Shannon Speight (Landmark)

Shannon is the founder and CEO of Black Box Co an innovative AgTech company that ties together data from across the livestock supply chain, to allow more producers to gain better insights from their animals. With over 5.1 million animals on the platform from all over Australia, Black Box has become one of the fastest growing startups in the Australian Beef Industry and has led to extension in the business into sheep, international markets and genomic prediction.

Shannon has deep passion for agriculture having graduated as a large animal veterinarian from University of Sydney and having worked in various roles across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Based on a property, with her husband and three young boys, in Far North Queensland Shannon continues to travel, connect with producers and advance the livestock industry through novel technology.

"Without a doubt, the connections and network I was able to make is the most awarding part of being involved in the Zanda award. I have a long list of people I can ask for help from and get advice from, and that’s really important at this stage in my career. 

 I think that the award shows people what is possible. I never would have even dreamed of starting Black Box if it wasn’t for the Zanda Award. Being around people that have built such incredible businesses and them sharing what their journey has been like allows you to consider new possibilities. 

Each year, the finalists and winners continue to inspire me. I feel lucky to have been a winner before it got so competitive! It’s exciting seeing the building of a new community and the next generation of leaders."