What I Learned About Leadership From Taylor Swift's Docuseries
Despite being part of what felt like a small minority of humans who didn't attend Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, I was strongly suggested to watch the docuseries about it… and I'm so glad that I did.
Within minutes, I had my Apple Notes app open, and my thumbs were typing away. In every nook and cranny of what she said, did, and didn't do was a little Easter egg of lessons about leadership and greatness.
Here are some of the lessons that are worth your consideration to bring to your company, board room, home, and everywhere you go:
Perspective Shapes Performance
You'll notice that Taylor intentionally chooses her perspective, even noting that you can see life as happening to you or for you. Your choice changes everything. When challenges arise, she quickly moves into a mode of reorientation, solutions-focus, and appreciation.
Leaders who stay oriented toward what's possible, rather than what's wrong, set the emotional tone for everyone else.
People Who Feel Seen Do Their Best Work
Consistent acknowledgment matters. Eye contact. Warm welcomes. Facing people directly. Naming effort out loud. Celebrating together when something goes well. None of this is accidental nor small (despite it looking like it might be).
When people feel seen and valued, loyalty deepens and performance follows.
Vulnerability, Used Responsibly
There's openness without oversharing. Humanity without emotional leakage. Emotions are processed privately so she can show up publicly with steadiness. That's a skill many leaders underestimate…
knowing when to be open and how to hold the room without making it carry you.
Energy Is a Leadership Responsibility
There's extreme ownership of energy and mindset; an understanding that how you show up ripples outward. That includes preparation, rest, fitness, and what happens behind the scenes long before anyone is “on stage.”
Leaders don't just manage outcomes. They manage the emotional climate.
The Work Is Tied to a Bigger Why
Yes, the work is demanding. But it's consistently connected to meaning: to over-delivering for the audience, honoring the people who show up, and doing the best job possible, no matter the circumstances.
When effort is anchored to purpose, burnout has less room to take hold.
Generosity Builds Trust at Scale
Bonuses when the tour grosses more. Handwritten notes. Sharing credit. Encouraging others into the spotlight. Seeing people's gifts and elevating them. Generosity here isn't performative; it's structural.
When success grows, everyone benefits. That creates deep loyalty and long-term commitment.
Growth Doesn't Stop Once You've "Made It"
There's no resting on laurels. The show evolves mid-tour. New risks are taken. Learning continues.
The mindset that excellence is a practice, not a destination, is what keeps leaders relevant and teams engaged.
Humility Strengthens Authority
There's a consistent "we over me" orientation. Politeness. Kindness. Respect for every role. Clear vision paired with humility.
Authority that doesn't need to dominate because it's rooted in trust.
The Lessons Are Simple:
Great leadership isn't loud. It's intentional.
It's how you prepare when no one is watching.
It's how you treat people when things are hard and when they're going well.
It's how clearly you hold the why and how generously you share the win.
You don't need a stadium to practice this.
You do need awareness, discipline, and care.
Those are choices we get to make every day.