Michael Grundon, founder of Indigenous workwear company Gawun, joins Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb to share how family, culture, and purpose laid the foundations for his business journey. From a powerful moment at a school assembly to building one of Australia’s leading First Nations suppliers of custom high-vis apparel, Michael discusses how Gawun is creating space for cultural connection in the corporate and construction sectors. He also reflects on the importance of community, integrity in business, and the role of face-to-face networking in building a sustainable and values-driven enterprise.

00:30 – Dominique introduces Michael Grundon and the story of Gawun

01:00 – Michael explains the meaning behind Gawun and his cultural roots

02:15 – How a daughter’s school presentation sparked a deeper cultural reconnection

04:55 – Michael discusses his journey to create a purposeful business

06:45 – From workwear to cultural tours: how Gawun evolved its offerings

08:00 – The confronting history of Cherbourg and its lasting impact

09:25 – Connecting corporates to country: the power of immersive education

11:11 – The challenges of networking as an introvert—and how to push through

13:00 – Why family and values matter more than flashy business growth

15:11 – Michael’s advice: prioritise connection and in-person engagement

16:56 – How corporates can find and work with First Nations businesses

20:00 – Closing the gap through economic participation and wealth building

21:45 – Social enterprise in action: giving back through business

22:16 – A heartfelt wrap-up: gratitude, connection, and community uplift

Michael Grundon is the proud founder of Gawun, a 100% Indigenous-owned company delivering custom workwear and cultural education programs. A proud Kabi Kabi, Wakka Wakka and Coa man, Michael’s work bridges business and culture—offering corporate wear adorned with Indigenous art, and leading cultural immersion tours and yarning circles that connect people to Country and truth. Gawun means “caring for,” and Michael lives this ethos daily through his work, family, and advocacy.

🔗 Gawun Supplies Website

Culture is purpose: Michael's journey reminds us that identity and tradition can inspire and sustain business success.

Authenticity matters: Gawun doesn't compromise on values—even if that means walking away from profit.

Support networks are everything: Michael's family and mentors helped shape his path and kept him going during challenging times.

Small connections lead to big impact: From networking events to introductions, building a network is vital.

There's a First Nations business for everything: Corporates need to look, listen, and be genuine in their procurement.

Gawun Supplies

Queensland Small Business Commissioner

Michael Grundon on LinkedIn

Dominique Lamb on LinkedIn

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to [email protected]

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

In this episode of Small Business Big Stories, Julia Spicer OAM, founder of Engage and Create Consulting and former Chief Entrepreneur of Queensland, shares her inspiring journey of building sustainable businesses and vibrant communities in rural Australia. Julia joins Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb, to discuss the art of regional entrepreneurship, resilience in business, and the unique challenges and opportunities found outside city centers. Highlighting the importance of local networks, financial literacy, and strategic planning, Julia provides insightful advice on how businesses can thrive regardless of their location. Plus, Julia introduces "The Connection Table," an innovative platform promoting regional diversity in leadership and decision-making roles.

Starting a business from necessity during a drought

The unique power and potential of regional entrepreneurship

Overcoming logistical and financial challenges in remote areas

The critical role of networks, visibility, and storytelling

Creating viable and vibrant communities through strategic consulting

Succession planning in non-agricultural rural businesses

Building The Connection Table to amplify regional voices in leadership

Julia Spicer OAM is a rural business strategist, community builder, and founder of Engage and Create Consulting. With a passion for sustainable regional growth, Julia has helped hundreds of small businesses and not-for-profits thrive. She also co-founded The Connection Table, a national platform advocating for greater regional representation in leadership. Julia served as Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur and is celebrated for her relentless drive, practical wisdom, and commitment to local impact.

Start with the skills you already have: Julia’s business began with her recognising and leveraging her workshop and project management experience.

Success isn’t always scale: For Julia, financial stability and local impact matter more than growing a team of 50.

Resilience is regional: Overcoming illness, drought, and remoteness, Julia demonstrates that strong networks and purpose-driven work make all the difference.

Financial literacy and planning matter: Understanding your finances and planning for succession are crucial for long-term viability.

Diverse voices, better decisions: With The Connection Table, Julia is amplifying regional leadership to shape better policies and outcomes.

Engage and Create Consulting

Julia Spicer

Julia on LinkedIn

Instagram: @juliaspicer.oam

Queensland Small Business Commissioner

Contact: [email protected]

00:05 – Introduction to Julia Spicer and her unexpected fact: 67 free-range guinea pigs!

