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Get Ready to Experience an Emotional
and Life-Changing Presentation!

In today’s changing Educational System, many schools and school districts around our country are trying to maintain a winning and optimistic attitude as they deal with an array of educational challenges as they prepare and inspire all students to be equipped to excel in college, careers and life. Perhaps today your school is dealing with high poverty and literacy levels, changing testing standards and new technologies that revolve around code and robotics. Maybe you are trying to create thinkers and problem solvers to help your students dominate in the 21st century by providing them with skills in leadership, knowledge, language and advancing technologies to compete in a global economy and serve as successful citizens in your community. Or perhaps you are feeling paralyzed and overwhelmed by your challenges.

Whatever those challenges are, the true measure of success is how well you respond to adversity, change, setbacks and fear. Whatever belief system you employ must be powerful enough to conquer these obstacles and any other impediments to your personal and professional growth, or you—and your school district—will be left behind.

“Scott brought a powerful message that inspired us all to challenge our thinking about what is possible. He encouraged and inspired our teachers not to give up when things get tough in the classroom and to leave no student behind. The final result is that we will encourage and inspire our students to do great things.”

CHARTER SCHOOLS

Navigate Educational Challenges
with an Unstoppable Mindset

There are many motivational educational speakers to choose from, but as university and district audiences have discovered, Scott’s compelling story is the hero’s journey, providing what will be an unforgettable and lasting memory to inspire your staff and students to stand up to any challenge. Using his physical paralysis as a visual metaphor, Scott reveals how to create a compelling shared vision amongst your staff and students, and drive results utilizing the same mental focus that helped him reinvent his life after a catastrophic accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. He will demonstrate there are no barriers or stop signs in life, just detours and workarounds, especially during times of change, doubts and uncertainty.

Through the power of storytelling, Scott will show your attendees firsthand how to apply the same timeless principles of Vision-Mindset-Grit that have had a profound impact in his life. Three simple yet powerful words that, when put into action, can absolutely help you conquer adversity and master change, setting the stage for developing cutting-edge ideas and leadership strategies that will benefit your entire school system.

This is the perfect inspirational presentation to kick off your convocation and challenge your educators to be resilient, adaptable and set goals that stretch the mind. Scott will help inspire your staff and educators to rethink their capabilities in their current roles and stand up to the overwhelming challenges and cutbacks caused by the pandemic. As a top education keynote speaker, Scott’s message of Vision-Mindset-Grit will literally transform the way you look at your industry challenges, the students you serve, and will help reignite your passion to remain resilient in an ever-changing world.

 

   

“Scott Burrows was just what TASBO members needed for 2022! He was everything we had hoped he would be – inspirational, motivating, thought-provoking and more. Schools have had a tough couple of years and his message of Vision – Mindset – Grit were perfect. Still getting great responses from your keynote. Our members were inspired as were we. Will definitely be singing your praises to other ASBOs!”

Becky Bunte, Deputy Executive Director,
Texas Association of School Business Officials

VISION-MINDSET-GRIT is Scott’s best-selling book detailing his engrossing life story, laying out the roadmap for companies and organizations dealing with catastrophic change and uncertainty. Scott’s book details how to face seemingly unconquerable setbacks by providing readers with practical tools they can put into immediate action to help push them toward exponential growth and personal success.

“This year, rather than bring our entire workforce of 6,000 team members to one location, we decided to have 9 Regional Summits. This meant that our keynote speaker would have to be videotaped so that all locations could receive the same message. We were able to negotiate this arrangement with Scott’s agent, but what was extraordinary was that Scott’s presentation was so dynamic that even when played via video on the large screens, audience members were completely engaged and excited. There was a handful of us who traveled to all nine Summit locations and consequently heard Scott’s message nine times. We all agreed that it was so captivating that we still wanted to hear more…”

Scott’s Compelling Story of Transformational Change Is the Hero’s Journey!

 

Scott Burrows is a top Inspirational Education Speaker who teaches the concepts of Vision, Mindset and Grit worldwide using his life-changing story as the backdrop for organizational success. Three simple, yet powerful words that when put into action can help you and your organization stand up to any challenge, push the limits of what is possible and set goals that stretch the mind—even during times of change, uncertainty and fear.

By the age of 19, Scott was a star athlete and fierce competitor. He excelled in golf and track, was a college wide receiver at Florida State University for legendary coach Bobby Bowden, and a top-ranked kick-boxing Black Belt champion whose last fight was broadcast by ESPN.


During the height of his collegiate career, his life changed dramatically. On November 3rd, 1984, he survived a catastrophic automobile accident as a passenger in a friend’s car and broke two vertebrae in his neck that left him paralyzed from the chest down and diagnosed a quadriplegic. Told he would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, Scott realized his split-second decision to not wear a seat belt altered his course forever.

