Latin-American Dancing.