01:13 – How Engage and Create Consulting started in drought-stricken Goondiwindi

02:59 – Julia’s first brush with business: building a consulting arm inside a not-for-profit

04:30 – Lessons from a childhood on the farm during tough times

05:22 – Advice for launching a business in remote areas

06:46 – Why rural and urban business challenges are more similar than they seem

07:40 – The $200,000 gap: regional entrepreneurs face more cost and time to launch

09:00 – Defining success without needing to scale just for scale’s sake

10:35 – Creating local jobs by hiring women with underutilised skills

12:13 – Julia’s battle with breast cancer and the resilience of her network

14:49 – Julia’s essential tips for all business owners

16:40 – The importance of financial literacy and early succession planning

17:55 – How to successfully start a consulting business in a rural area

19:25 – Julia’s business mantra: viable and vibrant communities

20:14 – The Connection Table: fostering regional diversity in decision-making

21:12 – Final reflections and call to action from Dominique

🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring and practical episode filled with rural wisdom, resilience, and real business tips. Tune in now on your favourite podcast platform.

📢 Produced by The Podcast Boss

Ash Ivory, founder of Ivory Common and self-described “fractional CPO,” shares their unique journey from scaling and maximising product offerings to founding a business that helps others do the same. In this episode, Ash and Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb, dive into the art of product strategy, the psychology of business decisions, and the hard realities of running your own consultancy. Ash’s passion for neurodiversity, real-talk about cash flow pressures, and her approach to business coaching through radical honesty shine through. With deep insights into startup culture, customer discovery, and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, Ash offers listeners a fresh perspective on building meaningful and resilient businesses—plus a surprising crossover with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Covered in this episode:

Check out Ivory Common.

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to [email protected]

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

#SmallBusinessBigStories, #IvoryCommon, #ProductStrategy, #FractionalCPO, #NeurodiversityInBusiness, #TaylorSwiftBusiness, #AIForSmallBusiness

Shaun 'Zoro' Radnedge, owner of Dunnes Meats and Mayor of Murweh Shire Council, shares his unique journey from apprentice butcher to small business owner and local government leader. This episode explores Zoro’s experience running a successful butcher shop in Charleville for over 25 years while also serving his community as Mayor. Zoro discusses the challenges of operating a small business in rural Queensland, including weathering droughts and floods, finding and retaining staff, and adapting to changing times. From extending business hours to prioritizing quality and customer service, Zoro offers valuable insights on business resilience, community engagement, and the importance of support for small businesses in regional areas. His experiences highlight the critical role of small businesses as the "beating heart of Australia" and the unexpected paths that can lead to both business success and public service.

Covered in this episode: 

Time-Stamped Key Moments

•00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest: Sean “Zoro” Radnidge.

•00:01 – Zoro’s journey: From apprentice butcher to owning Dunn Meats.

•00:02 – The challenge of acquiring a business after a decade away.

•00:03 – Small changes, big impact: Extending business hours to capture the after-work crowd.

•00:04 – Competing in a small-town market: What makes Dunn Meats stand out?

•00:06 – Finding and training staff in a rural setting.

•00:07 – Family business or succession planning? The future of Dunn Meats.

•00:09 – Entering politics: Why Zoro ran for mayor.

•00:12 – The crucial role of community support in business success.

•00:13 – Zoro’s advice for small business owners facing tough times.

•00:14 – The biggest challenges for small businesses in regional Queensland.

•00:15 – Zoro’s mantra: “Pleased to meet you with the meat to please you.”

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to [email protected]

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Ghis Gallo, manager of The Crystal Caves in Atherton, shares the remarkable story of how a passion for crystals evolved into a unique retail and tourism experience. This episode explores the journey of The Crystal Caves from its humble beginnings as a small shop in 1983 to becoming a must-visit destination in North Queensland. Ghis discusses the challenges of running a family business, the importance of customer experience, and the evolution of their marketing approach. From building man-made caves to showcase crystal collections to adapting to changing customer needs, Ghis offers valuable insights on creating memorable experiences, staff management, and leveraging support in the tourism industry. Her experiences highlight the critical role of embracing uniqueness, continual innovation, and maintaining a genuine connection with customers in retail success.

