Have you ever wondered why some businesses go broke and others are successful?
For 40 years I was a corporate undertaker. I buried businesses that failed and helped save those where there was still a pulse.
I was parachuted into some of corporate Australia’s biggest financial crisis, insolvencies and turnaround environments. I have been in Board rooms, Court rooms and on shop floors when all seems lost (and sometimes it was).
Over decades at the coal face of business (often in the most difficult circumstances), I have seen & heard stories that delighted and inspired me, as well as those which serve as a guide of the path not to take.
I also spent years in leadership roles at Ferrier Hodgson and KPMG Australia where I sat on the Board and was the National Consumer and Retail leader.
The purpose of What I learned about Business (that didn’t kill me!) is to share the stories behind some of the world's most interesting business situations, how they unfolded, how my guests dealt with them, and how those experiences changed them and the way they do business.
I hope that my podcast entertains and engages listeners who want to know more about the worlds great business leaders and the lessons that didn’t kill them…….
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever wondered why some businesses go broke and others are successful?
For 40 years I was a corporate undertaker. I buried businesses that failed and helped save those where there was still a pulse.
I was parachuted into some of corporate Australia’s biggest financial crisis, insolvencies and turnaround environments. I have been in Board rooms, Court rooms and on shop floors when all seems lost (and sometimes it was).
Over decades at the coal face of business (often in the most difficult circumstances), I have seen & heard stories that delighted and inspired me, as well as those which serve as a guide of the path not to take.
I also spent years in leadership roles at Ferrier Hodgson and KPMG Australia where I sat on the Board and was the National Consumer and Retail leader.
The purpose of What I learned about Business (that didn’t kill me!) is to share the stories behind some of the world's most interesting business situations, how they unfolded, how my guests dealt with them, and how those experiences changed them and the way they do business.
I hope that my podcast entertains and engages listeners who want to know more about the worlds great business leaders and the lessons that didn’t kill them…….
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a kitchen table in Brisbane to a global online fashion movement — this is the story of Black Milk Clothing.
In this episode of What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!), host James H. Stewart sits down with Jackie Kruger, CEO of Black Milk Clothing, the cult Australian label known for its bold designs, product range diversity, and fiercely loyal community of Sharkies.
Jackie shares how she stepped into the CEO role following the tragic passing of founder James “jL” Lillis, and what it takes to balance creativity, commercial discipline, and community trust in a brand built on authenticity. Together, they unpack:
This conversation is a powerful look at creativity, courage, and the soul of a brand — and what it takes to carry that forward.
🎧 Listen now on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Connect with James:
🌐 Website: https://jameshstewart.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, producers, or any affiliated organisations. The content is provided for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, financial, or business advice. Listeners should conduct their own research or seek independent professional guidance before acting on any information discussed.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.