Craig Ball - Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), 2016

After two years of the ‘new normal’ COVID-19 has brought to our society, the importance of mental health care and advocacy has never been more evident. This is something that Change Manager and Men’s Mental Health Advocate Craig Ball knows all too well.

With two tours of Afghanistan, his own battles with mental health and a psychology degree behind him, it is the depth of Craig’s unique personal experience that allows his message of hope and resilience to resonate with audiences of all ages and demographics.

While working as a professional Change Management Consultant for high profile corporations like Telstra, Allianz and Sydney Trains; Craig also explores his passion for mentorship through public speaking and mental health advocacy.

Craig discovered his passion for change management while working in Afghanistan with the Australian Army as part of a communications capability uplift for Afghan forces, involving cultural, linguistic and security challenges. A demanding role affecting the lives and security of the local population, empowering local forces to communicate across long distances as part of their operations. Through mentoring he was able to develop strong relationships, effectively manage stakeholders of all levels and build infrastructure to enable communications over large distances.

After his career in the Australian Defence Force Craig struggled with the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Managing PTSD and general anxiety disorder, Craig knows first-hand how important it is to reach out for help and to provide a safe space for others when needed.

“We all struggle some time in our life, start making mental health part of your everyday conversation. As Albert Ellis one of the most influential psychologists in history claimed, almost no one will make it through life without some sort of psychological injury or negative impact. Own it share it, you’re not alone.”

With a passion for helping people through the most stressful experiences of their lives, Craig now helps others veterans through his public speaking engagements, webinars and an 8 week online men’s mentoring program. He facilitates a Men’s Mental Health Community via Facebook providing free resources and support to over 400 members. Most recently Craig expanded his reach with the 2022 launch of his book “Reclaim Your Power” focussing on overcoming fear, developing resilience and embracing renewed self-esteem.

Craig’s unique blend of life experience and scientific psychological theory has enabled him to inspire and change the lives of everyone from high school students to corporate managers and military generals.

Craig enjoyed the process of developing himself through academic study, commencing his degree at Charles Sturt later in life. As the first in his immediate family to pursue higher education, Craig’s studies were incredibly important to him “particularly the fact that I slowly plugged away at it for many years until it was finished.” His favourite memories of his time at Charles Sturt were the great people he met through residential schools.

A husband and father to two young children, Craig credits his wife for helping him reach his career goals “My wife has always been incredibly supportive and inspiring.”

Follow Craig’s work via his website, Facebook and Instagram.