From Start-Up to Grown-Up

#89: From Startup to Grown-Up: Kevin Evers, author of There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift — unpacking Taylor Swift’s rise to the top; when to take big risks; and how to build a rabid fan base

• Alisa Cohn • Season 1 • Episode 89

Share episode

Kevin Evers is a Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review, where he shapes groundbreaking research and develops award-winning and bestselling books on high performance, creativity, innovation, marketing, and digital disruption. He’s also written popular essays on brain science, persuasion, unpredictability, and the power of storytelling.

Kevin holds degrees in English and Film Studies, and his forthcoming book with HBR Press, There’s Nothing Like This, offers a strategic analysis of Taylor Swift’s unmatched ability to evolve her brand without losing her audience.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

  • 00:00 - Introduction
    • Alyssa Cohn introduces Kevin Evers and the topic of Taylor Swift's strategic genius.
  • 00:01:55 - Building Intimacy with Fans
    • Discussion on how Taylor Swift creates a close relationship with her fans.
  • 00:02:04 - Controversies and Success
    • Overview of Taylor's famous fights and controversies and their impact on her career.
  • 00:03:04 - The Idea Behind the Book
    • Kevin explains the inspiration for his book on Taylor Swift.
  • 00:13:05 - Inner Compass and Drive
    • Exploration of Taylor's determination and her "killer instinct."
  • 00:20:25 - The Kanye West Incident
    • Analysis of the infamous VMA moment with Kanye West and its implications.
  • 00:34:14 - Collaboration and Growth
    • Discussion on Taylor's collaborations with producers and her evolution as an artist.
  • 00:39:34 - The Importance of Risk
    • Kevin shares insights on the importance of taking calculated risks in business.
  • 00:44:37 - Re-recording Old Music
    • Discussion on Taylor's strategy to re-record her old albums and its significance.
  • 00:48:34 - Antifragility Concept
    • Kevin explains the concept of antifragility and how it applies to Taylor's career.
  • 00:53:25 - Advice for Founders
    • Kevin offers advice to startup founders based on insights from Taylor's career.
  • 00:54:10 - Conclusion


Resources & References

📖 There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift (Preorder)
 Amazon Link

Connect with Kevin Evers

Instagram: @there_is_nothing_like_this
 LinkedIn: Kevin Evers

Connect with Alisa!

Follow Alisa Cohn on

Download her 5 scripts for delicate conversations (and 1 to make your life better)

Grab a copy of From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn from Amazon