Covered in this episode:

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to [email protected]

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Karagh-Mae ‘Kaz’ Kelly, founder of Doggy Day Care Brisbane, shares her journey from RSPCA inspector and border force handler to successful entrepreneur. This episode explores how Kaz built a holistic doggy daycare business that goes beyond basic pet sitting. Kaz candidly discusses the challenges of starting and scaling a business, the importance of community engagement, and navigating the complexities of being a value-driven female business owner. From building professional networks to managing empathic staff, Kaz offers valuable insights on leadership, community involvement, and political engagement in the small business landscape. Her experiences highlight the critical role of purpose-driven leadership, community connection, and the importance of defining personal success in business.

Kaz Kelly is the founder of Doggy Daycare Brisbane, located in West End. With a professional background as an RSPCA inspector and border force handler, Kaz brought her expertise and passion for animals to small business ownership. Her commitment to community, social justice, and purpose-led entrepreneurship sets her apart. When not running Doggy Daycare, she’s actively involved in local advocacy, writing for the West Ender, and campaigning for better community resources.

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to [email protected]

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Scott Millar, the 23-year-old founder of BOP Industries, shares his remarkable journey from selling keyrings at local markets to running a successful education company. This episode explores how Scott built a business that has impacted over 100,000 young people. Scott candidly discusses the challenges of being a young entrepreneur, the importance of mentorship, and navigating generational dynamics in the workplace. From embracing personal strengths to innovating responsibly, Scott offers valuable insights on leadership, adaptability, and the future of work. His experiences highlight the critical role of pushing beyond comfort zones, intergenerational collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership in business success.

Covered in this episode: 

• The origin story: Scott's background as a high school student selling keyrings and the evolution of BOP Industries. 

Scott Millar is a trailblazing entrepreneur and the founder of BOP Industries, a company dedicated to educating young people in innovation, entrepreneurship, and STEM. Starting his first business in high school, Scott has worked with major global brands and reached over 100,000 students across Australia, Asia, and North America. A passionate advocate for Gen Z’s role in reshaping the future of work, Scott empowers students to embrace creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship. Known for his captivating speaking style and infectious energy, Scott is a leader focused on collaboration, responsible innovation, and inspiring the next generation.

• Be Open to Unconventional Paths: Scott’s journey proves that traditional education isn’t the only path to success.

• BOP Industries – Explore Scott Millar’s work in innovation and education.

• 00:00 – Introduction to Scott Millar and BOP Industries

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to [email protected]

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and 

The Podcast Boss.

Holly Hunt, founder of Hunt & Co and Women in Digital, shares her journey from HR graduate to successful entrepreneur. This episode explores how Holly built a boutique digital recruitment agency and a national membership organization for women in tech. Holly candidly discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of mentorship, and navigating gender dynamics in male-dominated industries. From building professional networks to retaining talent in small businesses, Holly offers valuable insights on leadership, diversity, and adaptation in the evolving digital landscape. Her experiences highlight the critical role of community, purpose-driven leadership, and embracing diversity in business success.

• The origin story: Holly's background in HR and international business, and the founding of Hunt Co and Women in Digital.

• Women in Digital: Women in Digital Events & Memberships

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to [email protected]

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Kay Tommerup, from Tommerup’s Dairy Farm in Queensland's Scenic Rim, shares the remarkable journey of her family's 150-year-old farm. This episode explores how their traditional dairy operation transformed into a thriving agritourism destination. Kay candidly discusses the challenges of diversification, the importance of authenticity in business, and how embracing change saved their farm from financial ruin. From weathering natural disasters to navigating family dynamics, Kay offers valuable insights on adapting to market changes, succession planning, and staying true to your values in business. 

Covered in this episode:

• The origin story: The 150-year history of Tommerup’s Dairy farm and its transition from traditional dairy farming to agritourism.

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to [email protected]

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

Arif Memis, founder of Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar, is an entrepreneur who transformed a dessert concept into a popular Queensland restaurant chain before facing liquidation. In this candid episode, Arif shares his journey from ambitious start-up to business collapse. His story is a powerful lesson in risk management, the importance of seeking proper advice, and redefining success beyond business achievements. From navigating the emotional toll of business failure to rebuilding his life post-bankruptcy, Arif offers invaluable insights for small business owners on balancing innovation with stability, recognising when to step back, and the critical importance of work-life balance and the courage required to know when to exit a failing venture.

Covered in this episode:

• The origin story: A frozen yoghurt franchise store becomes Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar and finds a gap in the market.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to [email protected]

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.