Want to Win an Award? Start a Year Ago.

Awards aren’t won on the night — they’re won in the year leading up to the entry.

That’s the part most people overlook. It’s easy to get caught up in the submission deadline, the forms, the word count. But the truth is, long before you upload that PDF, your story is already being told — in every press release, investor update, internal briefing, and social post. And if those messages are clear, consistent, and purposeful, then when the time comes to enter, you’re not starting from scratch. You’re simply capturing momentum.

That’s exactly how I helped Equitane, a $5 billion AUM investment platform based in Dubai, to secure a major win at the Financial Times / World Bank Africa Sustainable Future Awards — recognition for the climate impact of their electric mobility company, Spiro.

Equitane is one of Africa’s most ambitious platforms, building sustainable infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and mining ventures across the continent. My role was to help shape the external communications across their portfolio — ensuring their impact was not only being delivered, but also clearly understood by investors, partners, and global audiences.

I helped Spiro to win — and win big — but the award submission was only the final step. The win came because we’d spent 12 months telling the story properly. Press releases, investor messaging, product launches, LinkedIn thought leadership — all of it pointed in the same direction.

And most importantly, it gave us authenticity.

When we submitted, we weren’t inventing a narrative — we were reinforcing one that already existed in the real world. That’s what made the difference. The judges could see that Spiro’s impact wasn’t being spun — it had been demonstrated, documented, and communicated consistently over time. In a sea of glossy claims, authenticity cuts through. And that’s what good comms gives you when it’s done with intention.

Often, writing a press release with the future goal of winning an award is a powerful discipline. It sharpens your focus. It helps you define your message, your impact, and the kind of reputation you’re trying to build. Communications isn’t just reactive — it’s strategic. And when done well, it lays the foundations for future recognition.

I specialise in helping organisations win — because I understand what awards really measure. They reward clarity, proof, purpose, and storytelling. I work with clients to find the strongest version of their story, frame it persuasively, and build the right narrative around it. Then I make sure that win goes to work: in media coverage, investor conversations, employee engagement, and credibility in the market.

Because the value of winning goes far beyond the trophy. A well-earned award can shift perception, accelerate partnerships, build trust, and attract top talent. And when the story is told right, that win continues to pay off long after the event.

If you're looking for support with awards strategy, messaging, or high-impact comms that builds towards real recognition — let’s talk.