For mental health awareness week, a successful entrepreneur has shared how he battles “demons” every day – but won’t let it stop him from success.
From the outside, Scott Dylan looks like he’s got it made.
As the co-founder of Inc & Co, a company that specialises in turning around distressed businesses, he lives a comfortable life, but underneath the surface, there is a darker side to his story.
The now 40-year-old has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) brought on by trauma he suffered growing up.
But Scott, from South East London, considers his challenges positive and is determined to teach young people that “making it in business isn’t just about money and glory”.
And having mental health issues doesn’t have to stand in the way of success.
“I grew up in a working class family,’ said Scott.
“My mum worked multiple jobs to keep our family afloat, and I knew from an early age that I wanted to make it big so I didn’t have to struggle like we did and could look after my family.
“As a teenager, I flogged old headphones to get extra cash.
“It was barely pocket money but it gave me the first taste of the freedom that comes with running your own business.
“One of the easiest ways to make money fast is to flip property, so when I was older, that’s exactly what I did.
“I started hunting out rundown or cheap homes in the Midlands, renovated them and made a profit.
“I did this over and over, until I had enough funds to really launch something special.
“Every step along the way, I fought with my mental demons.
“Throughout my career, I’ve struggled with personal trauma, it’s been a difficult journey.
“But I refuse to let my mental health struggles beat me.”
While flipping homes, Scott realised that his real strength didn’t lie in simply acquiring property – but nurturing hidden business opportunities.
Using the capital he’d acquired, in 2019, he teamed up with Jack Mason and Dave Antrobus to launch a boutique venture capital and investment group Inc & Co.
He bet on a dream – and it paid off in spades.
Scott said: “I had to do it myself, starting the company from the ground up with very little money.
“I now enjoy spending my money for the finer things in life but because of my background, I’ve always got my next goal in mind.
“The work never stops.”
But it’s not been an easy journey, with the compounded stress from running his own company triggering his PTSD.
He said: “It used to be a bad thing if you had mental health challenges in any way, especially when you’re the one who owns the company.
“I’ve learned methods to cope with my mental health, but can still go from zero to 100 with my emotions in a matter of minutes.
“Going into meetings and even picking up the phone can cause anxiety.
“But I will recognise when things are getting tough and I need to take a break and switch off for a day or two.
“Being rich or owning a business doesn’t equate happiness, everyone has struggles.
“Being an entrepreneur isn’t just about the glory and the money.”
At the time, Scott kept his mental health problems mostly to himself.
The turning point came when someone broke into his home; thankfully, he was unharmed but the frightening incident led to a breakdown – which in turn saw him finally ask for help.
And he says it’s the best thing he’s ever done.
He said: “When you’ve got mental health challenges, the worst thing you can do is close yourself away and pull away from everybody.
“What I realised through my breakdown was the more open I was with my friends, the more support I got.
“I’ve found that being open about my struggles has led to more opportunities from a business standpoint, too.
“I can also help people.
“I get a lot of emails from people thanking me for being so open about having shame about my mental health – and it means a lot.”
Today, the company Scott founded has over 300 team members.
His demons are still there, but he is better at managing them – and uses his experience to foster a healthy work environment for his team.
Scott added: “I want every young person out there to know that you can make it – regardless of what background you’re from and what ‘baggage’ you’re carrying.
“If I can do it, so can you.”
FIVE TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS
Scott has also shared some of the ways he recommends dealing with stress when it hits at work.
REMEMBER TO BREATHE
He said: “When the anxiety hits, I try to find a quiet corner and remind myself to breathe.
“It sounds basic but learning how to calm yourself through breathing is really important, and there are exercises you can use online or apps you can download to help you.”
TALK TO SOMEONE
Scott said: “Being at the top of a company or in some kind senior position is actually quite a lonely job.
“I think one of the things that every business owner should have is someone they can turn to and talk to – whether that’s a therapist, a business coach, a mentor, or a friend.
“I’ve got Jack and Dave, and I’m so grateful for them.”
GO FOR A WALK
He said: “I know firsthand how awkward and embarrassing it can be when stress hits at work – because you don’t want anyone else to notice it.
“Go for a walk – the fresh air and open space will refocus your energy – or get a cup of coffee and just sit down on a bench somewhere.
“For a few minutes, look around you and try to find something to focus on in the environment you’re in, other than your feelings – a tree, the cup in your hands, your shoes.”
KEEP A JOURNAL
Scott said: “Jot down how you’re feeling.
“It doesn’t have to be in a journal. Write down things in your Notes app or on a Post-it, if that’s your thing.
“But get it out of your brain – it will help you let go of the things that bother you.”
You can also keep mementos at your desk (or in a drawer, if it feels too personal) that calm you; a plant, a picture of a parent, whatever that may be.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO
Scott said: “When you’re in a senior position, it can be really difficult to say no.
“Everyone is relying on you and taking time to simply step away is not always an easy task.
“But it’s crucial that you do this if you feel the pressure building.
“Say ‘no’ to yourself and realise that your brain and emotions need a break.”