Breaking Down the Criteria: How Pacific Business News Selects the 40 Under 40 List
Pacific Business News, one of Hawaii’s leading business publications, annually releases its 40 Under 40 list, honoring young and dynamic business leaders throughout the state who are making notable contributions across various industries.
But how does PBN determine who makes the cut for this prestigious list? Here, we will explore the criteria used to select the 40 Under 40 and why it matters in the business community.
1. Professional Merit
The first and foremost criterion for selecting 40 Under 40 honorees is professional merit. This means that candidates are evaluated based on their career accomplishments and contributions to their respective fields. It’s not just about being successful but also about being innovative, impactful, and a leader in your industry.
For instance, past honorees include Kristin Kahaloa, the co-founder of local healthcare nonprofit Hoola Na Pua, and Jaimie Kim, a partner and trial attorney at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon LLP, who represented Hawaii on the national stage in the NCAA student-athlete compensation case.
2. Community Involvement
The second criterion for selection is community involvement. PBN values candidates who are not just successful in their professions but also actively engaged in their communities. This can include volunteering, philanthropy, and advocacy work, among other types of civic engagement.
For example, 2019 honoree, Gregg Takayama, senior director of external affairs at Blue Planet Foundation, actively works to promote sustainability and clean energy initiatives in Hawaii. And Kainoa McGee, a 2018 honoree, is a waterman and environmental advocate who works with organizations like the Surfrider Foundation and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii.
3. Future Potential
The third and final criterion for selection is future potential. The honorees are individuals who have already made significant accomplishments in their careers and in their communities, but PBN also recognizes that these individuals have much more potential to make an even greater impact in the future.
For example, 2021 honoree, Stephanie Cramer, is the founder and CEO of Intonation Solutions, a local startup that provides artificial intelligence and data analytics solutions. She is recognized not only for her current accomplishments, but PBN also sees her as having significant potential for continued growth and success.
Why Does This Matter?
The 40 Under 40 list is not just another accolade but a celebration of young talent, leadership, and innovation in Hawaii’s business community. It showcases individuals who are making a positive impact, not only in their fields but also in the broader community.
Moreover, this list serves as valuable inspiration and motivation for young professionals to push themselves further and strive for excellence in their careers and in their communities. Finally, it’s an opportunity for PBN to highlight the value of diversity, inclusion, and equity in Hawaii’s business community, as the list has always featured a diverse range of individuals across genders, ethnicities, and industries.
In conclusion, the selection process for Pacific Business News’s 40 Under 40 list focuses on professional merit, community involvement, and future potential. The criteria showcase the range of talent, leadership, and innovation that exists in Hawaii’s business community, ultimately inspiring current and future business leaders to strive for excellence and community impact.
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