Inward, personal growth is the most important factor in a successful industry, according to the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) which is backing this year’s International Men’s Day on November 19.

FBAA managing director Peter White AM said it’s easy to focus on strategies, policies and marketing while forgetting that real success can only come through strong, healthy and happy people.

Mr White said days like International Men’s Day, on which the association will hold a ‘digital celebration’, are times to pause, change perspective, and build people, which in turn builds an industry.

“We supported the amazing women across our industry earlier this year, and we want to support men in the same way.”

He said the 90 minute online event will take men on a journey of exploration and empowerment that will challenge them to be the best they can and to lead by example.

“Former Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer said, ‘Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success’, and in 2020 we must ensure that no-one is excluded from the bigger conversation around wellbeing.

“We must help to stop people across our industry from falling into depression or anxieties.”

The event is open to all, and FBAA members will receive 1.5 CPD hours.

Prospa managing director Alex Brgudac will be one of the three key speakers, as will regional property investment expert, former broker and men’s mental health advocate Philip Robison.

In a sobering reality check for an industry where over 70 per cent of brokers are male, Beyond Blue reports that men make up an average six out of every eight suicides every single day in Australia.

“We are not really in the finance business. We are in the people business. We are an industry made up of people who help other people fulfil their dreams,” Mr White explained.

“But we can only do that when we ourselves are motivated, healthy and balanced.”