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Taylor Swift didn’t just become one of the world’s biggest pop stars — she built an empire. And now, a new book is breaking down exactly how she did it.
Former NASA engineer and Harvard Business School alum Sinéad O’Sullivan is set to release Good Ideas and Power Moves: Ten Lessons for Success From Taylor Swift on September 9 through Penguin Random House. Rather than a biography or fan account, the book offers a strategic breakdown of how Swift turned artistic vision into long-term success.
O’Sullivan, who previously led the HBS Institute for Strategy, argues that Swift’s rise wasn’t about luck or celebrity — it was about smart moves, long-term thinking, and the courage to rewrite the rules. “Taylor’s story isn’t one of overnight success or unattainable genius,” she writes. “It’s a story of deliberate choices, relentless hard work, and an unwavering belief in the power of having agency.”
Among the ten lessons outlined in the book are Swift’s decision to re-record her early albums to reclaim ownership of her masters, and her creation of a fan-centered world — the “Swiftverse” — that’s redefined what fan engagement can look like. O’Sullivan also highlights how Swift has made a measurable impact on the economy, antitrust law, and even central banks — all while running her own billion-dollar business.
The book’s release comes just as Swift takes a rare pause from the spotlight. Her 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department dominated the charts, spending 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while her record-shattering Eras Tour brought in over $2 billion globally — making it the highest-grossing tour of all time.
While Swift steps back, Good Ideas and Power Moves steps in to offer fans and aspiring creatives a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a legacy. For those dreaming of making their mark — in music or beyond — this book might just be the blueprint.
SOURCE: Billboard