For close to two decades, Anna Dutton has built one of Australia's most recognised business media brands. As the co-founder and executive director of The CEO Magazine Global, she's navigated economic crises, international expansion, the collapse of print media and now the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
But among the many achievements in her career, one initiative sits especially close to her heart: creating a platform that shines a spotlight on senior women leaders.
Dutton is the force behind The CEO Magazine’s Women in Leadership Awards, an annual program recognising women making an impact across business, community and industry over the last 12 months.
The awards program is helping create a more visible pipeline of female leadership, a mission that sits close to Dutton’s heart.
"It's not just about their success," Dutton tells Women's Agenda. "It's actually about having visibility, because that visibility helps drive change. That's where we start to shift the dialogue on gender equality."
Applicants for the Women in Leadership Awards are typically women in senior leadership roles, like CEO, managing director, founder, or chair. Often, they lead significant business operations in Australia.
The Women in Leadership Awards emerged from a frustration Dutton had observed over many years through The CEO Magazine's Executive of the Year Awards. Despite ongoing efforts to encourage women’s nominations, achieving gender parity among entrants was difficult.
"We've only once been able to get parity with women and men applying for the [Executive of the Year] awards," she says.
"I still wanted a platform to recognise the incredible women doing amazing things in industry and really show their successes." she says.
"It's not just about their success. It's actually about having visibility, because that visibility helps drive change. That's where we start to shift the dialogue on gender equality."
– Anna Dutton, Co-Founder and Executive Director, The CEO Magazine Global
For Dutton, the awards are about changing perceptions, creating role models and helping women see what is possible, especially in industries where structural barriers continue to hold women back.
"The impact is really powerful," she says. "It's not just about you. It's about the impact you're making on people moving forward."
She regularly hears from finalists who describe the confidence boost that comes from being recognised by their peers. That confidence often becomes a catalyst for new opportunities, promotions and career growth.
"More than that, it's about how these connections and ideas and opportunities aren't just around that one event, it actually has that ripple-on effect that goes way beyond, and it helps other women to step forward,” she says.
While Dutton sees signs of progress, she believes structural barriers continue to hold many women back from leadership positions. Chief among them is what she describes as the motherhood penalty, and the persistent expectation that women will shoulder the majority of family responsibilities alongside their careers.
"I don't think ambition is the issue," she says. "I actually think it's about the environment that surrounds women that's the barrier."
Building a global media business
Originally trained in print media, Dutton has adapted to many shifts in the media industry over the years. The CEO Magazine began as a print-focused publication but today has evolved into a global digital media company.
"You have to stay nimble, particularly in the media industry," she says. "If you're not moving with the times, then you're dead in the water."
Dutton’s willingness to embrace change proved key during both the global financial crisis and the broader transformation of the industry. After early attempts in markets including New York and Denmark, the company built success in Sweden, where they were able to replicate the culture and vision they had built in Australia.
Eventually, it became a global business. Along the way, Dutton has often found herself as the only woman in rooms where decisions are made.
"I've been the only female on the board for many, many years," she says. "One of the biggest things I've learned is to speak up."
"I've been the only female on the board for many, many years. One of the biggest things I've learned is to speak up."
– Anna Dutton, Co-Founder and Executive Director, The CEO Magazine Global
Drawing on her experience running awards programs, Dutton says women are often reluctant to put themselves forward unless they feel they meet every criterion, while men are generally more willing to take the leap.
That's one reason nominations play such an important role in the Women in Leadership Awards.
"What I've learned through the Executive of the Year Awards [is] women often don't want to put themselves forward because they don't like to blow their own trumpet,” Dutton explains.
“I'm one of those. I'd rather sit behind the scenes.
"[But] if somebody nominates you for something, you've already won," she says. "Somebody thinks you're doing a great job."
The Women in Leadership Awards are ultimately about ensuring more women leaders receive the recognition they deserve, while inspiring the next generation of women to step forward.
After more than 20 years in business, Dutton says authenticity remains the foundation of her leadership style.
"The more I lean into myself, the more impact that I have," she says.
Applications for the Women in Leadership Awards 2026 are open until Wednesday 24 June 2026.
