Scott Burrows

Scott Burrows' story is the hero's journey. By the age of 19, he was playing college football at Florida State University as a walk-on wide receiver for legendary coach Bobby Bowden and was a top-ranked kick-boxing Black Belt champion whose last fight was broadcast by ESPN. On November 3, 1984, Burrows survived a severe automobile accident as a passenger in a friend's car, which resulted in him breaking cervical 6 and 7 vertebrae in his neck, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down and diagnosed as a quadriplegic. Told he would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, Burrows realized his split-second decision not to wear a seat belt altered his course forever.

Despite the grim prognosis, Burrows refused to be sidelined. After graduating from college, Burrows' first career was 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 fifth year, he achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), an achievement that fewer than 8% of his peers qualify for annually from more than 500 companies in 70 countries. This career was interrupted by a second automobile accident, which, despite being buckled in, resulted in injuries that forced him to reassess, reinvent, and re-ignite his life by practicing and executing what he preaches.

Reflecting on overcoming adversity speakers at sales and leadership conferences during his recovery, Burrows was inspired to leave the financial industry to pursue a speaking career. This decision led him to share his story globally, including in 45 states and countries such as Australia, Spain, India, Thailand, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Czech Republic, and Canada, as well as with soldiers at the Minot Air Force Base.

Burrows is also the author of "Vision Mindset Grit!" The Foreword, written by Burrows' father, explains the book's core concepts: Vision refers to your goals and aspirations, the endpoint you are seeking. Mindset involves the continual mental preparation and adjustment needed to meet oncoming challenges. Grit represents the day-to-day determination to persevere when faced with significant challenges. These principles have guided Burrows in both his personal recovery and professional endeavors, enabling him to motivate others through his speaking engagements around the world.