Michael Harrison

Michael offers a unique combination of proven business skills and exceptional sales achievement and has a long history in the financial services industry.

He built an Australian wide business designing and implementing human risk management programmes for public companies and high net worth individuals and in 1985 he founded Australia’s first private Bank which he owned in partnership with the New Zealand Insurance Group. He is now a business consultant, specialising in working with people in service businesses who want to work smarter to make more money.

Michael Harrison offers a unique combination of proven business skills and exceptional sales achievements. He is a conceptual thinker with an impressive record of achievement in the design, marketing and sale of profitable customer-focused solutions in the computer, banking and financial services industries. His working life started in 1960 when he joined Myer Melbourne Limited as an executive trainee. Five years later he established his first business, a slipper factory that grew into a footwear importing company. In 1970 when computers were virtually unknown he acquired a one-third share of a computer service bureau and within two years negotiated several large contracts and sold the business for a substantial profit. In 1972 he recognised the opportunities in the financial services sector and built an Australian-wide business designing and implementing human risk management programs for public companies and high net worth individuals. This led to the creation of Lumley Harrison Limited, a specialist executive compensation firm based in Sydney. During this time Michael achieved international recognition as one of the world’ top salespeople. In 1985 he founded Australia’s first Private Bank, Harrison Australia Limited, which he owned in partnership with the New Zealand Insurance Group. In 1990 he and the bank became victims of the Australian property crash. In 1992 Michael established 21st Century Business Strategies, a business consultancy which specialises in working with people in service businesses who want to work smarter and make more money. The author of “Ready, Aim, Sell!” The Mini Guide to business series and numerous articles, he is a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and nine time qualifier for the prestigious Top of the Table. Michael has served on numerous public and private boards including the Australia Formula One Grand Prix Board and three terms as Deputy Lord Mayor of Adelaide.