Louise Ridlen, CEO & Founder of Peppermint iT, has been named among the Inside Small Business Top 50 Small Business Leaders for 2025. This recognition reflects her outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment in the small business sector.
Earlier this year, Louise was also recognised as one of the Top 3 Panelists for Inside Business, further cementing her growing influence and contribution within Australia’s small business community. Both accolades underscore her position as a leader whose work inspires others in and beyond the tech industry.
Acknowledgment of xCellence
Inside Small Business’s 2025 Top 50 Small Business Leaders list celebrates those who have demonstrated resilience, ingenuity, and community focus in their businesses. The judging panel considered a wide range of submissions, seeking leaders who make an impact in their industries as well as in their communities. Among many inspiring names, Louise’s inclusion underscores her standing as a leader whose work xtends beyond business numbers to influence and community service.
The Role of Bx in Empowering Recognition
As part of the Bx xClusive membership, Louise participated in a series of personalised workshops designed to help leaders elevate their profile and communicate their achievements with impact. Each workshop is personally run by Bx CEO Matt Alderton, offering genuine, hands-on guidance tailored to each member’s goals. The award-writing workshop, just one of the many within the program, equipped Louise with the tools, structure, and feedback she needed to craft a submission that stood out among many.
Networking also played a vital part. Through Bx, Louise has had opportunities to connect with other business owners, xchange ideas, and build relationships that nurtured both insight and inspiration. These connections contributed to refining her approach to leadership, strategy, and growth.
Lessons for the Bx Community
Louise’s recognition offers several takeaways for other Bx members:
- Clarity of story matters: It’s not only about what one has achieved, but also how achievements are communicated.
- Leveraging Community Structure: Utilizing Peer Reviews and Feedback.
- Consistency over time: Leadership recognised in awards often reflects sustained effort rather than one-off bursts.
A Shared Celebration
Louise’s place among the 2025 Top 50 Small Business Leaders is cause for celebration not only for her personally, but for the wider Bx community. It illustrates what becomes possible when leadership, tools, resources, and meaningful networks align.
Congratulations, Louise! Her recognition is richly deserved, and it serves as inspiration for others in Bx to pursue their growth, share their stories, and step into well-earned visibility.