SHIRA GHYOOT
Shira is the owner of My Wonderland, a New Zealand children’s entertainment brand known for transforming family experiences through thoughtful design, operational precision, and a strong community ethos. As a business leader who has built a high‑performance team, developed a franchise model, and overseen national expansion, she understands firsthand the grit, creativity, and resilience required to grow a small business. Her judging role at the David Awards reflects her passion for championing Kiwi entrepreneurs. She brings practical insight into customer experience, systems optimisation, and commercial negotiation—helping spotlight founders who build not only great ideas, but great businesses.
Shira’s connection to the David Awards is also personal—My Wonderland was a finalist in the Excellence in Innovation category in 2024 and went on to win Excellence in Community Contribution in 2025. She often reflects on how entering the awards sharpened her own thinking as a founder, especially the moment she realised that innovation isn’t always about technology—it’s often about solving a real customer problem brilliantly. That experience shapes the way she judges today: with empathy for the founder’s journey and a sharp eye for ideas that genuinely move communities forward.
What is your best Judge's tip for entrants?
Speak from the heart and be specific. The entries that shine are the ones where founders tell us why they started, what problem they’re obsessed with solving, and the real‑world impact they’ve seen so far. You don’t need perfect polish—just clarity, honesty, and a story that shows the grit behind your business.
