As the business landscape continues to evolve, so too does the role of leadership. In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting societal expectations, the leaders of tomorrow will be required to navigate new challenges and embrace innovative ways of thinking. Scott Dylan, co-founder of Inc & Co, shares his predictions for the future of leadership and discusses the skills and attributes that will be most valuable in the coming years.
Scott Dylan’s journey to success is an inspiring tale of perseverance, hard work, and determination. Born and raised in South East London, Dylan overcame numerous challenges and mistakes to become the successful entrepreneur and business leader he is today. Together with his business partners Jack Mason and Dave Antrobus, Dylan founded Inc & Co in 2019 with the goal of acquiring, investing in, and turning around distressed companies. Their mission is to save jobs, prevent creditor losses, and create growth.
Inc & Co operates globally and boasts a turnover of over £150 million. The company has acquired businesses across various sectors, including Professional Services, Travel, Retail, Ecommerce, and Shared Workspaces. In addition to their numerous acquisitions, Inc & Co has also exited companies it successfully turned around, such as MyLife Digital, which was sold to Dataguard, and Laundrapp, which was sold to competitor Laundryheap.
Scott Dylan’s Predictions for the Future of Leadership:
- Emphasis on people and culture
According to Scott Dylan, one of the most crucial aspects of successful leadership is building a team of loyal people who can be relied upon. “It’s never just a solo journey,” says Dylan. “A strong team, united by a shared vision, is the foundation for any successful business.”
In the future, Dylan believes that leaders will need to place even greater emphasis on fostering positive work cultures that value diversity, inclusivity, and psychological safety. He is a strong advocate for mental health, women in business and tech, and LGBTQ+ rights, and he believes that creating a supportive environment is key to unlocking the full potential of a team.
- Adaptability and resilience
The ability to adapt and respond to change will be critical for future leaders. With technology, consumer behaviour, and market dynamics constantly evolving, business leaders will need to be nimble and willing to pivot when necessary. Dylan’s experience in turning around distressed companies has taught him the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. He states that “sometimes, you can be met by challenging suppliers, employees, customers, and even negativity from journalists. As a leader, you must remain steadfast and focused on your goals.”
- Emotional intelligence
In addition to technical and strategic expertise, Dylan predicts that emotional intelligence will be an increasingly important leadership attribute. The ability to empathise with and understand the needs and perspectives of employees, customers, and stakeholders will be invaluable in fostering strong relationships and maintaining trust.
- Ethical decision-making
As society becomes more conscious of issues like sustainability, social justice, and corporate responsibility, leaders will be expected to make ethical decisions that align with these values. Dylan believes that future leaders will need to strike a balance between profit and purpose, ensuring that their companies contribute positively to society while remaining financially viable.
- Digital literacy
Dylan predicts that future leaders will need to be well-versed in the latest digital technologies and trends, as they will be instrumental in driving innovation and staying competitive in the market. This includes understanding the implications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics on business operations and decision-making.
- Collaboration and partnership
In an increasingly interconnected world, successful leaders will need to harness the power of collaboration and partnership. Dylan states that “no company can succeed in isolation.” Future leaders will need to forge strategic alliances with other businesses, suppliers, and even competitors to maximise their potential for growth and innovation. By working together, companies can share resources, knowledge, and expertise, enabling them to tackle challenges more effectively and capitalise on opportunities.
- Lifelong learning
As the pace of change accelerates, Dylan believes that leaders will need to embrace the concept of lifelong learning. This means continually updating their skills, staying informed about industry developments, and being open to new ideas and ways of thinking. By maintaining a growth mindset, leaders will be better equipped to guide their organisations through uncertain times and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
- Empowerment and delegation
With an emphasis on building strong, diverse teams, Dylan predicts that future leaders will need to master the art of empowerment and delegation. By entrusting their teams with greater responsibility and autonomy, leaders can encourage innovation, build trust, and create a sense of ownership among employees. This approach not only helps to develop future leaders within the organisation but also enables the leader to focus on strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
- Transparency and authenticity
As consumers and employees alike demand greater transparency and authenticity from businesses, leaders will need to adopt a more open and honest approach to communication. By being transparent about their intentions, decisions, and the challenges they face, leaders can build trust and credibility with their stakeholders. Moreover, being authentic and true to oneself as a leader can inspire loyalty and respect from team members, who will be more likely to follow someone they perceive as genuine and sincere.
The future of leadership will be shaped by the rapidly changing business landscape and the evolving expectations of employees, customers, and stakeholders. As Scott Dylan’s predictions highlight, the leaders of tomorrow will need to develop a broad range of skills and attributes to navigate these challenges successfully. By focusing on people and culture, adaptability, emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, digital literacy, collaboration, lifelong learning, empowerment, and transparency, future leaders can set their organisations on a path to sustainable growth and success.
In the words of Scott Dylan, “the future of leadership is about more than just business acumen and strategic thinking; it’s about embracing diversity, fostering a positive work culture, and leading with empathy and authenticity. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for our businesses and the people who power them.”