Despite his grim diagnosis, Scott astounded his doctors and refused to be sidelined. After six months of intense physical therapy at Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado, he fought to stay alive while battling numerous life-threatening complications, including a pulmonary embolism. With the support of his family, friends and his Christian faith, Scott turned an impossible goal into a reality. He returned to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and had some fun along the way—competing again, this time, in a completely different sport. They call it full-contact wheelchair rugby, otherwise known as Murderball, a Paralympic sport that allowed him to compete with the best physically challenged athletes from around the world. Working as one, these people came together to expand their Vision and prevent their Mindset from becoming their biggest handicap.

After graduating from college, Scott’s served as a Financial Advisor in the Insurance and Financial Industry for Northwestern Mutual. He specialized in life and disability insurance planning as well as retirement, estate and wealth planning. In his 5th year, he hit a huge goal and qualified for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the Premiere Association of Financial Professionals, which is a 100% commission-driven sales production award that fewer than 8% of his peers qualify for annually from more than 500 companies in 70 countries around the world.

At the pinnacle of his career, Scott experienced yet another setback, a second automobile accident. Although he was buckled in this time, new injuries forced him to RE-evaluate, RE-invent and once again RE-ignite his life by practicing and executing what he preaches.

During his nine-month recovery, Scott reminisced about the overcoming adversity speakers he heard at sales and leadership conferences. Their life-changing stories inspire others to chase their dreams regardless of obstacles or barriers. That’s when Scott decided he would make the tough decision to leave an industry he had so much passion and success in to pursue a speaking career that has taken him around the world.

Scott also took advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help expand his brother’s golf course fertilizer, chemical and equipment company into Southeast Asia by disrupting an industry and doing what the competition was unwilling to do — offer custom-blended fertilizers designed specifically to meet the needs of golf course fairways and greens based on individual soil tests. This expansion brought in an excess of 1.6 million the first year.

In Scott’s book Vision Mindset Grit!, his father defined those three empowering words in the foreword: Vision refers to your goals and aspirations, the endpoint you are seeking; Mindset is the continual mental preparation and adjustment needed to meet oncoming challenges; Grit is the day-to-day determination to persevere when you are too tired, too sore or too beleaguered to continue on.

Scott has inspired audiences throughout the United States as well as Australia, Spain, Bahamas, India, Thailand, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Czech Republic and Canada, as well as to our soldiers at the Minot Air Force Base.

KEY PROGRAM Takeaways

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VISION

  • Learn how to create a clear Vision that entices you to Take Action
  • Examine the benefits of Dreaming in Full Color and setting goals that stretch the mind
  • Discover the impact of connecting your organization to a Shared Vision
  • Find out how Visualization can give you that competitive advantage

MINDSET

  • Learn how Breaking the Fall line can help you create an unstoppable Mindset
  • Examine the Mindset of Poise and Execution and Not-Resisting
  • Discover how to not let your Mindset Become Your Biggest Handicap to increase productivity
  • Understand how forgiveness, a leadership trait, can restore hope and lead to greater adherence
  • Find out how Asking the “What” Questions can get you thinking differently and help you navigate change

GRIT

  • Learn what it takes to Stretch Yourself beyond your paralyzed state
  • Examine why your Willingness to Fail But Your Unwillingness to Quit is a leadership trait that can keep you focused
  • Discover adaptive strategies to help you Stand Up to Any Challenge
  • Understand what it really means to Go with What Scares You
  • Cultivate ways to unlock your Grit that can improve your performance

Scott's Clients Have Used These Alternate Titles:

  • Rise to the Challenge
  • Anything Is Possible
  • Triumph Over Adversity
  • Stand Up to Any Challenge
  • Vision, Mindset, Grit: Key Components to a Successful Strategic Plan
  • Rising and Thriving
  • Thriving Through Changing Times
  • How to Develop an Unstoppable Mindset
  • Overcoming Adversity
  • Don’t Stop Believing
  • The Power of Tomorrow: NO LIMITS

Video Testimonials

“Mr. Burrows’ presentation was a great reminder to all that no dream is too big or goal is too high. He was told by specialized doctors that he would never walk again; however, with encouragement from his father and a strong belief in himself, he proved the specialists wrong. He now walks, skis, scuba dives, golfs….As teachers, we need to remember to encourage those students who have set extremely high goals and help them find ways to reach them rather than talk to them about being more ‘realistic.’”

“Scott Burrows is the ultimate example of someone overcoming obstacles others thought impossible. His accomplishments are proof that lofty goals can be obtained through persistence, determination and support. I became more aware of how critical support and encouragement are to a person’s success. When times were tough, and when Scott appeared ready to give up, a few others stepped in to offer encouragement and advice.”

