Ep137 – James Still on Insurance Industry Reform in Australia

Insurance Industry Reform in Australia is no longer a “nice-to-have” conversation; it’s becoming a community necessity as affordability tightens and natural disasters become more frequent and severe. In this episode of Business Made Personal, Mark Silveira sits down with James Still, founder and managing director of Still Insured Insurance Brokers, to unpack a career shaped by unexpected pivots, personal resilience, and a deep belief that insurance should be accessible to everyone.James shares how he moved from psychology (and even a path toward veterinary science) into insurance, initially to help his father wind down a business, but quickly discovered a people-first industry where relationships, empathy, and real-world impact matter. He also opens up about major life challenges: grief, injury, and the pressure of building a business while raising a young family, without the safety net of stable income.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Why empathy and “reading the room” can be a competitive advantage in broking and leadershipWhat it really takes to go self-employed (and survive the first 6–12 months)How resilience is built through hard seasons and why acceptance is a turning pointJames’s vision for reform: affordability, clarity, and products that better fit how people actually liveIf you care about the future of insurance or you’re a young professional wondering where you can build a meaningful career, this episode will expand your view of what’s possible. Business Made Personal is hosted by Mark Silveira, exploring the real journeys of leaders in insurance, business, and beyond.Never miss an episode: Follow & Subscribe on https://bit.ly/bmp-WebsiteJoin the conversation: Connect with us on https://bit.ly/bmp-LinkedInFor enquiries, collaborations, or to suggest a guest: [email protected]