Maegen Blom

Thinking Bigger: How the Zanda McDonald Award Inspired Maegen to Back Herself. When Maegen applied for the Zanda McDonald Award, she was ready for something more. Managing Mills Bay Mussels, she loved the challenge of leading the business and its team, overseeing sales, marketing, processing and distribution. But she also knew her ambitions stretched well beyond her current role. "I was really enjoying what I was doing, but I could see myself growing beyond it. It felt like the right time to throw my hat in the ring and see where the Award might lead." It proved to be the start of a journey that continues to shape both her career and her outlook. Ask Maegen to pinpoint the most memorable part of the mentoring programme, and the answer isn't simple. "There were so many moments that it's almost impossible to choose." From conversations with Greg Pankhurst about building an international trading business, to learning from Troy Setter's authentic leadership, Judy Crough's ability to combine high standards with genuine care, Don McDonald's passion for the land, Serena Zifp's resilience in rebuilding after adversity, Anthony Lee's insights into family business and Ben Simpson's advice on authentic storytelling, every visit added another layer to her thinking. One memory stands out for a different reason. "Sitting in the Pilatus on the way to Devoncourt with the group, I remember feeling an incredible sense of excitement and unity. That's when I realised this Award isn't just a programme—it's a community." Another conversation fundamentally changed the way she approaches leadership. In Brisbane, mentor Mick Hewitt encouraged Maegen to think differently about investing in herself. "He challenged me to build a team around me—not just at work, but mentors and people who help me thrive professionally, physically and mentally." The idea of treating herself "like an athlete" in her leadership role was transformative. "That completely shifted my mindset. I realised if I wanted to perform at a high level, I needed to intentionally build the support systems around me." Back at Mills Bay Mussels, Maegen began putting those lessons into practice. After seeing how many outstanding businesses relied on trusted leadership teams, she deliberately empowered her own people, giving them greater responsibility and ownership. "I've leaned on my team much more since the Award, and they've been incredible. It's strengthened our culture and made us a much stronger business." The confidence she gained through the Award has also fuelled her entrepreneurial ambitions. Alongside continuing to manage Mills Bay Mussels, Maegen has launched her own business as a mussel sales agent, representing growers and negotiating directly with processing factories to maximise returns. Today she works with six growers and four processing companies, building a business that complements the wider mussel industry while significantly expanding her own commercial reach. "I don't know if I would have thought as boldly without the Award. More than anything, it's given me the confidence to keep pushing boundaries and thinking bigger." That confidence extends well beyond business. "When I call someone in the Zanda network, they answer the phone. People make time for you because of the relationships and trust built through the Award. That kind of access is incredibly valuable." She also admits that, initially, the recognition that comes with being a Zanda McDonald Award winner felt daunting. "I almost felt like people expected me to keep growing, to take the next leap and be bold. At first that felt like pressure, but now it gives me confidence. I don't feel the need to hold back." For Maegen, one of the greatest lessons has come from observing the calibre of leaders throughout the Award network. "I simply want to be a good sort, like the legends of this Award." It's a philosophy she now carries into every aspect of her work and leadership. The connections formed through the Award have become equally important. Sharing the experience with fellow winner Jack has created a friendship built on shared experiences and mutual support, while the wider alumni network continues to provide advice, encouragement and fresh perspectives whenever needed. Looking ahead, Maegen is committed to paying that support forward. She actively encourages emerging leaders to apply for the Award, invites industry guests to the Impact Summit and proudly shares the opportunities the programme creates. "It feels like a door has opened and I've stepped through. It's not a one-off experience—it's a journey that will continue for the rest of my career." Reflecting on what the Award has meant, Maegen believes its greatest strength lies in how quickly it accelerates both people and possibility. "It would take an entire career to build a network this strong. The Award compresses all of that into an incredible experience and gives ambitious young people the confidence, connections and inspiration to go further than they ever thought possible." For Maegen, the Zanda McDonald Award hasn't simply expanded her network—it has expanded her vision of what is possible, providing the confidence to lead boldly, build new businesses and embrace every opportunity that lies ahead.