ASB's James Bergin, Homecare Medical's Andrew Slater, Ravensdown's Kimberly Bray, Spark's Michael Stribling and Avanti Finance's Sasha Lockley are in the running for this year's Deloitte Top 200 Young Executive of the Year award.
Winners for all award categories will be named next week on December 2.
ASB chief architect James Bergin said his leadership style is that of a 'player-coach".
"I try to get in there with my team and help coach them by calling out ways that I can see their particular skills could be used to greater effect, and in the same way, sort of seeing how I can contribute to the team as well," Bergin said.
"It's the fustrated basketball player in me that always wishes that I could have done more of that and bring that in terms of a management style."
Homecare Medical chief executive officer Andrew Slater said he gets out of bed everyday to try to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders.
"I'm really interested in how we can use technology and merging technology to change the health outcomes for this country, and how we can do that in scale and speed," he said.
Ravensdown national service manager Kimberly Bray said her advice to young professionals would be to amke sure you have a great team around you.
"I think you can have a big vision, but you can't really achieve anything without really great people," she said. "I find a mentor, find someone who is able to help you along the way, and if you're able to - get a coach as well."
Spark New Zealand general manager of strategy Michael Stribling said he aims to be a "laid back" leader.
"It's important for me that our team aspires, so you know, being clear on what we inspire to, what's the next goal, what's the next thing we are looking to achieve and how we as a team move towards it - so that's really my focus."
Avanti Finance's head of operations Sasha Lockley said the opportunity to lead Avanti had been like a "great, big playing ground".
"I moved to New Zealand 11 years ago, and I really, truly belive New Zealand has been an amazing place of opportunity for me," Lockley said.
"I have had an amazing journey that has resulted in me being the head of operations for Avanti and it's just been like a great, big playing ground for me, it's been fabulous."