Small Business BIG Stories

Culture, Connection and Gawun with Michael Grundon

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. Covered in this episode: * Michael’s motivation to launch Gawun and reconnect with culture. * The impact of storytelling and cultural education. * Why aligning with the right people and values is non-negotiable. * The importance of building strong business foundations over fast scaling. * Navigating business as an introvert and learning to network with purpose. * Tips for connecting with and supporting First Nations businesses. * What the “Murray grapevine” means for First Nations entrepreneurship. * Michael’s mantra: family, community and remembering your purpose. Time-Stamped Highlights * 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 About Our Guest 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 [https://gawunsupplies.com.au/] 🔗 Connect with Michael on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-grundon-5a459a221/] 💡 Key Takeaways * 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. 🔗 Links and Resources * Gawun Supplies [https://gawunsupplies.com.au/] * Queensland Small Business Commissioner [https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/] * Michael Grundon on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-grundon-5a459a221/] * Dominique Lamb on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiquelamb1/] We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss. [https://thepodcastboss.com/]

Business in the Bush with Julia Spicer OAM

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. Key Topics and Themes * 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   About Our Guest 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. Key Takeaways * 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. Links and Resources * Engage and Create Consulting [https://engageandcreateconsulting.com.au] * Julia Spicer [https://juliaspicer.com/] * Julia on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-spicer-oam-69a9ab27/] * Instagram: @juliaspicer.oam [https://www.instagram.com/juliaspicer.oam/] * Queensland Small Business Commissioner [https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/] * Contact: mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au [mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au]  Time-Stamped Key Points * 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 [https://thepodcastboss.com]

Words Matter: The Product Power of Ivory Common (and the connection to Taylor Swift)

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: · Ash’s journey from startup product lead to founder of Ivory Common. · What it means to be a "fractional CPO" and how Ash supports founders. · How to define success in unexpected moments. · The emotional cost of entrepreneurship, including impacts on personal life. · Using outcomes over features when designing products or services. · Why customer feedback is essential—and how to gather it. · The importance of coachability and knowing when to “sack your clients.” · Getting started with AI tools like ChatGPT for business efficiency. · Ash’s business mantra: “Words Matter”—the interplay between language and action. · A shared love for Taylor Swift (and a debate about best tracks). Check out Ivory Common [https://www.ivorycommon.com/]. We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au [mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au] Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss [https://thepodcastboss.com/].   #SmallBusinessBigStories, #IvoryCommon, #ProductStrategy, #FractionalCPO, #NeurodiversityInBusiness, #TaylorSwiftBusiness, #AIForSmallBusiness

Butcher’s Block to Council Chamber: Charleville's “Zoro”

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:  * The origin story: Zoro’s journey from apprentice butcher to owning Dunnes Meats in Charleville.  * The challenges and opportunities of buying and rebranding a small business in a rural town.  * Strategies for differentiating a business in a competitive small-town market.  * The importance of quality products and customer service in retaining customers.  * Approaches to finding and retaining staff in a rural area, including "growing your own" through apprenticeships. * Sean's transition into local politics. * The importance of community support and engagement for small business success.  * Insights on business resilience and adapting to changing circumstances.  * The need for support and resources for small businesses in remote, rural, and regional  Queensland.  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 mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au [mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au] Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss. [https://thepodcastboss.com/]

The Magic of Retail: Atherton's Crystal Caves

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: * The origin story: How Rene’s passion for crystals led to the founding of Crystal Caves in 1983. * The evolution from a small shop to a large-scale retail and experiential destination. * The creation of the unique "cave" experience and its impact on the business and local tourism. * Challenges of marketing a niche experience in a location off the beaten tourist path. * Strategies for continually updating and improving the customer experience. * The joy of seeing generational visits and creating lasting memories for customers. * The benefits and freedoms of running a family-owned business. * Tips for small businesses on creating magical experiences and memorable customer interactions. * Approaches to staff management and fostering individual strengths within the team. * The value of engaging with industry support and resources, particularly in the tourism sector. We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss. [https://thepodcastboss.com/]