Business Made Personal

Leadership in insurance isn’t just about strategy; it’s about culture, people, and execution.
In this episode of Business Made Personal, Mark Silveira sits down with Stuart Brown, CEO of The Bridge International, to unpack a career that spans some of Australia’s most influential insurance organisations. From launching Coles Insurance to leading a consultancy focused on bridging strategy and execution, Stuart shares the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy.
This conversation goes beyond traditional leadership narratives. Stuart explores the realities of transitioning from technical roles into relationship-driven leadership, the importance of building trust, and why culture must come before commercial outcomes.
You’ll learn:
 Why the “triple play” of culture, customer, and commercials is critical for sustainable success 
 How a growth mindset drives innovation in insurance 
 The real challenges of leadership, including sacrifice, uncertainty, and resilience 
 Why the future of insurance depends on attracting and developing the next generation 
Stuart also reflects on navigating COVID-19 as a business leader, the importance of mentorship, and how saying “yes” to opportunities can shape a career in unexpected ways.
If you’re an insurance professional, business leader, or someone looking to grow your impact, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.
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-Website
Join the conversation: Connect with us on https://bit.ly/bmp-LinkedIn
For enquiries, collaborations, or to suggest a guest: [email protected]

Leadership in insurance is evolving as brokers shift from transactional insurance placement to becoming trusted risk advisors.
In this episode of Business Made Personal, Mark Silveira chats with Tim Mathieson, CEO – Australasia Broking at Steadfast, about leadership, mentorship, and how the role of brokers is evolving in the insurance industry.
Tim shares insights from his journey leading broker networks across Australasia and reflects on the leadership mindset needed to steer an industry through technological change, evolving client expectations, and the entry of new generations into the profession.
Together, Mark and Tim discuss how effective leadership in insurance is developed through mentorship, resilience, and a sustained focus on cultivating people.
Key takeaways from the episode include:
• Why the future of broking is shifting towards holistic risk management
• The importance of mentorship in building strong broker businesses
• How leaders can nurture the next generation of insurance professionals
• Why trust and client relationships remain the key advantages in broking
As technology speeds up change in the insurance industry, leaders must focus not only on innovation but also on developing people who can guide clients through increasingly complex risks. 
Tim provides a thoughtful view on what leadership in insurance looks like today and how broker businesses can prepare for the future.
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-Website
Join the conversation: Connect with us on https://bit.ly/bmp-LinkedIn
For enquiries, collaborations, or to suggest a guest: [email protected]

Systemic inequities in insurance aren’t just a policy problem; they show up in real people’s lives when they’re at their most vulnerable. In this episode of Business Made Personal, Mark Silveira sits down with Julia Davis, Senior Policy and Communications Officer at the Financial Rights Legal Centre, AFCA panel member, and member of the General Insurance Code Governance Committee, to unpack what’s broken and what needs to change.
Julia shares the experiences that shaped her worldview, from growing up in Florida to witnessing injustice first-hand in the legal system, and why she’s dedicated her career to advocating for consumers who feel powerless inside complex financial processes. Together, Mark and Julia explore the hard truth that for a small percentage of customers, the real trauma isn’t the flood, fire, or accident, it’s the claims process that follows.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
Why “financial literacy” isn’t the silver bullet and where accountability really belongs
How claims can go off the rails (and what escalation with humanity should look like)
Why insurer pricing systems and transparency are now central to consumer trust
What role must government, insurers, banks, and communities play in climate risk and affordability
If you care about the future of insurance, trust, transparency, fairness, and customer outcomes, this episode is a must-listen.
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-Website
Join the conversation: Connect with us on https://bit.ly/bmp-LinkedIn
For enquiries, collaborations, or to suggest a guest: [email protected]

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 leadership
What 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 point
James’s vision for reform: affordability, clarity, and products that better fit how people actually live
If 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-Website
Join the conversation: Connect with us on https://bit.ly/bmp-LinkedIn
For enquiries, collaborations, or to suggest a guest: [email protected]

Resilience in insurance leadership is not a personality trait; it’s a practice built through hardship, self-awareness, and community. In this episode of Business Made Personal, Mark Silveira sits down with Emily-Rose Srbinovska, Senior Account Manager at AEI Insurance Broking Group and ACT President of Young Insurance Professionals Australia and New Zealand.
Emily shares a powerful journey from a challenging childhood in country New South Wales to becoming a standout leader in the industry, grounded in grit, discipline, and a deep commitment to client advocacy. Along the way, she opens up about neurodivergence, emotional regulation, and what it really takes to build a career you’re proud of while staying aligned with your values.
Key takeaways include:
How early hardship can become a foundation for resilience (and how to build it without “hardening” yourself)
The practical reality of neurodivergence at work, focus, emotional regulation, and communication strategies that help
Why broking can feel like a “true calling” when you’re driven by relationships and business curiosity
What “collective progress” means in a competitive industry, and why collaboration scales careers faster than ego
A clear-eyed view on women’s equity in insurance: representation, sponsorship, leadership pathways, and pay equity
If you want a real conversation about resilience, leadership, and building meaningful client relationships in insurance, this one delivers.
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-Website
Join the conversation: Connect with us on https://bit.ly/bmp-LinkedIn
For enquiries, collaborations, or to suggest a guest: [email protected]