Scott Hurd Resumé
Scott Hurd – photographer, speaker and teacher
Scott discovered early on in his working life that it was a good idea to take charge of his own destiny and to regularly reassess and, if necessary reinvent himself. To do this he developed a workable system that he passes on to others in many of his workshops and motivational sessions.
Having studied art (photography and ceramics) and physical education (mainly outdoor pursuits) Scott left Westminster College, Oxford, in 1970 to work as a PE teacher in a socially disadvantaged area in northern England. Despite being fresh out of college he immediately found himself instructing experienced teachers in white water kayaking. At weekends he supplemented his income with portrait and wedding photography.
Scott moved into special education (behaviour and emotional), eventually becoming vice principal responsible for education . He then joined a team coping with severe problems in mainstream education. As a major part of his duties Scott often found himself working in the interface between education and industry, seeking a way to make education relevant to reluctant learners with zero aspiration. Many of his youngsters had big dreams but, without dramatic help, they were going nowhere. He spent time with people from industry and commerce, working out what skills and attitudes school leavers needed and, along with other team members, created a new curriculum designed to respond to their needs.
A one day, confidence building/motivational event developed from this and Scott found his services in high demand from other areas of education. At that time the British government was launching a massive initiative in the education of the most able students. Many of these very bright youngsters, often sadly neglected by the education system, had very little confidence. Consequently they weren’t progressing as they should. Scott’s motivational events went nationwide and “Challenge Plus,” a very successful private company, was born. His aim? To extend, challenge and motivate the most able, including those held back by circumstance. It became his policy to target key underachievers.
In the mid two thousands Scott decided to leave the UK to realise yet another dream. He set up a new company as a photographer in Namibia, what he saw as the most diverse and photogenic country on the planet. He takes on a wide variety of assignments for clients in both the personal and commercial sectors, His work ranges from lodge and hotel work to mining and construction. When the phone rings he has no idea where it will lead him. His photography is of a high and reliable standard and he is regularly employed by both local and international companies. His work has been used for conservation projects worldwide including the London CITES conference for world leaders. He has had a number of front covers including the UK’s prestigious Telegraph magazine.
Drawing on his years in education he developed the Photography and Photoshop training courses and photo experience weekends. He presents them all over Namibia and his clients range from schools to anti poaching units, from private groups to national newspapers. Since moving to Otjiwarongo, well in excess of five hundred people from all walks of life, have been on these courses and many stay in touch. He still makes regular trips back to Europe to visit friends and family and for speaking engagements.
As a speaker Scott’s infectious enthusiasm and quirky sense of humour appeal to a wide range of people but he also wants to make people think. Above all, whatever the topic, he wants to make a difference and his ultimate aim remains unchanged – to extend, challenge and motivate. Please don’t expect to just sit back and be entertained on his events. Expect to be involved, expect to be asked to think and expect to go away buzzing.
Scott Hurd – Extending, Challenging and Motivating