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 🔗 Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

💡 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,