Origin Story

The name 15 Times Better is inspired by Built to Last, Jim Collins and Jerry Porras’s study of enduring companies. Their research found that, from 1926 to 1990, visionary companies guided by strong core values and a purpose beyond profit outperformed the overall stock market by 15 times.

That idea underpins the business: organisations do not have to choose between social value and business value. Done well, First Nations impact and commercial performance strengthen each other.

15 Times Better began with a clear observation: Australian organisations were investing heavily in First Nations engagement but often had little measurable evidence of impact. The problem was not a lack of intent, but a lack of honest diagnosis, experienced First Nations voices in decision-making, and a practical path from planning to delivery.

15xB was created to close that gap. We are majority First Nations-owned and led, a registered Supply Nation supplier, and bring more than 50 years of combined experience building First Nations economic participation.

More than 75 organisations have now used our model across finance and investment, renewable energy, technology, transport, health, retail, professional services and government.

15 Times Better was founded by Topaz McAuliffe, a Torres Strait Islander woman connected to Moa and Masig Islands and one of Australia’s leading First Nations engagement specialists.

Together with social impact expert Russell James and the 15xB team, we bring more than 50 years of combined experience addressing First Nations inequality.

Topaz and Russell led one of Australia’s most successful First Nations engagement programs, helping Coles Group become the largest private-sector employer of First Nations people and one of Australia’s largest supporters of First Nations businesses and community organisations.

Our work has been recognised by Forbes, the UN Global Compact, the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Social Impact Measurement Network Australia.