As Christmas is almost upon us and the wind down is very much underway, I have kicked off my Christmas consumption a little early, tucking into my box of chocs and cosying up under my heated blanket on the sofa to start the TV viewing.
There is nothing I like more than music and sparkle so what could be better than the Taylor Swift docuseries on Disney+, followed by both the Eras Tour recording AND the final show?!! This is absolute pop heaven and has added some extra sparkle to my Christmas holiday before it has even started.
For a sequin-loving glitter fan like me, this is joyful, unapologetic indulgence and the perfect way to round off 2025. It also has the added bonus of being a complete guide to leadership that combines people and performance to achieve record-breaking results.
If you need convincing, I’d say the numbers speak for themselves. The Eras Tour became the highest-grossing concert tour in history, surpassing $1 billion in ticket sales and rewriting the record books. More than 10 million tickets were sold worldwide, filling stadiums night after night. And beyond the venues, the tour generated billions in economic impact for host cities, boosting local transport, hospitality and small businesses – a phenomenon economists dubbed “Swiftonomics.”
The impact is undeniable and it offers five powerful leadership lessons we can all draw on to elevate performance in our own teams.
1. Representation creates belonging
Taylor Swift is intentional about who is on her stage. Her dancers are diverse and that is no accident. She wanted her audience to see themselves reflected in the people performing alongside her and she has delivered. She celebrates everyone in her dance team, even encouraging someone back from retirement to be part of the squad. The message is clear: everyone belongs and everyone’s contribution matters.
Leadership lesson: belonging doesn’t happen by chance; if it exists, then this is by design.
2. Great leaders see the whole person
In motivating others, Taylor speaks to people’s journeys. She acknowledges the ups and downs, the challenges they have overcome and the hard work and determination it has taken to get there. This is leadership that recognises effort as well as outcome. When people feel genuinely seen, they bring more of themselves to the role.
Leadership lesson: people don’t give their best when they feel managed, they give it when they feel understood.
3. Appreciation builds loyalty and trust
Gratitude shows up consistently, through words, actions and meaningful recognition. Taylor publicly thanks those around her and famously gave everyone working on the tour, including drivers, a significant bonus in recognition of their contribution. This isn’t performative. It’s thoughtful, fair and values-led.
Leadership lesson: recognition is a valuable tool and leaders should make their people feel seen and appreciated.
4. The strongest leaders are part of the team
Taylor is clear about her role as leader. She sets the standard, the boundaries and the direction. But she doesn’t place herself above the team, she works within it to create something special. This balance of authority and humility builds trust and collective ownership.
Leadership lesson: leadership is not about standing apart, it’s about taking responsibility within the group.
5. People and performance are not opposites
Taylor Swift is unapologetically ambitious. Standards are high, preparation is intense and excellence is expected. But this focus on performance is matched with care, rest and recognition.
Compassion is not a weakness here, it’s part of what enables world-class results. The outcome is a show that connects deeply with its audience and leaves people changed by the experience.
Leadership lesson: high performance is sustainable when it is rooted in care.
Final thought
Perhaps the real lesson is this: leadership doesn’t have to be loud, harsh or hierarchical to be effective. When people feel seen, valued and part of something meaningful, they don’t just perform – they shine.
Wishing you all a happy Christmas and very sparkly 2026.
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