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VIC/TAS Finalist
JAMES STILL, STILL INSURED
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
to ask the right questions, learn every aspect of their business, and stay on top of emerging risks. I’ve found strong communication is also essential when explaining complex terms in everyday language and setting clear expectations. Integrity is non-negotiable, clients must know you’ll always act in their best interests, even when it’s not the easiest path, and you’ve always got their back. Finally, adaptability matters. Over my 12 years in this industry, I’ve seen and experienced countless and constant changes within the insurance landscape. The best brokers embrace lifelong learning and look for smarter ways to deliver value. What does becoming a finalist of the 2025 Young Broker of the Year mean to you? This nomination is a milestone that honours not just my effort, but the incredible support of my family, team and clients. It feels like a validation of the personal service model I’ve built. One where every client is known by name, where we know the faces of every client within our business, and where every need is met with genuine care. It also reminds me of the legacy I carry forward from my Dad’s agency and inspires me to keep pushing for innovation, community engagement and professional excellence. Being a finalist isn’t a finish line, it’s motivation to keep learning, keep serving and keep making a real difference in people’s lives. “Over my 12 years in this industry, I’ve seen and experienced countless and constant changes within the insurance landscape. The best brokers embrace lifelong learning and look for smarter ways to deliver value.”
are the three things that I feel are integral to being a good broker. I think of these three attributes as sort of the “Venn diagram of good broking”, where being strong in all three of these areas can set you apart from the competition. For instance, always having the client’s best interest in mind and managing your time well can lead to some really good results, however, if you can’t communicate effectively and promptly with the client then it can all go to waste. The same applies if you have the client’s best interest in mind and can communicate well with them, but then can’t manage your time well enough to successfully get an outcome for them, you’re back at square one. What does becoming a finalist of the 2025 Young Broker of the Year mean to you? I can’t believe I’ve made it as a finalist, so to just be in the conversation is amazing for me. As mentioned previously, I found myself in the industry by chance and never would have imagined I’d be up for such a special award. Having seen my colleague Adam take out the Young Broker of the Year award at the national level a few years ago and just how much he’s gotten out of the whole experience; I can’t help but feel extremely privileged. This will be a great opportunity to build on my network and develop stronger connections with not only insurers and other providers but also my peers within the broking space, something which up until recently I hadn’t considered. "The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far in my journey as an insurance broker is that there is almost always a solution to a problem, you just need to have the patience to find it.”
I was studying veterinary when my Dad was involved in a car accident in 2014. Mum asked me to defer my degree and come home to help wind up the family insurance agency. In my first few weeks, I met insurer partners, Business Development Managers, and clients. I realised that a people- focused career suited me far more than working with animals. I threw myself into learning the industry, and building a small portfolio alongside Dad, and soon found that solving clients’ problems and building genuine relationships was what excited me most. 12 years on, I purchased Dad’s business, started my insurance brokerage 'Still Insured', and now lead a team whose drive matches my passion for advocacy, service, personal connection and client- first focused service. What is the most important lesson you have learnt in your career so far? I’ve learned that trust is earned through consistency and authenticity. Clients come to us during stressful times, whether it’s lodging a claim after a loss or navigating complex risks and they need to know we’ll guide them without surprises. That means communicating with clarity, owning mistakes, and following through on every promise. I’ve seen firsthand that people remember how you made them feel more than the technical details of their cover. By combining deep technical knowledge with genuine care, I’ve built relationships that have lasted decades. That lesson has shaped every interaction I have, and it’s the reason I wake up excited to help people feel secure and understood. What are some of the attributes essential to be a good broker? Being a great broker starts with empathy. Truly understanding what keeps a client awake at night and caring enough to solve it. Curiosity follows, as you need
NIBA .COM.AU / 25
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