Some businesses are built purely for profit. A rare few are built around a bigger purpose — and manage to thrive because of it, not in spite of it. Chrae Tawhai's Envision Energy is firmly in that second camp.
On episode 10 of the SHFT Pod, Dan sat down with Chrae — an Arrernte and Māori man from Alice Springs, and the founder of Envision Energy, a 100% First Nations–owned energy business — to unpack a journey powered by purpose from the very start.
The turning point
Chrae's path into business wasn't a straight line. He came up through the trades, working with his hands, before a near-fatal accident forced a reckoning. That moment became the turning point — the push to stop settling and pursue something bigger. It's a raw reminder that the hardest chapters often set up the most meaningful ones.
Powered by purpose
Envision Energy is a 100% First Nations–owned solar and energy company, designing and installing solar, battery storage, EV charging and off-grid systems across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. But the mission runs deeper than the product. Built on the idea of “providing power to the community,” the business is focused on creating real pathways for Indigenous youth through training, employment and long-term partnerships — energy in every sense of the word.
From the tools to leading a team
Making the leap from tradesperson to founder is one of the biggest shifts there is, and Chrae is honest about what it took — learning to lead, to scale a team, and to think like an owner rather than an operator. His story is essential listening for any tradie or operator wondering whether they've got what it takes to build something of their own.
Hear the full conversation
Chrae's episode is proof that purpose and business can be the same thing. Watch or listen to Chrae Tawhai's SHFT Pod episode, and learn more about the work at Envision Energy.
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