Conversations Deciding on a big, bold life
Mar 18, 2026
Margie Warrell, author and leadership coach who left a dairy-farm upbringing to build an international coaching career, shares vivid life pivots. She recalls rural roots, solo travel misadventures, recovery from an eating disorder, traumatic robbery and personal loss. The conversation traces moves overseas, turning trauma into purpose, and the courage to choose a big, bold life.
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Eldest Daughter Bearing Household Duty From Age Seven
- As the eldest daughter Margie took on kitchen, laundry and childcare duties, learning practical skills young and feeling responsible for family wellbeing.
- At seven her father warned her to 'help your mother' or she might end up in a psychiatric hospital, placing heavy duty on a child.
Eating Disorder Began In Early Teens
- Margie developed bulimia from about age 13 after feeling 'big' compared with peers and experimenting with laxatives then purging.
- She hid the disorder at home, using the single outside toilet and enduring shame alongside school and social pressures.
City University Was Broadening And Humbling
- Moving to Melbourne for university expanded Margie's world but also intensified shame: a shoplifting charge, acne, bad hair and trying to fit in with red stilettos.
- She lived in a hostel for country kids, was financially self-reliant, and had to adapt speech and manner to city life.
