House of Darwin founder Shaun Edwards recently graduated from Harvard Business School's Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities executive program.

Before launching House of Darwin, Mr Edwards played AFL for Greater Western Sydney, Essendon and the Sydney Swans.

A Larrakia man from Darwin, he said the Harvard experience has reshaped how he views leadership and impact.

"It's been pretty surreal, to be honest," Mr Edwards told National Indigenous Times.

"Coming from the Northern Territory and then sitting in a classroom at Harvard with people from all over the world.

"The intensity of the program, the rigour of the case method, and the sheer diversity of thought in the room has pushed me to think differently about leadership and the systems we operate in."

Mr Edwards said being in a space which encourages deep reflection and discussion had challenged his perspective.

"It's challenged a lot of my assumptions and helped me see the work we're doing at House of Darwin and the Foundation through a much broader, global lens," he said.

Mr Edwards said the course has introduced him to systems thinking and a more strategic approach to long-term change.

"Zooming out to really understand the levers for long-term change has been a big one," he said.

"Whether it's how we approach partnerships, scale impact through design, or build structures that can sustain the work we're doing in remote communities, the course has given me sharper tools to lead both creatively and strategically.

"It's helped me reflect on what kind of legacy we want to leave, and how we bring others along for that journey."

House of Darwin started as a creative platform to tell stories from the Territory and challenge outside perceptions of life in the north.

"House of Darwin started from a really personal place," Mr Edwards said.

"Simply wanting to tell stories from the Territory that felt real and powerful, not just filtered through an outsider lens.

"It began with T-shirts and conversations, but quickly grew into something bigger."

That growth led to the creation of the House of Darwin Foundation, which now delivers social programs in areas including health, sport and education.

"Over time, I realised we needed a vehicle that could push the impact work further, beyond just the brand," Mr Edwards said.

"That's where the Foundation came in. It's a way to turn our profits and platform into something tangible for remote communities."

The Foundation's flagship initiative, Hoop Dreams, refurbishes basketball courts in partnership with local artists and community leaders.

"It's not just a sports space, it's a canvas for culture, connection, and community," Mr Edwards said.

"So far, we've worked on courts across the Top End, and the response has been incredible.

"It's the pride and ownership the community feels when they see a space designed with them, not just for them."

Me Edwards said long-term impact in remote communities comes from taking the time to listen.

"You've got to build trust, listen deeply, and be okay with slow, steady progress," he said.

"If we can make space for local leadership, the impact becomes something truly sustainable – not just a project, but a shift."

Balancing the demands of the brand, the Foundation and global leadership opportunities hasn't been easy.

"Honestly, some days I don't, and that's been a challenge that continues to grow as the scale does," Mr Edwards said.

"But I've got an incredible team, and I try to stay really close to the 'why,' reminding myself of the purpose behind all of it.

"The international stuff, like Harvard, just adds fuel to the fire - it gives me perspective and energy to come back and continue to raise the bar."