“Our school district invited Scott Burrows to help kick off our school year in a positive fashion. It was a joy to work with Scott as we planned the event as he looked to personalize the message to our staff. We were able to share some details about our district, including some of the leadership work that was taking place over the summer. Scott’s themes of vision, mindset and grit can really fit in any educational setting, but it was a great connection for us as we kicked off the 2015-16 school year. We appreciated the connections developed prior to the kickoff event as the details and logistics were clear far in advance. On the day of our kickoff event, a great deal of energy was in the air as the anticipation to the school year was upon us. Scott fed into this energy and excitement by sharing his captivating story. As we collected feedback from staff regarding the event, we heard nothing but positive comments. Scott’s message definitely resonated with our staff and their roles as educators. It was also amazing how many people commented that his message not only made an impact on their professional lives, but in their personal lives as well.”

RICK SANSTED, Asst. Superintendent, Teaching and Learning

“It was our distinct pleasure and privilege to have Scott Burrows as our keynote speaker for our 9th Annual Charter Schools USA Summit. Scott brought a powerful message that inspired us all to challenge our thinking about what is possible. Rather than bring our entire workforce of 6,000 team members to one location, we decided to have 9 Regional Summits. This meant that our keynote speaker would have to be videotaped so that all locations could receive the same message. What was extraordinary was that Scott’s presentation was do dynamic that even when played via video on the large screen, audience members were completely engaged and excited. By far, the thing that our team members commented on the most was the message from Scott Burrows. Scott was genuine, sincere, powerful and customized his message to reach an audience of educators. I would high recommend Scott Burrows to anyone who is interested in providing a motivational, inspiring and entertaining keynote presentation that will have a lasting impact.”

DEBBIE VonBEHREN, EVP of Strategy

“Scott’s amazing life story in inspirational and insightful. I have only received positive feedback regarding his presentation and am convinced that each and every teacher, administrator and support staff member in the audience of over 800 employees were moved by his words and no doubt motivated by the obstacles he has faced and overcome in his life. ‘Vision, Mindset and Grit,’ powerful words, and the principles that he has applied to his life, have become a motto for myself and our employees. The journey of Scott Burrows is one of encouragement, determination and opportunities to see the world in a different perspective. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Scott Burrows and not only be inspired but challenged by his perseverance, his attitude, outlook, and GRIT!”

FRANK MOLINAR, Superintendent

“Thank you for sharing your powerful story at our Convocation and inspiring all of us to embody Vision, Mindset and Grit. You were outstanding. People are still talking about you weeks after Convocation and all your books were claimed immediately.”

PAUL BROADIE II, Ph.D., President

“The Carestream experience with Scott Burrows was nothing short of extraordinary. He transformed the way we think, and challenged us to reframe and purposefully examine where we are and where we want to be. Scott connected with our group at a deep and meaningful level. From my 40 years of experience in this business, I place Scott among the giants in this field. Tactically, Scott was diligent and invested in preparing for our group, professional and proactive in all communications with us, genuine and personal in his delivery, and masterful in working our reality into his message. We are better people and professionals having experienced his presence.”

NEIL BRYANT, Vice President, Sales Development, US&C

“This keynote sets the tone and stage for the entire convention. We look for someone who can inspire us, has a message that ties to our convention theme & industry, and who would motivate us. Scott delivered on these three key points and more! Scott was able to weave his personal story with lessons learned, strategies to overcome obstacles that come your way, and encourage all to never to quit because success can be just around the corner. Our audience was clearly captivated. A measure of success was that he received two standing ovations. Standing ovations rarely happen in our keynotes, and two have never happened before Scott. Working with Scott was a pleasure. He was available, communicative and generous with his time. He made sure he delivered what we were looking for in a keynote. I highly recommend him as a keynote speaker and would be happy to talk with you personally about our experience.”

LIZ WHITNEY, Director, Education & Meetings,
International Warehouse Logistics Association

“Over 800 employees were moved by his words! Vision, Mindset and Grit, powerful words, and the principles that he has applied to his life, have become a motto for myself and our employees. The journey of Scott Burrows is one of encouragement, determination and opportunities to see the world in a different perspective.”

“One teacher, in good humor, mentioned to our Superintendent, who is in her first year, ‘If that was your first kick-off as the leader of our district, good luck topping that!’ Staff walked away ready to tackle any challenge that lay in front of them using the theme of Vision-Mindset-Grit.”

“Scott took the information he gathered in our pre-meeting call and wove it seamlessly into his message, which made it relevant to each and every person in the room.” 

CHRIS POWELL, Sr. Vice President and GE

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“Scott took the information he gathered in our pre-meeting call and wove it seamlessly into his message, which made it relevant to each and every person in the room.”  – Chris Powell, Sr. Vice President and GE

“One teacher, in good humor, mentioned to our Superintendent, who is in her first year, ‘If that was your first kick-off as the leader of our district, good luck topping that!’ Staff walked away ready to tackle any challenge that lay in front of them using the theme of Vision-Mindset-Grit.”

“Over 800 employees were moved by his words! Vision, Mindset and Grit, powerful words, and the principles that he has applied to his life, have become a motto for myself and our employees. The journey of Scott Burrows is one of encouragement, determination and opportunities to see the world in a different perspective.”