Leadership lessons from Taylor Swift: Communication, collaboration & culture

Music plays a big role in my house. When we agree on an artist or album, it repeats until we’re all singing and dancing along. At the top of that list? Taylor Swift. Whether it’s Reputation, Folklore, Midnights, or TTPD, her music has a way of pulling all of us in.

And while I didn’t set out to become a full-on Swiftie, here I am. Not just because the songs are catchy (they are), but because Taylor’s approach to creativity, leadership, and culture is genuinely impressive. She’s more than a pop star—she’s a case study in how to lead a team, build a brand, and create lasting impact in a chaotic world.

Let’s explore what leaders can learn from Taylor Swift through five lessons on communication, collaboration, adaptability, team culture, and strategy.

1. Authentic communication: “It’s me, hi. I’m the problem. It’s me.”

That line from Anti-Hero became a meme for a reason—because it’s real. Taylor owns her missteps before anyone else can call them out, and in doing so, she earns trust.

That’s the power of honest communication. In a world of endless Slack threads and inbox overload, saying something clearly—and taking responsibility when it's yours to take—cuts through the noise. When you admit what’s not working, when you acknowledge your role in a misstep, you create team alignment. You show your team it’s safe to be honest too.

🧠 Swift move: You don’t need a lyric. You just need the courage to say, “Here’s where I went wrong—and here’s what I’m doing to fix it.”

2. Intentional collaboration: “Talk to me.”

Taylor Swift doesn’t collaborate for clout—she does it to grow. Over the years, she’s worked with producers and artists who helped her expand her sound, branch out from her comfort zone, and find new ways to express herself. Folklore is the perfect example: partnering with Aaron Dessner and Bon Iver wasn’t just a genre pivot—it was a full reintroduction. She didn’t just drop another pop album. She became an indie pop artist with creative range and critical recognition.

That’s what thoughtful collaboration does. When you bring in the right voices—people with different skills or points of view—you don’t just check a box. You unlock something new.

🧠 Swift move: Don’t just invite people in to agree with you. Find collaborators who challenge you, stretch you, and bring something you can’t do alone.

3. Adaptability: “We never go out of style.”

Taylor’s evolution—from country roots to global pop to indie folk and cinematic ballads—isn’t just impressive. It’s deliberate. She doesn’t chase trends. She reinvents them. And when she pivots, she brings her audience with her.

In leadership, adaptability is often treated like a backup plan. But real adaptability—Taylor-level adaptability—is proactive. It’s knowing when to shift direction, simplify, and start over.

🧠 Swift move: Her fans spot clues about reinvention before it happens. Leaders, take note: Signaling change early builds trust. Don’t just pivot—prepare people.

4. Empowering culture: “And the players gonna play.”

Taylor Swift may be the name on the ticket, but the Eras Tour made it clear: no one succeeds alone. From dancers and drivers to designers and crew, she publicly credits the people who help bring her vision to life—and then backs it up. After the tour broke records, she reportedly gave $100,000 bonuses to everyone on her crew. That’s not just gratitude. That’s leadership.

She knows the show doesn’t go on without the people behind it.

Great leaders build cultures where credit is shared, not hoarded, and where every contributor is seen, valued, and supported. Whether you’re running a stadium tour or a team meeting, the way you show up for your people—especially behind the scenes—shapes everything.

🧠 Swift move: Recognition doesn’t have to be flashy (though it can be). A simple thank-you, a shoutout, a thoughtful bonus—they all say the same thing: your work matters.

5. Strategic leadership: “I remember it all too well.”

When Taylor re-recorded her old albums, it wasn’t just a business move—it was a masterclass in reclaiming ownership and rewriting the story on her own terms. She turned a legal battle into a loyalty surge. It was bold. Strategic. Long-game thinking at its finest.

And now… we wait. Reputation (Taylor’s Version) hasn’t dropped yet. Fans are watching for clues, dissecting Easter eggs, speculating on timing. Maybe we’ll get a surprise album first. Maybe a new era entirely. Whatever it is, one thing’s clear: she knows. Her team knows. The plan is already in motion.

From late-night recordings to intricately choreographed tours, nothing Taylor does is accidental. It’s all part of a bigger vision. Leaders take note: strategic leadership means seeing beyond the moment. It’s not about reacting—it’s about anticipating, orchestrating, and building trust even when the next move isn’t obvious.

🧠 Swift move: Strategy doesn’t mean telling everyone everything. It means knowing your next move, preparing for it, and building confidence along the way.

Final verse

Taylor Swift’s not your average pop star. She’s a strategic, storytelling, empire-building force of nature. And while you might not be headlining a world tour anytime soon, chances are, you’re leading something or someone.

So, the next time you’re staring at a whiteboard, wondering how to motivate your team, pivot your plan, or communicate a hard truth, channel a little Taylor.

Speak clearly. Collaborate wisely. Adapt with purpose. Celebrate your team. And for the love of leadership, play the long game.

And if all else fails? Shake it off.