About me

I’m Clay Baird, a father, storyteller, and builder of meaningful experiences. My career began in Australia’s remote & wild landscapes, where I managed and developed award-winning tourism and hospitality ventures.

Over time, I’ve worked across operations, leadership, business development, and media production, building a diverse skill set that combines creativity with strong commercial understanding. I take pride in leading projects that drive growth, improve systems, and strengthen teams, while staying connected to the practical side of work, whether that means developing a strategy or picking up the tools myself.

I’m currently completing a Master of Business Administration, expanding my knowledge in finance, strategy, and marketing to lead innovative, sustainable ventures that connect people, purpose, and the natural world.

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The lessons that shaped me didn’t come from one place. They came from years of working with people, leading teams, and learning what it takes to make something succeed. Each pillar represents a different kind of learning, from the demands of service to the realities of running a business and the satisfaction of building something real.

Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism taught me patience, composure, and the importance of communication. It showed me the human element behind every experience and how to stay calm when everything changes at once. I learned to keep people and operations moving smoothly, even under pressure.

Business & Marketing

Business management gave me perspective. It taught me to think long term, to read numbers as stories about people and performance, and to make decisions that balance stability with growth. It also taught me how to be both ruthless and considerate, knowing when to act firmly and when to lead with understanding.

Creative & Practical Execution

Working with my hands keeps me grounded and connected to the process. Getting my hands dirty gives me a real perspective on operations and keeps me anchored in reality. It reminds me that ideas only have value when they’re built, tested, and refined. That balance between thinking and doing has shaped how I approach every project, from the smallest job to the biggest venture.

Education & Certificates

Masters Of Bussiness

2025 - Current
AIB - Online

MultiMedia Design

2003- 2005
Holmesglen

Digital Marketing

2017
RMIT - Online

Film & Television

2006- 2008
Footscray City Films

Working With Children Check

Current - 2025
Victoria

Work Place First Aid

Needs a renew
Victoria
Experience

The Horsemen Collective

Founder & Manager

2021 - Present

Founded and built an innovative online platform for equestrian education, combining digital media, business strategy, and creative direction. Led web and app development, film production, marketing, and sales initiatives. Developed financial and growth strategies, including successful grant applications and investor presentations. Learned to balance creative vision with commercial objectives, strengthening skills in leadership, negotiation, and long-term planning.

Barefoot Baird - Farrier

Business Owner

2021 - Present

Running my own farrier business requires drive, discipline, and self-motivation. I manage every part of the operation, from client relationships and scheduling to BAS and tax. It’s demanding work built on reliability and clear communication, where reputation is earned one job at a time. The work has taught me to stay organised, solve problems under pressure, and appreciate the satisfaction that comes from a hard day’s manual labour.

The Houses of Daylesford

General Manager

4 months of a 3 year contract - 2021

As General Manager of a 3,000-bed-a-night short-stay accommodation business, I was brought in to modernise operations and implement a new RMS system. The business functioned as a premium short-stay agency, managing bookings, marketing, housekeeping, and property maintenance for private residences across the Daylesford region. Although the role was short term, as the owners chose not to proceed with the changes I was hired to deliver, it proved to be a valuable learning experience for both myself and the management team. It strengthened my understanding of operational systems, stakeholder communication, and the challenges that come with driving organisational change. The decision to not continue the contract was mutual and handled with integrity, leaving both parties with respect and a clearer understanding of future direction.

The Canopy Treehouses & Wildlife Sanctuary

General Manager

2018-2021

Oversaw operations of a high-end eco-accommodation business, managing staff, payroll, maintenance, and daily logistics across multiple properties. Redeveloped business plans and strategies to strengthen efficiency and long-term sustainability, achieving profit growth during the COVID-19 period. Implemented new systems for rostering, reporting, and guest services to improve workflow and accountability. Managed budgets, supplier contracts, and compliance while maintaining high service standards. This role deepened my operational management skills and reinforced the value of clear systems, teamwork, and adaptive leadership.

Tourism Atherton Tablelands

Deputy Chair

2018-2021

Led destination marketing efforts, fostering industry partnerships and driving market diversification. Collaborated with government-funded bodies like Tourism Tropical North Queensland to enhance regional visibility, aligning local initiatives with broader strategies to maximise the impact of government resources.

Spring Spur Stay

Accommodation Manager + Builder + Chef

2013-2018

I physically built the accommodation facilities from the ground up, managing every stage of construction. Once established, I took on the development and management of the business, overseeing guest relations, operations, and events. I launched a paddock-to-plate dining concept that increased both revenue and occupancy and expanded the property’s offering to include weddings, retreats, and private functions. The role required adaptability across construction, management, and hospitality, moving between builder, host, and chef as needed. It was a hands-on experience that demanded initiative, creativity, and endurance.

