Rory Chapman is the kind of leader who quietly transforms every space he enters. As the founder of Embrace Tech, he is proving that technology can be guided by culture, grounded in community, and driven by purpose.

A proud Wiradjuri and Ngemba man connected to the Beetson, Falk and Majick families, Mr Chapman has built more than a business. He has built a movement that reflects who he is; genuine, values-led and deeply committed to creating opportunity for others.

For Rory, the spark to start Embrace Tech came from family and a desire for change.

"It was a couple of things that inspired me to create an IT business that supported other mob organisations," he says.

"Firstly, watching my mum endlessly devote her time to supporting various communities throughout my life has certainly played a big part, and I wanted to make sure I was setting an example like that for my children. Secondly, I just got plain sick of seeing old rich white guys getting even richer from my efforts. I wanted all the time and energy I spent working each week to go to something more meaningful."

That desire for meaning now sits at the heart of everything Embrace Tech does. The company delivers technical excellence, but it is the people-first approach that makes it stand out.

"My approach is always that people are way more important than technology will ever be," Mr Chapman explains.

"I work first on creating a relationship, listening and understanding what problems there are to solve before worrying about the technology. When there's a good fit between the people, the processes and the technology, then digital confidence comes naturally."

This year's Indigenous Business Month theme, Strength in Collaboration, is something Rory lives every day. Collaboration is not just part of his business model, it is who he is.

"I have a pretty broad view of collaboration; for me, it's anytime I'm working towards a shared goal with someone. This happens a lot in mob circles," he says.

"It can be anything from being incredibly invested in the success of my customers to promoting other deadly businesses I see doing great things, or inspiring my staff to work alongside me in this journey. So many people have put their faith in me to help and guide them, and I will always be grateful for that."

Having judged the Indigenous Business Month Awards alongside Rory for the past two years, I have seen his warmth, insight and authenticity in action. He listens deeply to each story, recognising that behind every business is a legacy, a family and a community.

"The thing I love most about being part of the Indigenous Business Month Awards is seeing people come together and sharing their stories," Rory reflects.

"It's an opportunity for mob from all sorts of businesses to yarn about our successes. Those stories continue being shared, and I hope this helps to inspire and spread awareness of just how great we all are at running businesses."

He is equally passionate about creating space for young First Nations people to step into technology with confidence.

"There's a hell of a lot of opportunity in the tech space for young mob, and there's certainly not enough chasing a career in tech despite young people spending their lives so deeply engaged with it," he says.

"I'd love to see a future where there are so many deadly mob businesses doing IT support for mob that our organisations wouldn't even consider getting support from a non-Indigenous tech business. But that starts with our kids realising the opportunities that are there."

Rory Champan is a leader who leads with culture, compassion and conviction. Through Embrace Tech, his mentorship and his belief in others, he continues to show what real strength in collaboration looks like; a strength born from generosity, shared purpose and an unwavering commitment to his people.