Meet Terry Warren of Terry Warren Fine Art

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Warren

Hi Terry, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town in Tennessee where hard work was a way of life for most
people. I was blessed to be part of a loving family that instilled strong values in me,
even as we faced our financial challenges. My parents, despite having only
completed their education through the fifth grade, taught me the importance of
perseverance. When I was fourteen, my father passed away, but I learned to see
obstacles as opportunities for growth. Our small town was a beautiful place to grow
up, filled with memories, but I knew I was destined for more. I set my sights on
pursuing a degree in engineering, believing that with determination and effort, I
could create a brighter future for myself. I hope my journey inspires others to follow
their dreams, no matter the challenges they face!
While in college, I realized that a master’s degree would be an even better
launching pad for my business career.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My Business Career
Throughout my more than 40 years of exploring various career paths, I've had the
incredible opportunity to live and work in Sydney, Australia, for a year and a half—an
experience that enriched my life profoundly. As I approached the end of my
corporate career, I discovered that retirement wasn’t my calling. Instead, I embraced
a new challenge and returned to school to become an International Coach
Federation certified Executive Coach. Now, as I proudly celebrate my 10th
anniversary as a solo executive coach, I can wholeheartedly say that this journey has
been the most fulfilling of them all. I encourage everyone to pursue their passions
and never fear change; you may find your greatest adventure lies just ahead!
My Art Career
I never had any interest in becoming an artist, but life has a way of surprising us!
When I moved to Australia, I wanted to express my gratitude to a wonderful mentor
who had guided me. Since he was quite wealthy, finding an appropriate thank-you
gift felt challenging. That's when I decided to take a drawing class while in Australia,
with the goal of creating a drawing of his house in San Francisco as my gift to him.
To my amazement, after just a few sessions, I discovered that art offered me a
delightful escape from the stresses of my business career. That course ignited a
passion in me, leading to a fulfilling parallel career as a representational artist.
Initially, I thought I had to keep my business and art careers separate, but through
executive coaching, I learned that combining the two was not only possible but
enriching. My art inspires my coaching, and vice versa. So, to anyone considering
stepping outside their comfort zone, embrace new experiences! You never know
where they might lead you, just as they did for me!

Embracing the blend of these two aspects of myself has not only enhanced my
skills as a coach but also enriched my artistry. Believe in the power of your unique
combination; it can lead you to become even greater in your pursuits!

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I believe that everyone faces challenges, and my experiences are no different.
Throughout my career in business, I encountered numerous struggles. Early on, we
put in hard work to create new opportunities, and we faced the challenges that
come with each of those opportunities. But it's through these experiences that we
truly grow. The same goes for my journey in art. I had to unlearn the detailed
techniques I picked up in engineering school to elevate my work. The best art often
starts from simplicity, and I learned to include only the essential details to create a
believable scene. Just like in business, this process requires dedication, education,
and determination. Embracing these struggles is what shapes us into better
professionals and artists. Keep pushing forward; your hard work will pay off!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Terry Warren Fine Art?
Executive Coach
As an executive coach, I leverage 40 years of experience in financial services and healthcare to
support leaders. As they advance, feedback and accountability can become challenging. I provide
direct feedback and guidance to help them unlock potential and find solutions. Often, people know
what to do, but they need help uncovering it. Through questions, active listening, and evaluating
demeanor, I assist CEOs in making critical business decisions, accelerate the development of
emerging leaders, and guide retirees in pursuing their dreams. Additionally, I am an accomplished
landscape painter. Studying art allows me to view situations from a holistic perspective,
acknowledging that, like in painting, progress may require adaptation rather than starting over
completely.
Artist
As a representational artist, my goal is to create realistic scenes of desired places, allowing viewers
to imagine stepping into them.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am a perfectionist, which limits me in many aspects of my life. Those who know me
well realize this, while those who don’t are often surprised to learn that I am both a
coach and an artist, typically seeing only one side of me.