Introducing James Devenny
Founding Partner + Director, 360 ONE
A Story of Vision Beyond Sight
My story began at the age of seven when I was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa. I was told that by the age of 21, I would be completely blind.
At that age, I didn’t know what blindness really meant. I had never met a blind person. I didn’t know what they did, how they worked, how they made a living – or what kind of life was possible. Growing up in a family with six siblings, I saw what “normal” looked like. The uncertainty wasn’t just about losing my sight – it was about losing clarity on who I would become.
Would I live independently? Would I build a career? Would I create a family? Or would my life be defined by limitations placed on me by others?
Very early on, I made a decision: I would not let my condition define my future.
Early Drive & Determination
As I grew up, I learned the world had already placed expectations on what someone in my position could do. At the time, technology limited my perceived career options to just a few paths – primarily accounting or law.
For a while, I thought I’d become a lawyer. But even as a young boy, I was naturally drawn to strategy, numbers, and decision-making. At 12 years old, I created my first investment program, selecting stocks for my parents. I loved games like Monopoly and later more complex economic strategy games involving markets, leverage, and commodities.
That mindset became a constant: understand the system, make decisions, and take ownership of outcomes.
Choosing Progress Over Limits
Sport became another outlet for growth and challenge. While I enjoyed playing basketball, I quickly realised I wasn’t just interested in participation – I wanted responsibility. I became a referee, progressing through the ranks to officiate at NBL-level events, including the NBL Blitz and international junior matches.
I also competed in rugby and pursued selection at both state and national levels, driven by a strong competitive spirit and a desire to test my limits.
Building a Life and Career
At 23, I met my wife. Two years later, we were married, and in 2005 our son was born. Becoming a father was one of the most important moments of my life.
As my vision continued to decline, I became increasingly aware of what I was losing. By the time my son was six years old, I could no longer see his face. That was a confronting reality – but it also changed my perspective. I learned to connect in different ways, to value presence over appearance, and to appreciate the moments that aren’t dependent on sight.
In 2013, my daughter was born. Being part of her life has been one of my greatest joys and privileges. There is also a deeply emotional aspect to that experience – I have never actually seen her, and I don’t know what she looks like.
But over time, I’ve come to understand something far more meaningful – seeing isn’t always visual. I have had the privilege of knowing her for who she truly is – her personality, her energy, her character. She has brought a brightness into my life that goes far beyond anything sight could provide.
These experiences reshaped how I view connection, family, and what it truly means to “see” the people around you.
Around this time, priorities shifted – family, career, and stability became central. I began my professional journey in accounting with a small multi-branch firm and was later given the opportunity to take over their Melton branch in 2003. Soon after, I moved to another firm with the promise of partnership. When it became clear that opportunity would not eventuate, I made a defining decision.
In 2007, I founded my own practice.
Building a business while raising a young family – and while my eyesight was deteriorating brought significant pressure. But it also reinforced resilience, ownership, and the importance of creating something meaningful.
Redefining Limits Through Sport
During this period, I attended a Paralympic talent identification day. What followed was unexpected – I began training as a pentathlete for the 2008 Paralympic Games.
Although I narrowly missed selection, the experience reshaped my mindset. I committed to another four years of training toward the 2012 Games, eventually specialising in shot put and discus.
While I again fell just short of final selection, I walked away with one of the most valuable lessons of my life: Big goals are not achieved in giant leaps – they are built through consistent, incremental progress over time.
Representing Australia
In 2016, I returned to karate, training alongside my son and continuing a family tradition. In 2018, I was selected for the Victorian team, and shortly after, I received the call I had always dreamed of:
I had been selected to represent Australia at the World Championships in Spain.
Wearing the green and gold was a defining moment – not just as an athlete, but as proof of everything I had worked toward. Competing against the best in the world, I finished 6th out of 20 competitors – exceeding my own expectations and placing in the top 30%.
More importantly, I proved something far greater: Disability was not who I was – it was just one part of my story.
Resilience, Setbacks & Perspective
I continued training with the goal of Paralympic competition, but like many athletes, external factors intervened. The inclusion of karate in the Paralympics was ultimately withdrawn following COVID-19 disruptions.
In 2023, I returned to the world stage once more, representing Australia in Budapest – this time sharing the journey with my sister, creating experiences that extended far beyond competition.
That same year also brought significant personal change. In July 2023, I separated from my spouse and went through a divorce – one of the more challenging periods of my life.
While difficult, it became a powerful point of reflection and growth. It taught me the importance of being true to myself, of living with honesty and integrity, and of having the strength to stand in my own space and not be defined by other people’s perceptions of my abilities. It reinforced a simple but important principle: to treat people the way I want to be treated – regardless of how they treat me.
Through that experience, I’ve gained greater clarity, perspective, and a renewed focus on moving forward – personally and professionally – with purpose and authenticity.
Today, with my fiancée by my side, I am looking ahead to a brighter and clearer future.
Innovation, Technology & Business
When I started my firm in 2007, assistive technology was still in its infancy. A turning point came with the introduction of early iPhone technology, which opened new possibilities in accessibility and independence.
Since then, I have embraced innovation at every level – continually testing, adapting, and implementing technologies that improve efficiency, service, and outcomes.
This philosophy now defines our business:
- Continuous improvement
- Innovation driven solutions
- A commitment to delivering real value to our clients
Who I Am Today
I am not defined by my vision loss.
I am defined by my decisions, my resilience, and my commitment to progress – for myself, my family, and the people we serve.
Yes, people may first see the cane or the guide dog.
But that is not who I am.
I am a business owner.
I am an athlete who has represented Australia.
I am a father who has learned that connection goes far beyond sight.
I am a leader.
And above all: I am someone who believes there are always ways to adapt, improve, and move forward.
Why We Do What We Do
Our business exists for a simple reason:
To help people achieve better outcomes – by combining experience, technology, and a relentless drive to improve.
We are proud of where we’ve come from. We are driven by where we’re going. And we are committed to helping others move forward with confidence.