What does it take to build a business that stays true to cultural values while thriving in today's fast-paced digital landscape? James Saunders, founder of Baraji Maweng, shares his remarkable journey from childhood in Logan as part of a family of nine children to becoming an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and advocate for authentic Indigenous representation.

Growing up in a three-bedroom rental with eight siblings after his father returned to Victoria, James credits his mother with instilling both educational values and cultural connection. Despite financial hardships, she ensured her children maintained ties to their Gunditjmara and Wiradjuri heritage while embracing local Murray and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland. This foundation of cultural strength would later become central to James' business philosophy.

James speaks candidly about his winding path through early adulthood – from unemployment in regional Victoria to working at fitness clubs, health organizations, and eventually landing a media role that exposed him to national Indigenous politics. These experiences revealed a troubling pattern: his cultural knowledge and connections were generating wealth for others rather than building something sustainable for himself or his community.

This realization led to the creation of Baraji Maweng, a digital marketing business whose name combines the Wiradjuri words for "fly" and "together" – embodying James' vision of mutual success while maintaining cultural integrity. His approach focuses on empowering small Indigenous businesses with the skills they need to thrive in the digital space, with support from Indigenous Business Australia helping to forge crucial connections in the sector.

Beyond business, James is pursuing creative projects that reflect his commitment to authentic storytelling – from producing the documentary "Yoloo Country" about environmental justice in Western Australia to writing a book about his great-uncle, the first Indigenous person commissioned in the Australian Army. These endeavors demonstrate how entrepreneurship can create platforms for stories that might otherwise go untold.

Looking to support Indigenous businesses and authentic storytelling? Follow James' journey and discover how slowing down might be the most revolutionary act in a world that values constant hustle above all else.