Getting to know Scott Hinton

We recently chatted with Scott Hinton, our Business Manager based in Australia, to gain insight into his daily responsibilities and aspirations. In addition to discussing his professional achievements, we also delved into his yet-to-be-fulfilled bucket list. Keep reading to discover more.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role within InterMed?
My role at InterMed is being the lead for a business unit (and part time problem solver). I love to solve a problem. Trying to understand what the ‘real’ problem is can sometimes cause more work than anticipated, though from the bottom of a problem we can work towards a solution. I work closely with a group of fabulous salespeople across Australia and New Zealand, finding these problems, some obvious and some less so, and offering a tailored solution to help them help their clinicians and then, in turn, their clinicians help their patients.

How long have you worked at InterMed?
I have recently started my seventh year.

What does a typical day as a Business Manager look like?
Is there a typical day – perhaps not, but I really enjoy that aspect.

I start quite early as I am responding to one or two of our suppliers that might be based overseas, as well as working closely with my colleagues in New Zealand. That time difference is more challenging during the dark winter months, but catchups are so much easier now with the technology we have access to. After that, there will be a call or two with my direct team and meetings with my colleagues. Some days, these meetings are related to one part of the business; other days, something very different, but all equally important to what we do. My team is stretched across 5 time zones, New Zealand to Western Australia, for half of the year, so it feels like there is always someone I can chat with.

During times when I am not in a meeting or on the phone, I am trying to understand how we can do things better. Support our customers more or how I can support my team more.

The day winds down with me often cooking dinner for my family and tends to finish after that with me checking if anything urgent needs responding to. This is partly done to be in line with our partners based in Europe but also to avoid the kitchen clean-up.

What advice can you offer to other Business Managers who are just starting?
One cannot fix everything all at once. Work with your team and colleagues to prioritise. And Listen. Force yourself to listen if you have to.

What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
How do you climb Mt Everest – one step at a time.

Apart from the obvious to me, this also means that you do not have to know everything from the start. During the journey be prepared to get new data and assess and change if needed.

Tell us about a professional success story that you’re proud of.
I am proud of the many things I have done. Some are small, and some could be deemed big. All have had a significant impact on one or more individuals. I have had success winning some big installations, but the things that make me most proud are when I have helped facilitate success for a colleague.

I strongly feel and hope that I have not finished writing this particular story yet.

What are your favourite things about working at InterMed?
My colleagues and the teamwork we share together. Our products. I think we have some of the finest products available. I also genuinely think we offer our Clinicians an authentic solution.

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?
There is somebody’s family member at the end of the product we are supplying.

How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
I have a very tolerant and lovely wife and two amazing children who have endured me for a long time. When I am not working, I like to be with them sampling the great outdoors, whether that is something local or further afield.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I wish I could play the guitar or piano. My family is super musical, and I lack all of those things. To be musical would be great.

How do you define success? 
I am driven by success, not the rewards that come with it, although they are lovely when they come. Genuinely, if we can provide our clinicians with a solution that REALLY helps their patients, then I feel we have succeeded. My real job is to help my colleagues do this as well.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I have a big bucket of things to do…here are two. Race in the Sydney to Hobart and climb Mt Kilimanjaro