Warren describes himself as resilient, persistent and determined. He was born in Melbourne to small business owners and he was a leader throughout his primary school years. Warren first developed his resilience skills in response to the bullying he suffered in secondary school. As a result of the bullying, Warren lost a lot of confidence and his previously strong academic record weakened. Warren’s resilience helped him get through this difficult time and he has called upon this skill throughout his life.
In 1982 Warren’s family made the decision to move to the country and pursue his father’s dream of becoming a farmer. This gave Warren an opportunity to reinvent himself. A new direction and a career path: he was going to be a farmer! Warren was mentored by one of the best farmers in the district and by the age of twenty-two he had purchased his first farm. The next sixteen years were to be defining for him.
The harsh reality of being a farmer soon became evident; Warren experienced high interest rates, low commodity prices, flood and drought. His mental health suffered. These events tested his resilience, persistence and determination as well as impacting his young family, his relationships and his finances. This experience culminated in the difficult realisation that he had no choice but to walk off his farm.
Warren’s skills meant that it was easy for him to find work – he managed large scale operations from Victoria to South Australia – but it wasn’t the same. Warren couldn’t settle. He felt that he had lost his identity as not only was the farm his career – it was his home and his life. In his eyes he had failed and, particularly as a husband and father, he carried the guilt of failing.
As an avid reader Warren searched for a better way through books and he slowly began the journey of piecing back together his life.
The road has been long but Warren now imparts these stories and life lessons as a keynote speaker, facilitator and mental health advocate.
Warren feels that these lessons are relevant to people of all ages and walks of life; from the country to the city; a farmer or the CEO of a large corporation. Warren’s message is simple, yet so important at a time when stress is seen as normal and depression is commonplace.
