In the world of business, resilience is a highly coveted trait. With the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship and the countless challenges that come with it, the ability to persevere through adversity is paramount. Scott Dylan, the co-founder of Inc & Co, exemplifies this very quality, having overcome numerous obstacles and failures to achieve long-term success. As a leading entrepreneur, he offers valuable insights and strategies for cultivating perseverance and staying motivated, even in the face of adversity.
Scott Dylan’s Journey
Born and raised in South East London, Scott Dylan has come a long way since his humble beginnings. Over his 20-year career, he has held various senior leadership roles and co-founded Inc & Co in 2019. This company has made it its mission to acquire, invest in, and turn around distressed businesses, saving jobs, preventing creditor losses, and creating growth. Today, Inc & Co operates globally and boasts a turnover of over £150 million.
Dylan’s resilience and determination have been tested time and time again. He has experienced the struggles of dealing with Complex PTSD and has become an advocate for mental health. As an openly gay entrepreneur, he has faced various challenges but has never let them deter him from his goals. Instead, Dylan has become a firm believer in the power of people and cultures, supporting Women in Business and Tech and building a team of loyal individuals he can rely on. He recognises that success is never just a solo journey.
Perseverance: The Key to Overcoming Failure
Scott Dylan’s impressive track record is a testament to the power of perseverance. His company, Inc & Co, has acquired businesses across various sectors, including Professional Services, Travel, Retail, Ecommerce, and Shared Workspaces. Moreover, they have exited companies they have successfully turned around, such as MyLife Digital, which was sold to Dataguard, and Laundrapp, which was sold to competitor Laundryheap.
Dylan offers valuable insights on how to harness the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. “You have to be prepared to fail, learn from it, and keep going. Success is a journey, not a destination,” says Dylan. His journey teaches us that failure is not the end but an opportunity to grow and become better.
Strategies for Cultivating Perseverance
- Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Failure is inevitable in the world of entrepreneurship. By viewing it as an opportunity to learn and grow, you develop resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
- Set realistic goals and break them down into smaller steps. Having a clear, achievable goal helps maintain motivation and focus. Breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps makes the journey less overwhelming and more achievable.
- Surround yourself with a supportive network. A strong support system is crucial for maintaining motivation and perseverance. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your values and can provide encouragement and guidance in times of need.
- Maintain a growth mindset. Believe that your skills and abilities can be developed through hard work, dedication, and persistence. This mindset fosters resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles.
- Celebrate small victories. Recognise and celebrate small achievements along the way. This helps boost motivation and reinforces the belief that you can overcome challenges and achieve success.
- Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself in the face of failure or setbacks. Acknowledge that nobody is perfect, and every entrepreneur will face challenges along their journey.
- Stay adaptable and open to change. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances is essential for long-term success. Stay open to change, embrace new ideas, and be prepared to pivot when necessary.
- Prioritise self-care and mental well-being. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is vital for maintaining perseverance. Make time for regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, and seek professional help if needed.
- Develop a sense of purpose. Having a clear sense of purpose and understanding the impact of your work can help sustain motivation during challenging times. Focus on the value you bring to your customers, employees, and the wider community.
Scott Dylan’s journey is a powerful example of how perseverance can lead to long-term success in entrepreneurship. By embracing failure as a learning opportunity, setting realistic goals, surrounding oneself with a supportive network, maintaining a growth mindset, and prioritising self-care and mental well-being, entrepreneurs can cultivate the resilience needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Dylan’s unwavering belief in the power of people and cultures, as well as his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, demonstrates the importance of perseverance in not only personal success but also in creating a positive and lasting impact on society. As Scott Dylan has shown, the power of perseverance can be harnessed to transform failure into success and pave the way for a brighter future.
