Discover the Top 20 UK Step Changers 2024
Welcome to our celebration of innovation and leadership. The Top 20 UK Step Changers 2024 list, presented by Airwallex, highlights the trailblazing business leaders who are creating step-change in their industries and setting new standards for excellence.
About the list
The genesis of the Airwallex business was a willingness and excitable curiosity to look at challenges from a different perspective. To take the common frustrations found in ageing financial infrastructure, and explore new paths beyond them.
Just as our founders sought to create step-change, we now want to recognise and celebrate those extraordinary entrepreneurs that are going beyond commercial success to be a real force for change in their industries.
We received over 600 nominations for deserving business leaders and our panel of judges - passionate for fostering step-change entrepreneurship - shortlisted to the top 20.
The Top 20 UK Step Changers 2024 list celebrates business leaders who embody the step change spirit. Step Changers aren't just making incremental improvements; they’re driving breakthroughs that fundamentally reshape industries. They challenge conventional norms, turning challenges into platforms for innovation and growth. These are more than just successful entrepreneurs – they are visionaries who have redefined what’s possible.
What is a Step Changer?
A Step Changer is a visionary leader who pushes beyond incremental progress to create transformative change in their industry. Unlike those who seek only to improve the status quo, Step Changers challenge conventions, embrace bold ideas, and actively pursue opportunities that disrupt the norm. They recognise that real progress comes from taking decisive actions that open new possibilities, whether by scaling globally, innovating products, or reimagining entire business models.
Step Changers are not defined by the absence of challenges but by their ability to turn obstacles into catalysts for growth. They think big, act decisively, and inspire others to do the same. Their journey is characterised by ambition, resilience, and the courage to push beyond comfort zones, driving their businesses – and industries – toward significant breakthroughs.
In short, a Step Changer is someone who isn’t just responding to the future but actively shaping it.
Meet the judges
In summer 2024, Airwallex set out to find the most extraordinary business leaders who exhibited a step-change attitude. The call was well and truly answered. We received over 500 nominations from peers who wanted to recognise business leaders who had created - and were creating - step-change in their industry.
Our panel of judges - deep advocates of a step-change attitude themselves - shortlisted their top 20. They based their decision on the strength of the nomination, specifically: evidence of leadership qualities, determination, passion and excellence in their field.
Discover the Top 20 UK Step Changers
Join the 2025 waitlist.
Be among the first to hear when entries open for the Top 20 UK Step Changers 2025. Join our waitlist and stay updated on how you can nominate the next generation of innovative leaders making a global impact. Self-nominations welcome.
