Gary Hutton – Product of a Postcode

We caught up with inspirational speaker and founder of the award-winning charity “Product of a Postcode”, Gary Hutton and asked him about his speaking journey and what you can expect from his talks

What was your first step into the speaking world and were you nervous or found yourself relishing the opportunity?

It was a fantastic experience knowing that throughout my talk, people felt that they could make the changes in their life to go on and achieve. That for me is why I love doing it and now for me, it’s my passion.

You had a very tough upbringing. In your work with your charity, have you found that young people are still growing up in similar environments you experienced or have there been improvements? 

Yes, there are still so many young people that are in the same situation I found myself in going up. Working in schools and the wider community I’ve come across so many young people that will travel my path in life. The lack of engagement in education for whatever reason in a young person’s life is the main factor. Coming from poverty and dysfunction education is not taken on board as a way to a better future later in life.

What was the trigger point in your life that made you realise things needed to change? 

Waking up in a padded cell in a straight-jacket being pumped with drugs was the wakeup call I needed. I looked at my life after that and came to understand that there is a reason I lived my life the way I had and that was so others didn’t take the path I took and not to make the same mistakes as I did. I wanted to become the role model that I needed myself growing up and that is needed for so many young people.

You were affected by PTSD at a time when no one knew what it was. Was there an element of relief when you knew what it was and can we be doing more to help those who have suffered from PTSD?

Yes, there was a lot of confusion whilst you are suffering as the flashbacks take over your thought process and you need help understanding what is going on. Even after the professionals have helped, I still believe that only a sufferer that has been through such a traumatic episode in their life has the understanding to help with the knowledge they have gained through their suffering. Hence my approach is about giving back.

What has been the biggest buzz from the work with your charity? 

There are so so many. I could write a book on the topic of highs while running a charity. Taking on the stage at the 02 would be up there in the top ten that’s for sure.

You talk about passion and have published the book “Product of a Postcode” and it was down to your sheer determination that it got published? 

Yes as I don’t have a part in my brain that tells me I can’t!! And I’m driven by passion, And if I’m told I can’ t then I will make sure I achieve my new goals and hit targets far and beyond someone from my background.

What are the key elements and themes of your talks? 

Being a winner, drive, passion and overcoming adversity.

What is next for you? 

I want to share my story and passion to create growth in others, in a way where I engage with as many people over the next five years through talks and then take up the offers on the idea of my life story becoming a film. 

If you would like to know more about Gary Hutton’s speaking work please click here or email us at enquiries@scampspeakers.co.uk

For more information on Gary’s book please click here