Lance grew up moving often, with a tough childhood and feelings of not fitting in. He struggled at school, found it hard to make friends and often felt alone. Early on, Lance showed signs of ADHD and anger, feeling out of place and hearing constant criticism which shaped his self-belief and experience at home and school.
He started work young, taking on paper rounds and mowing lawns. After working as a builder he felt restless and wanting more. At age 35, he joined the New Zealand police force. He soon discovered different ways to learn, adapting study techniques to fit his unique thinking style.
Spending 22 years in the NZ police force, Lance became a detective and then 13 years as a crisis negotiator. He trained in NZ, Australia, the UK and USA with the elite units of police, prisons, emergency services, the military and the FBI
He faced depression and anger head-on during his career, finding strength in support from others. He learned the value of self-care and transformed his challenges into personal growth. Today, Lance is an author and positive psychology advocate, running his own business, helping others learn about themselves and encouraging self-compassion, resilience and human connection.
Lance has an MA majoring in Terrorism, Safety & Security, Diplomas in Policing and Business Studies and is completing a Diploma ins Positive Psychology & Wellbeing.
He is a published author of the bestselling books – Behind the Tape and Dark Side of the Brain – with a third book on manging anxiety published in August 2024. Lance also makes regular media appearances.
Social Media
https://www.warninternational.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/warninternational/
https://www.youtube.com/@WARNInternational
*****
We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.
Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.
If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here – https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact
We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!
Warmly,
The Kintsugi Heroes team
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Theme Song: “Broken” by Colin Lillie
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
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🏷️ Topics we cover: resilience, disability, trauma recovery, mental health, transformation, lived experience, chronic illness, neurodiversity, grief, identity, community, caregiving, refugee stories, animal therapy, ageing, older Australians, wellbeing, invisible illness, inclusion, personal growth, hope, rebuilding, human connection, Australian stories
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– Kintsugi Heroes — real stories of resilience | hosted by John Milham
– Animals & Us | hosted by Natalie Stockdale
– Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace | hosted by Simone Allan & Maryan Bova
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– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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