Why did you get into insurance?
I started as a cadet at state insurance from high school because I was sick of rote education and wanted to get a job so I could travel.
How would you sum up insurance brokers in three words? .jpg)
Committed, adaptable and contrary
How would you change the industry?
I’d have full disclosure of commission, fees and over riders – let customers make choices based on the value of the advice they are receiving. Consumers are more discerning than ever and the power of social media can’t be underestimated so the direction towards greater transparency is a good direction for the industry to take. It’s time for all in the industry to lead this change.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
‘Knowledge is not wisdom’ – a bit shattering when you are in your 20s and think you know it all!
If you were prime minister for one day, what would you do?
I’d start a debate on how to change the current culture of entitlement to one of mutual support and accountability. I am fascinated by the periods of great societal progress that all seem to coincide with co-operative or consensus culture. The idea is to drive the direction rather than be led by government.
If you could invite three people to dinner, dead or alive, and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
A very tough question because there is so much to know – Plato, how did he achieve such amazing insights and logic in his thinking (and what insights would he have for us now?!).
James Cook – I know England can be dreary but it’s what drove him on his incredible voyages of discovery.
Bob Hawke because of his leadership, foresight, and pragmatism. And a good bloke to have a beer with – what a great package.
Complete this sentence: if I wasn’t in insurance, I would be…. A historian, or golf course green keeper, or Contiki travel guide!
John Nagle is the CEO of Lumley Insurance
