What Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour teaches us about leadership, authenticity & success (And why every woman should pay attention)

The unexpected leadership lesson I learned with 92,000 people

I’ll admit it, my husband rolled his eyes when I announced I was attending the Eras Tour. But here’s what he didn’t expect: I’d come home with a masterclass in positive psychology, leadership, and human connection that would transform how I see excellence.As someone who studies human behaviour professionally, what I witnessed wasn’t just a concert. It was a blueprint for success that every ambitious woman needs to see.

Let me show you what I mean.

Why beauty and excellence aren’t “nice to have”—they’re essential for peak performance

Here’s what science tells us: When we surround ourselves with beauty and excellence, our brains literally rewire for creativity and wellbeing. It’s not superficial, it’s survival-level smart.

The Eras Tour delivered this in spades:

  • Intricate stage designs that rivalled Broadway productions
  • Choreography executed by world-class dancers across 3+ hours
  • Costumes that told stories without a single word
  • Production values that set new industry standards

But here’s the real kicker: Taylor Swift’s songwriting excellence captures what millions feel but can’t articulate. She’s built a $1+ billion empire by mastering one skill, translating human emotion into art that resonates across generations.

Personal note: I discovered her music “late” during lockdown through Folklore. That album became my companion during the hardest period of time. If you’re an “older Swiftie” like me, you know exactly what I mean.

Takeaway for you: What beauty and excellence are you exposing yourself to daily? Your environment shapes your output.

The work ethic that built a billion-dollar brand (149 shows, 5 continents, zero compromise)

Let’s talk numbers that matter:

  • 149 shows across five continents (March 2023 – December 2024)
  • 3 hours 20 minutes on stage per show, no breaks
  • Complete creative control over writing, marketing, and management
  • Industry-changing precedent for artist ownership and fair compensation

Taylor doesn’t just perform her music. She writes it, markets it, and manages it in ways that have rewritten music industry standards. For women watching, she’s proving something crucial: You don’t have to choose between excellence and control. You can demand both.This isn’t celebrity worship, this is studying a masterclass in endurance, strategy, and execution at the highest level.

We later discovered that during this marathon tour she was writing a record breaking album at the same time!!!!

From people-pleaser to powerhouse: The authenticity evolution every woman recognises

Here’s where Taylor’s journey mirrors what so many of us experience:

Early career: Playing by the rules. Being the “good girl.” People-pleasing to avoid criticism.

The pivot: Realising that living your values matters more than universal approval.

Against her team’s advice, Taylor began speaking out about politics, diversity, and issues that mattered to her. She injected raw honesty into her music. She stopped apologising for taking up space.

The result? Her most successful era yet. Her most authentic music. Her strongest fan loyalty.

The lesson: The women who succeed long-term aren’t the ones who please everyone. They’re the ones who stand for something, even when it costs them.

Building community in a divided world: The friendship bracelet economy

Picture this: 92,000 people in one space. Strangers trading handmade friendship bracelets. Families dancing together. Teenagers helping elderly fans find their seats.

I’ve been in countless crowded venues. I’ve never experienced one that felt this safe.

Taylor hasn’t just built a fanbase, she’s created a movement rooted in:

  • Mutual respect across age groups and backgrounds
  • Generosity (the bracelet trading sparked thousands of conversations)
  • Inclusivity that transcends typical concert demographics
  • Joy as a shared value rather than competition

In business terms, this is what we call “community-led growth.” And it’s worth billions because it’s authentic.

The emotional intelligence that creates healing spaces

As someone who works in psychology, this hit me hardest: watching 92,000 people release emotions through music.

People sang through tears. They screamed lyrics that told their own stories. They processed heartbreak, celebrated growth, and healed old wounds, all while surrounded by strangers who understood.

This is the power of emotional expression at scale. Taylor’s music gives people permission to feel everything, loudly.

In a culture that still tells women to be smaller, quieter, and more controlled, she’s built stadiums where the opposite is celebrated.

Why this matters for you (even if you’re not a Swiftie)

Whether you like  Taylor or not, here’s what we can all learn from her success:

  1. Excellence compounds. Consistent quality over decades builds empires.
  2. Authenticity scales. The more real you are, the deeper your impact.
  3. Work ethic as well as talent. Show up relentlessly, even when it’s hard.
  4. Community is currency. People who feel seen will follow you anywhere.
  5. Emotional honesty connects. Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s magnetic.

In a world that feels increasingly divided and disconnected, Taylor Swift proves that there’s still massive appetite for excellence, connection, and authentic leadership.

She’s not just an entertainer. She’s a case study in building something that matters

Your next step: apply these lessons to your life

Inspired to bring more excellence, authenticity, and community into your own work or life?

Here’s how to start:

  • Audit your environment: What beauty and excellence surround you daily?
  • Define your values: What matters enough to risk criticism?
  • Build your community: How can you create spaces where people feel safe to be themselves?
  • Do the work: Excellence requires showing up, repeatedly, even when no one’s watching.

Want to explore how positive psychology principles like these can transform your leadership, business, or personal growth? Let’s talk about what’s possible when you lead with authenticity and excellence.

Ready to discover your own character strengths and build your version of “the Eras Tour”?  Book a consultation to explore positive psychology coaching.

What lesson from Taylor’s journey resonates most with you? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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