An Elder Millennial's Taylor Swift Awakening
A reflection on respect, representation, and the power of grinding in silence
As an elder millennial, I'll be the first to admit: I wasn't always a Swiftie. Sure, I respected Taylor Swift's undeniable talent and business acumen from afar, but I hadn't fully surrendered to the phenomenon that has captivated millions. That all changed during a recent run when "The Tortured Poets Department" hit my playlist.
Something magical happened on that run. Suddenly, I felt lighter on my feet, propelled forward by melodies that seemed to understand something I didn't even know I needed to hear. Since that moment, I haven't stopped listening. I've fallen into the Swift universe not as a superfan, but as a woman recognizing another woman's extraordinary achievement.
The New Heights Revelation
Last night's appearance on the New Heights podcast crystallized everything I've come to admire about Taylor Swift. While Jason Kelce may not be your typical hard-hitting interviewer, he created space for something even more valuable: authentic storytelling. Swift wove beautiful narratives about her creative process, her business decisions, and the countless behind-the-scenes moments that have shaped her career.
What struck me most wasn't just her eloquence or wit, though she demonstrated both in spades. It was her revelation about all the work she's been doing in private. The grinding, the strategizing, the creating, all happening away from the public eye.
The Power of Private Hustle
In our current culture of performative productivity and documenting everything, Swift represents something refreshing: the power of grinding in silence. While other celebrities and influencers turn their work process into content, Swift has been building empires behind closed doors. She's been writing, re-recording, strategizing, and executing without turning every moment into fan consumption.
This approach speaks to something deeper about how women can wield power and influence. Swift showed us that you don't have to perform your work to prove its value. You don't have to livestream your struggles to validate your success. Sometimes the most powerful move is to disappear into your craft and emerge with something undeniable.
A Masterclass in Everything
Watching Swift navigate that interview was like watching a masterclass in multiple disciplines simultaneously. She's gorgeous, yes, but more importantly, she's sharp, witty, and demonstrates an almost unparalleled understanding of business. She spoke about her industry with the authority of someone who doesn't just participate in it, she shapes it.
But what truly impressed me was seeing her embody a version of feminine power that felt both familiar and revolutionary. She presented as the strong, dominant force in her household and career, unapologetically taking up space and making decisions from a position of strength. It was refreshing to witness this kind of confident leadership without apology or qualification.
Sisterhood Over Fandom
I know I'm late to the game. I know the Swifties are a force not to be trifled with, and I respect the passionate community she's built. But my newfound appreciation doesn't come from fandom, it comes from sisterhood. It comes from recognizing and celebrating another woman's achievements, not because I want to be her, but because I'm inspired by what she represents.
Swift has shown us what's possible when talent meets strategy, when creativity meets business acumen, and when you're willing to do the hard work without needing constant validation for the process. She's demonstrated that you can be successful without sacrificing your authenticity, and powerful without diminishing others.
As women, we don't always have to love the same things or admire the same people, but we can recognize excellence when we see it. We can celebrate the women who are changing the game, expanding possibilities, and showing us new ways to exist in the world.
The Phenomenon Continues
Taylor Swift isn't just a mega star, she's a case study in how to build and maintain cultural influence while staying true to your vision. She's proof that sometimes the most radical thing you can do is excel so thoroughly that the world has no choice but to pay attention.
So here I am, an elder millennial who finally gets it. Not because I'm swept up in fan fervor, but because I recognize mastery when I see it. And sometimes, recognizing another woman's mastery is the most powerful thing we can do, for her, for ourselves, and for all the women watching, wondering what's possible.
Welcome to the phenomenon, indeed.