Bogong Horseback Adventures

Operations Manager + Farming + Eco Tourism

1999-2013

Worked across all areas of a remote adventure tourism business, combining leadership, logistics, and practical skills. Led multi-day horseback expeditions through alpine regions, managing guest safety, environmental care, and overall expedition logistics. Coordinated remote 4WD and resupply operations to support tours in challenging terrain. Oversaw staff, horse care, and property maintenance, including operation and upkeep of machinery ranging from tractors to chainsaws. The role demanded resilience, initiative, and a high level of operational planning in unpredictable wilderness conditions.

Van Dieman's Land

Unit Manager - Film Production

2016

Coordinated logistics for a feature film production across remote regions of Victoria and Tasmania. Managed crew transport, locations, accommodation, and 4WD support operations. Oversaw resupply runs, scheduling, and communication between departments to ensure smooth execution in challenging conditions. The role required problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership in remote environments under tight production timelines.

Rock Creek Pack Station, California USA

Wilderness tour guide & Remote Expeditions

1999-2017 (Seasonal)

Led horseback tours ranging from two hours to thirty days through the remote High Sierra wilderness. Responsible for guest safety, route planning, camp setup, and livestock management in challenging alpine conditions. The role required strong communication, navigation, and survival skills, along with the ability to deliver memorable experiences in demanding environments.

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Personal Abilities

I turn ideas into action, drawing on life experience, teamwork, and a love of getting things done.

Most of what I’ve learned has come from experience. Growing up in tourism meant working through school holidays and long weekends, learning early what commitment really looks like.
Over the years, I’ve built and managed businesses, worked through fires, floods, and changing economies, and found that the best lessons often come when things don’t go to plan. Those experiences taught me to stay calm under pressure, to think before acting, and to keep people and purpose at the centre of every decision. I’ve come to value the balance between strategy and hard work, between planning and doing, and I carry that approach into everything I build today.

Resilient Leader

I stay calm and effective under pressure, leading through challenges like bushfires and severe weather. I balance quick decision-making with responsibility, ensuring safety, guest experience, and compliance remain priorities.

Problem Solver

I approach challenges by listening, evaluating, and planning from different perspectives, allowing me to find practical solutions others might miss.

Versatile Skill Set

I work equally well in business planning and marketing as I do on a building site or in delivering a tourism experience, combining strategy with practical execution and a smile.

Work Ethic

Growing up in tourism taught me the value of hard work and consistency, often putting in long hours through school and public holidays to keep things running.

Finacial Acumen

I’ve built strong financial and operational skills, able to analyse performance, manage risk, and adapt business models to stay profitable through changing conditions like Covid-19.

Persuasive Leader

I lead with authenticity and trust, focusing on developing capable, confident teams that can thrive independently while sharing a clear sense of purpose.

Skills
97%

Tourism & Bussiness Management

95%

Building maintainace & Repairs

90%

Campfire Cook & Entertainer

95%

Team Management & Autonomy

95%

Financial Acumen & Plans

80%

Photography + Film + Marketing

Reference

"People are at the heart of everything we do, from our teams to our clients and their customers finally"

~Jhon Doe, CEO Twitter
Reference

"Life is about making an impact not an income, remember this thing to your future generations in your family"

~Dan Smith, CFO Snapchat
Faq
Q.

When Can you Start?

A.

I'm available to take on any new roles Immediately. However i do have two children and need to manage their transitions into school. My wife is also continuing our online business and is available to move at short notice.  We are also open to working anywhere in Australia or international opportunities provide it is suitible for families.

Q.

What are your life Goals?

A.

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Q.

What are your Hobbies?

A.

I am a lover of great food & stories shared with good people.
Gardening and a life outdoors with my boys are the main activities. I am also a passionate horseman, who loves teaching, and working with horses.  

Q.

What are your Hobbies?

A.

I am a lover of great food & stories shared with good people.
Gardening and a life outdoors with my boys are the main activities. I am also a passionate horseman, who loves teaching, and working with horses.  

Q.

What are your Hobbies?

A.

I am a lover of great food & stories shared with good people.
Gardening and a life outdoors with my boys are the main activities. I am also a passionate horseman, who loves teaching, and working with horses.  

Contact

Contact me

If you want to get in touch with me you can send me a message filling up de following form, I’ll usually will answer within 24 hour period.

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