Zach Hurst | Merlin’s Group
Zachary (Zach) Hurst, Managing Director at Merlin’s Group, specialises in Project Management and Technology; with over ten years’ experience working in the IT industry. Zach is an ICT Project Manager by trade with a passion for innovative technology. He boasts an accomplished background in Technical Project Management and enthusiastically drives innovation and growth within Merlin’s Group.
Q&A
1. Tell me about yourself: who are you, what do you love etc?
I guess I have a passion for tomorrow’s technology. I’m blessed to be in the world of twenty-twenty where new technologies are emerging and we, as a human race, are constantly at a new precipice of a new technology emerging. Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Self-Driving Cars; they’re all breeding a new world and we are all watching it unfold before our very eyes!\
2. What do you do?
I’m the Managing Director of Merlin’s Group (an ICT Technology and Recruitment company). However, I’m an ICT Project Manager by trade. Essentially, what that means is; I lead technical ICT teams to deliver outcomes. I have to have just enough knowledge on any given ICT subject to enable me to host conversations and bring the right experts to the table. They tell me what we, as a team, need to do; and I drive them to deliver the outcome they describe.
3. What's your 'why’?
I was introduced to technology at a very young age. As a result, I like to believe I have a perspective to see the potential of technology. My main goal is to broaden my skills enough and build a product that can make everyone’s lives just that little bit easier. Something that could maybe keep someone safe, or even help those less-abled, or both!?
4. What was the biggest turning point in your life?
I would have to say when my father passed away two (2) years ago; it was the hardest thing I have had to go through yet. However, that experience taught me what true responsibility was… There was no one else to take care of the things he used to manage. And I’ll tell you; it was a lot!
5. How did you get to the point you're at now?
I’d say a combination of luck, due-diligence, patience, and always offering to help people.
Great things aren’t built in a day. And the greater the endeavour you embark on; the more patient you will have to be.
But above all, I’d say I have accomplished what I have thus far (mind you , which isn’t all that much in the grand scheme of things just yet) was by just trying to help others. You wouldn’t believe how appreciative people can be when you offer your help. And as long as you carry yourself with the simple desire to help people and not expect anything in return; you’ll find you will inherently achieve great things.
6. Is there any advice you can share or something you wish you knew?
I would say two (2) things:
When faced with a problem; break it down into smaller chunks and address each of those smaller chunks so the entire problem doesn’t overwhelm you; and
When confronted with a situation which may upset you (in life or even work), take the time you need to address the situation without emotion. You’ll find yourself in a much better place than if you react out of frustration or even desire.