Dylan Scott is known for surrounding himself with a trusted team, but not everyone earns a place in his inner circle.
While co-hosting Backstage Country alongside Elaina Smith, Scott spoke candidly about the importance of trust, why he intentionally keeps his circle small, and the life lesson that taught him to rely on his instincts instead of outside opinions.
Dylan Scott Prefers a Small Circle of Trusted People
When Smith asked how many people make up his inner circle, Scott didn't hesitate to say that he prefers to keep the number low.
"Oh, I try to keep it very small," he said.
Although different aspects of his career require different people—from management and touring to content creation—Scott estimated that the group of people he truly trusts is still relatively small. For Scott, it's not about shutting people out but about being intentional with who he allows into his personal and professional life.
Scott admitted that building trust has never been something he takes lightly.
"But that's also a product of... I'm at fault for that," he said with a laugh. "I don't trust a lot of people."
He added that he naturally keeps people at arm's length. "I don't let people in very much."
Gut Feeling Is the Biggest Test
When asked what qualities someone must have to earn a place in his trusted circle, Scott admitted there isn't a checklist.
"That's a great question," he said. "I don't know. It's a feeling." Rather than relying on specific traits, Scott said he trusts his instincts. "It takes a minute," he explained. "If my gut tells me they're good people, then I'm fully in."
Learning to Trust Himself Took Time
Although Scott now relies heavily on his instincts, he admitted it wasn't always that way.
"There was a point in my life where my gut always told me this, but you're young. You're a wide-eyed kid, and you're just doing whatever you think needs to happen."
As he grew older, however, that mindset began to change. Scott said he didn't fully start trusting his own judgment until he reached his late 20s and early 30s. "I think it was really once I hit my 30s, I finally told myself, 'Hey, I'm gonna listen to my gut and just do what I feel I need to do.'"
