In an era of rapid globalisation and shifting demographics, businesses must adapt to the evolving social and economic landscape. One such individual who has embraced this challenge is Scott Dylan, co-founder of Inc & Co. Dylan has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within his organisations, understanding the myriad benefits that empowered, diverse teams can bring.
Scott Dylan, alongside business partners Jack Mason and Dave Antrobus, established Inc & Co in 2019. The firm’s primary objective is to acquire, invest in, and revitalise struggling businesses, thereby preserving employment, minimising creditor losses, and fostering growth. With a global presence and a turnover exceeding £150 million, Inc & Co has made its mark across various sectors, including professional services, travel, retail, e-commerce, and shared workspaces.
At the heart of Dylan’s business philosophy is a belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion. As an openly gay man and a vocal advocate for mental health, Scott has first-hand experience of the challenges faced by those who differ from the societal norm. These experiences have informed his approach to business, leading him to champion diversity by embracing various cultures and promoting women in business and technology.
In a recent interview, Scott Dylan explained his commitment to building empowered teams: “Success is never a solitary journey. It is built on the foundation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can not only attract the best talent but also unleash their full potential, driving innovation and growth for our businesses.”
Indeed, research supports the idea that diverse teams lead to better outcomes. A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 21% more likely to outperform on profitability, while those in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity were 33% more likely to outperform.
Scott Dylan’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in the makeup of his workforce, which is characterised by a range of nationalities, genders, and backgrounds. His focus on inclusion extends beyond mere lip service, with a number of initiatives designed to promote equal opportunity and support for employees.
One such initiative is the provision of mental health resources and support for staff members. Recognising the importance of mental wellbeing, particularly given his own experience with Complex PTSD, Dylan has sought to create an environment in which employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns and seeking help when needed.
Moreover, Inc & Co‘s commitment to diversity and inclusion has not gone unnoticed. The company was recently awarded the Investors in People Gold accreditation, recognising their efforts in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.
It is worth noting that Scott Dylan’s journey has not been without its challenges. The turnaround of distressed companies is invariably difficult, often met with resistance from suppliers, employees, customers, and even negative press from journalists. Nonetheless, Dylan’s unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion has undoubtedly played a role in his ability to overcome these obstacles.
In fact, Dylan’s commitment to building empowered teams extends beyond his own businesses. As a successful investor, he has invested in numerous companies globally for many years, demonstrating his belief in the power of diverse teams to drive success across a range of industries.
Scott Dylan’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within his organisations serves as a shining example for businesses worldwide. By understanding the benefits of building empowered, diverse teams, Dylan has not only transformed struggling businesses but also created a supportive and inclusive work environment for his employees. In doing so, he has demonstrated that success is not a solitary journey but rather a collaborative effort built on a foundation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
