From Start-Up to Grown-Up

#89: From Startup to Grown-Up: Kevin Evers, author of There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift — unpacking Taylor Swift’s rise to the top; when to take big risks; and how to build a rabid fan base

Apr 8, 2025
Guest
Kevin Evers
Kevin Evers, Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review and author of 'There’s Nothing Like This', shares insights on Taylor Swift’s strategic rise and her unique brand evolution. He discusses Swift’s 'productive paranoia' and Day One mindset, illustrating how she effectively balances authenticity with innovation. The conversation delves into her bold decisions, fan engagement tactics, and the importance of emotional connections, offering entrepreneurs crucial lessons on resilience and navigating controversy for growth.
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Episode notes
1
Intro
00:00 • 3min
2
Taylor Swift's Strategic Rise
02:51 • 10min
3
Taylor Swift: The Art of Authenticity and Engagement
12:27 • 19min
4
Understanding Customer Emotions and Jobs to Be Done in Startups
31:16 • 2min
5
Strategic Collaborations in Swift's Career
33:08 • 8min
6
Navigating Controversy: Transforming Setbacks into Empowerment
41:25 • 3min
7
Reclaiming Ownership: Taylor Swift's Bold Strategy After Big Machine
44:48 • 3min
8
Taylor Swift: Mastering Resilience and Engagement
47:55 • 7min