As a father, one of my greatest hopes is that my daughter grows up with strong, inspiring role models—people who challenge the status quo, stand up for what they believe in, and use their influence to create meaningful change. At just 14 years old, my daughter has a big vision for making her impact in the world, and I am grateful that she has someone like Taylor Swift to look up to.
Taylor Swift is far more than a global music icon. She is a visionary leader, a fearless innovator, and an advocate for artists, women, and social justice. What sets her apart is her courageous curiosity—her ability to ask bold questions, challenge outdated norms, and take decisive action to shape her industry and the world around her.
I have watched my daughter admire Taylor not just for her music but for her strength, resilience, and leadership. The way she stands up for herself and others, the way she reinvents herself without fear, and the way she stays authentically true to her values are lessons that go far beyond the stage. Taylor’s leadership is a powerful reminder that the world does not change because people accept things as they are—it changes because someone dares to ask, “What if?”
Challenging Industry Norms: Fighting for Artists’ Rights
Taylor Swift asked: Why do artists lack ownership of their own work? Can that change?
The music industry has long been controlled by record labels, with artists often left without ownership of the very music they create. When Taylor’s former label, Big Machine Records, sold the rights to her early albums without her consent, she refused to accept the industry’s status quo. Instead, she asked a bold question and took action:
Re-recording Her Albums: Rather than surrendering her masters, she launched Taylor’s Version, re-recording her past albums under her own ownership.
Industry Disruption: By doing this, she forced record labels to rethink how they handle artist contracts, proving that musicians can and should fight for their rights.
Empowering Artists: Her battle has shined a spotlight on intellectual property rights, inspiring younger artists to negotiate better deals and take control of their creative work.
Lesson for my daughter: Never accept “that’s just how it is” as an answer. If something is not right, question it and take action to change it.
Reinventing Business Models: Surprise Drops & Direct-to-Fan Engagement
Taylor Swift asked: What if artists had complete control over how they release music?
Instead of relying on traditional marketing and album rollouts, Taylor Swift disrupted the music industry by taking full control of her release strategy.
Surprise Albums: In 2020, when the world was on pause, Taylor broke industry norms by dropping folklore and evermore without prior announcements. She proved that quality and authenticity matter more than hype.
Fan-Driven Marketing: Taylor keeps fans engaged through hidden messages (Easter eggs), immersive storytelling, and direct-to-fan interaction, making them an active part of her creative journey.
Streaming & Pricing Negotiations: She challenged Spotify’s payment model by removing her music in 2014, later negotiating fairer compensation before returning.
Lesson for my daughter: You do not need permission to succeed. If you have a vision, trust your instincts and create your own path.
Elevating Women’s Voices & Social Justice
Taylor Swift asked: Why do female artists receive less respect than their male counterparts? How can I change that?
Calling Out Gender Discrimination: Taylor has spoken out about the double standards women face in the music industry, where female artists are often dismissed or held to stricter standards than men.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Her song You Need to Calm Down took a firm stance on LGBTQ+ rights, calling for anti-discrimination legislation and mobilizing fans to take action.
Political Engagement & Voting Advocacy: For years, Taylor stayed politically neutral. But in 2018, she used her voice to encourage young voters to participate in democracy, leading to a record-breaking increase in voter registrations.
Lesson for my daughter: Use your platform for good. When you see injustice, do not stay silent—speak up and take action.
The Eras Tour: A Masterclass in Leadership, Community & Economic Impact
Taylor Swift asked: How can a single tour transform local economies and the entertainment industry?
Her Eras Tour is not just a concert series—it is an economic and cultural movement that has shattered records worldwide.
Breaking Economic Records: The Eras Tour became the highest-grossing tour of all time, injecting billions into local economies, helping hotels, restaurants, and small businesses thrive.
Building a Community: Fans are not just spectators—they create their own traditions, from friendship bracelet exchanges to themed outfits, proving that a movement can be built around shared experiences.
Revenue-Sharing with Crew: Taylor shared $55 million in bonuses with her tour staff, from dancers to truck drivers, proving that true leadership means valuing and uplifting your team.
Lesson for my daughter: Success is not just about what you achieve—it is about the impact you create for others.
The Power of Storytelling: Shaping Narratives & Embracing Vulnerability
Taylor Swift asked: What if artists shared their most personal stories without fear?
Taylor has redefined what it means to be vulnerable in leadership—turning her personal struggles into universal lessons.
Redefining Vulnerability as Strength: Instead of hiding her challenges, she transforms them into empowering anthems, proving that storytelling creates deep human connection.
Owning Her Narrative: After years of negative media portrayal, she used her Reputation era to take back control of her story—teaching others to do the same.
Pushing Creative Boundaries: With folklore and evermore, she shifted from autobiographical pop to indie-folk storytelling, proving that reinvention fuels longevity.
Lesson for my daughter: Your story is powerful. Own it. Share it. And never let others define who you are.
Taylor Swift’s Leadership Through Courageous Curiosity
As a father, I want my daughter to grow up believing in her own power—to question outdated rules, to stand up for what is right, and to use her voice to make an impact.
Taylor Swift embodies everything I want my daughter to see in a leader:
Own your work. Protect your intellectual property and fight for your value.
Question the status quo. If the system is broken, do not accept it—change it.
Use your influence for good. Leadership is not about power—it is about impact.
Stay curious. Keep evolving, learning, and innovating.
Taylor proves that courageous curiosity is the key to influence, longevity, and transformation.
The question I now ask my daughter—and all future leaders—is this: How will you apply courageous curiosity in your own leadership?