Scott Dylan is the entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist who co-founded Inc & Co. He is also known for his presence in the business landscapes of the UK, Ireland, and Spain. His diverse portfolio includes co-founding entities such as Inc Retail and Skylab, along with co-ownership roles in Knomo, King Street Grooming, Maker&Son, incspaces, Baldwins Travel, and EasyPallets.
Dylan has also led the acquisition, development, and successful exit of companies like MyLifeDigital, Laundrapp, and Wood for Trees. As such, Dylan’s expertise spans various sectors, ranging from creative, digital, and logistics to retail and music.
Originating from South East London, Dylan started his entrepreneurial journey early, driven by a keen sense of innovation and a robust work ethic. His academic background, traversing John Roan School, Italia Conti Associates, and legal studies at the Open University, has equipped him with a broad skill set and profound insights into creative and business disciplines.
Under Dylan’s strategic guidance, Inc & Co has achieved notable success through significant acquisitions and a commitment to revitalising businesses. Both underscore Dylan’s proficiency in business strategy and emphasise a people-first philosophy integral to the culture of Inc & Co.
A dedication to collaboration, innovation, and sustainability characterises Dylan’s leadership. This approach ensures each venture not only thrives but also contributes positively to its community.
Beyond his business pursuits, Dylan is a passionate advocate for mental health, driven by personal experiences to support related causes and initiatives. His philanthropic efforts, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrate a deep commitment to societal well-being.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts a bit later than most; I’m not one for the early morning hustle. Instead, I find that beginning my day in the late morning allows me to work late into the night, which is when I’m most focused and creative. To make my day productive, I don’t stick to a rigid schedule but rather prioritise flexibility and responsiveness. This approach helps me adjust as needed based on the day’s demands, allowing for spontaneous decisions and creative thinking. My productivity hinges on setting clear, achievable goals for the day—this keeps me grounded and ensures I’m always moving forward.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life is a collaborative effort in my ventures. I work closely with our senior management team, which oversees a diverse group of talented individuals. When someone proposes an idea, whether they’re a new hire or a seasoned executive, it’s taken seriously and explored to see its potential. We’ve established a tight feedback loop that allows us to implement and refine ideas rapidly. This collaborative environment fosters a culture where innovation thrives because everyone feels they have a stake in our collective success.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The integration of AI and machine learning in business processes truly excites me. The potential for these technologies to transform how we analyse data, make decisions, and understand consumer behaviour is immense. AI’s capability to provide insights and efficiencies can lead to more informed decision-making and innovation at a pace and scale previously unimaginable. I’m particularly interested in how AI can be used to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations across our businesses.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Delegation is the habit that significantly boosts my productivity. Recognising that you can’t do everything yourself and entrusting tasks to capable team members allows me to focus on what I do best—strategising and growth. This approach not only helps me be more productive but also empowers the team, giving them ownership and responsibility, which in turn drives their productivity and job satisfaction.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to embrace failure as an essential part of learning and growth. Early in my career, I viewed setbacks with much dread. Now, I understand that each failure is a stepping stone to success. It’s crucial not to let the fear of failure prevent you from taking risks. Risks lead to innovation and breakthroughs. If I could go back, I’d encourage my younger self to be bolder, take more risks, and not be deterred by the possibility of failure.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that not every moment of your day needs to be productive in the traditional sense. Many people think downtime is wasted time, but I argue that allowing for periods of rest and unstructured thinking is crucial for creativity and long-term success. It’s in these quieter moments that we often find our greatest insights and inspirations. Encouraging this within a professional environment can seem counterintuitive, but I’ve seen it lead to significant innovation and well-being in our teams.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Consistently ask questions. Curiosity is the engine of achievement. I make it a habit to question everything from the status quo in our industry to the specifics of a new project proposal. This habit helps uncover hidden problems before they escalate and also sparks innovative solutions. I encourage everyone, no matter their role or level, to cultivate curiosity and never stop questioning how or why things are done.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I step back and take a break, often going for a long walk. This physical activity helps clear my mind and relieve stress. I also use this time to gain perspective without the immediate pressure of task completion. Reflecting during these walks, I often find new angles to tackle the issue that seemed insurmountable before. This practice of stepping away and returning with a fresh perspective can be incredibly powerful in restoring focus and clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One key strategy that has been instrumental in both my personal career and the growth of my businesses is strategic networking. I actively seek to connect with individuals who are not only leaders in their fields but also innovators who challenge the status quo. These relationships have opened doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations that have propelled our businesses forward. Networking isn’t just about accumulating contacts; it’s about exchanging value and ideas, fostering mutual growth, and maintaining these relationships over time.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
A significant failure in my career was an early investment in a technology startup that did not pan out as expected. The technology was promising, but the market timing wasn’t right. Overcoming this failure involved recognising our missteps, particularly our lack of market research and premature scaling efforts. The key lesson was the importance of validating market demand thoroughly before going all in. This experience taught me to be more diligent in conducting market analysis and more cautious with scaling operations.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An idea I’d like to share is a platform that connects retired professionals with startups for mentorship and advisory roles. Many retirees possess valuable expertise and may miss the engagement and challenge of their working lives, while startups need seasoned guidance but often cannot afford to hire experienced professionals full-time. This platform could offer a win-win solution, providing startups with invaluable insights and giving retirees a meaningful way to contribute and stay connected with their professional community.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello is a tool that significantly enhances my productivity. It’s a versatile project management application that helps me organise tasks, track project progress, and manage team collaboration effectively. I use it to create visual boards for different projects, each containing lists that outline tasks, deadlines, and the responsible team members. It’s particularly useful for maintaining an overview of complex projects and ensures that our team stays aligned and accountable.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
A book that has significantly influenced me is ‘Deep Work’ by Cal Newport. It emphasises the importance of focused work in an increasingly distracted world. The principles outlined in the book have helped me refine my work habits to maximise efficiency and effectiveness, allowing for deeper, more meaningful work sessions that drive real progress in my ventures.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching the series ‘Billions’ on Showtime. It’s a fascinating look at the high-stakes world of finance and power, filled with complex characters and intriguing dynamics. Beyond its entertainment value, it provides insights into strategic thinking and resilience under pressure, themes that are very relevant to my work in investment and business development.
Key learnings
- Resilience and Flexibility: Successful entrepreneurs adapt and thrive, utilising resilience as a strategy to navigate business uncertainties and market fluctuations.
- Value of Networking: Strategic networking is crucial for business growth, emphasising the importance of building and maintaining relationships that foster mutual growth and opportunities.
- Continuous Learning: Ongoing education and adaptability are essential in keeping pace with industry changes and maintaining competitive advantage.
- Mindfulness and Mental Health: Investing in mental well-being is just as important as financial or strategic investments, as it underpins all areas of personal effectiveness and leadership.