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Weekend Unwind with: Virtue Worldwide creative head Hayden Scott
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have Virtue Worldwide creative head Hayden Scott.
Scott boasts an impressive career spanning over 15 years in the advertising industry. With experience at renowned agencies such as Ogilvy, DDB, and Hakuhodo, as well as smaller and fiercely independent agencies like StrawberryFrog, Metal, and Famous, Hayden has established himself as a seasoned copywriter and creative leader.
Throughout his journey, Scott has accomplished remarkable feats, demonstrating his ability to revitalize well-established brands and champion important causes. He successfully reinvented Raymond, a 100-year-old Indian brand, and rewrote the taglines of iconic brands such as Nestle to support girl-child education. Hayden even invented a paintbrush specifically designed for disabled foot artists under DOMS Stationery. One of his notable endeavours involved using apples to defy a state-wide communication blackout with Radio Zindagi. More recently, he directed a music video for John Legend in collaboration with Johnnie Walker.
Scott’s exceptional work has been recognised with over 75 awards, including prestigious accolades from D&AD, One Show, Kyoorius, Cannes, Abbys, and Effies. His talent and dedication earned him a spot on the list of the top 40 people under the age of 40 in Marketing and Advertising in 2020, and he was also honoured with the Copywriter of the Year award.
Currently, Scott leads the creative team at Virtue India and the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on leveraging cultural insights to build brands in an era dominated by short attention spans. Outside of his professional endeavours, Hayden is passionate about mentoring aspiring talents. He frequently offers guidance at Miami Ad School and the National Institute of Design (NID). During his leisure time, Hayden enjoys sketching urban architecture and producing music as part of his bands Citizen Koi and Stella by Starlight.
So, without further ado, here it goes…
• Your mantra for life
Love many, trust few and always paddle your own canoe.
• A book you are currently reading or plan to read
I am currently reading Stanley Tucci’s “Taste” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Cinema Speculation”.
• Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
Move more.
• Your comfort food
I love food so it’s difficult to pinpoint one particular thing. But if I absolutely had to say it would be any Asian noodle dish (ramen, khoi soi, pho etc.).
• A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down
When the going gets tough, the tough reinvent.
• Your guilty pleasure
Spending far too much money on expensive meals and indulgent desserts.
• The last time you tried something new
I try something new every week – from music to food to taking a different route back home. It keeps my mind sharp.
• A life lesson you learned the hard way
All of us are better than one of us.
• What gets you excited about life?
The prospect of travel to new destinations.
• What’s on top of your bucket list?
To own a home in the countryside and be able to move there for good eventually.
• If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t undervalue yourself.
• One thing you would most like to change about the world
Cancel culture. I feel it cheats people of the right to a second chance.
• An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times
Swimming and walking
• What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
Listening to music on vinyl.
• Your go-to stress buster
Songwriting, sudoku and sketching.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
