30 Under 30: what's it all about?

At the start of the month, AYP founder, Ross Jolly, sat down for a chat with Johnny Brooks and Taylor Erridge, two previous winners of AYP’s 30 Under 30 award. This bespoke competition exists to discover and celebrate Aberdeen's most inspiring and dedicated young professionals and it's back for 2025!

Over the course of an hour Ross chatted to 2023 winners Johnny and Taylor about why they felt they were recognised, the effect the awards had on them and their careers and the advice they’d give to anyone thinking of putting in a nomination. Watch the full interview on LinkedIn.

AYP is open to people working in any job and the 30 Under 30 awards champion this ethos by recognising young professionals across a diversity of sectors. The awards offer you the chance to reflect on your achievements in your own sector or encourage someone else to be recognised for the contribution they are making in theirs.

Taylor’s nomination came from her AYP mentor at a pivotal moment having been promoted to Business Development Lead at James Fisher Decommissioning. Feeling the familiar signs of imposter syndrome in her new role, the 30 Under 30 awards gave her a confidence boost at just the right time and she took courage in having her work acknowledged externally.

Johnny, as Managing Director of Studio 10, resonated with Taylor and spoke of his own experience of imposter syndrome working in the creative sector. He’s found himself being underestimated at times but being on the 30 Under 30 list helped to raise not only his profile but also the profile of the sector with many people approaching him to ask questions about how they can get involved, too. He was thrilled that his winning the award helped shine a light on other talented young people in the region.

Not only has being on the 30 Under 30 list brought huge benefits in a professional context when networking, both Taylor and Johnny have felt the awards have helped them broaden their perspectives through exposure to different industries. Taylor talked about the friendships she now has with some of the other winners and how this has influenced her career ideas and vision going forwards – there was even mention of starting her own business like Johnny one day!

Johnny and Taylor shared advice for young professionals both when putting together a nomination and generally about how to build your career in your 20s. For Taylor, she believes her involvement with the Girls in Energy initiative helped her nomination stand out and encourages everyone to consider how they can give back and help others progress in their sector.

For Johnny it’s all about storytelling and going behind the curtain to walk the audience through your journey, the challenges you faced and the personal impact of your achievements. Ross encouraged anyone considering nominating themselves to be bold and tell you story. Let the judges know what you’ve achieved and what your plans for the future are. The 30 Under 30 awards are about more than just job titles, they’re about celebrating contribution.

The 30 Under 30 awards are open for nominations until the 12^th September 2025. The campaign will raise the profile of 30 people whilst championing the work of hundreds of other young professionals across the region. Find out more and start nominating on our website!