Strength through Collaboration: Building legacy through First Nations leadership
October marks Indigenous Business Month, a time to celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and innovation of First Nations entrepreneurs across Australia.
This year’s theme, “Strength Through Collaboration,” resonates deeply with me – not just as a business owner, but as a proud Bundjalung woman who has built a legacy grounded in culture, connection, and courage.
When I founded Elephant in the Room Consulting in 2017 with a bold vision (but no capital!), I didn’t have a business plan. What I had was a deep commitment to lead with values, elevate Indigenous excellence, and create culturally safe spaces where First Nations wisdom could inform leadership, strategy, and systems.
Today, EITR is a globally scaling, million-dollar consultancy. But our success has never been a solo journey. It’s been powered by collaboration – with clients, communities, and changemakers across continents.
We’ve mentored over 150 Indigenous businesses, helping them secure more than $10 million in contracts and grants. We’ve co-designed Reconciliation Action Plans with major corporates, embedded cultural capability into government agencies, and partnered with organisations like the Native American Business Association and Digital Sonder to create global pathways for Indigenous entrepreneurship.
We’ve also invested in the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. Through our partnerships with Yalari and the Dolphins NRL, we contribute over $80,000 annually to support Indigenous students and elevate First Nations visibility through sport and education.
But collaboration isn’t just about partnerships. It’s about deep listening, shared purpose, and holding space for growth, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about leading with empathy, not ego. It means prioritising cultural integrity and long-term change over rapid expansion.
This Indigenous Business Month, I invite you to reflect on your own collaborations. Who walks beside you? Whose voices do you amplify? How do you build with purpose?
Because the truth is, none of us builds alone. And when we collaborate with intention, we don’t just create businesses – we create movements.
Let’s continue to build futures that honour culture, elevate community, and leave a legacy worth celebrating.
