Business Made Personal

Ep130 – Mike McShane on Mentorship in Insurance Careers and Leadership

with Mark Silveira Season 4 Episode 130

Mentorship in insurance careers is central to this conversation with Mike McShane, founder and director of McClardy McShane Partners. From a modest beginning in Melbourne to co-founding one of Australia’s most respected broker networks, Mike explains how resilience, education, and trusted mentors shaped his journey.

He recalls leaving school early, travelling across Australia doing tough jobs, and realising that true learning often comes from experience. Returning home, he completed a Bachelor of Business while working full-time—an education that boosted his confidence and changed his career path. When corporate conflict pushed him out of a role, it became the trigger for entrepreneurship and, eventually, a partnership with Don McLeary.

Mike also discusses his deep involvement with the Reach Foundation, which helps young people become their best selves, and explains why nurturing future professionals is vital for the industry’s well-being.

Takeaways

  • Formal study fosters long-term confidence in insurance careers.
  • Values-aligned partnerships endure beyond circumstances.
  • Claims transparency enhances public trust.
  • Mentorship in insurance careers speeds up professional development.

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Business Made Personal is hosted by Mark Silveira, exploring the real journeys of leaders in insurance, business, and beyond.

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