Ep 4: From Corporate Assignment to The Next Era Project: A Taylor Swift Leadership Deep Dive with Ash
Can Taylor Swift make you a better leader? If you ask Ash, the founder of The Next Era Project, the answer is a resounding yes.
In the latest episode of the podcast, host Leah Jones kicks things off with a delightfully geeky detour—offering a glowing mini-review of The Mandalorian & Grogu and celebrating the beautiful return of practical puppetry. But the main event of the episode is a deep dive into the intersection of corporate professional development and pop culture phenomenon.
Leah sits down with Ash to discuss the incredible origin story, philosophy, and growth of an agency that is redefining leadership training through the lens of Taylor Swift's discography.
From Corporate Task to Creative Breakthrough
The idea for The Next Era Project didn’t start in a stadium; it started in a standard corporate office. Tasked with developing a traditional professional development workshop, Ash decided to ditch the dry slide decks and lean into something universally compelling: the narrative arc of Taylor Swift’s eras.
What began as a single corporate assignment quickly snowballed into a widespread passion project and, ultimately, a full-scale agency. By mapping leadership behaviors, emotional intelligence, and professional growth strategies onto Swift’s 12 distinct musical eras, Ash created an Enneagram-style framework that professionals actually want to engage with.
Finding Your Leadership Era
Whether you are a resilient, boundary-setting Reputation leader, an analytical and nocturnal Midnights strategist, or a collaborative, storytelling folklore visionary, every era represents a different facet of professional identity.
During the interview, Ash shares their personal journey as a Swiftie and breaks down how understanding these eras can help teams communicate better, prevent burnout, and navigate organizational change. It’s an innovative approach to professional development that treats career growth not as a ladder, but as an evolving artistic journey.
Take the Quiz
The Next Era Project isn't just for corporate boardrooms; it's a tool for anyone looking to understand their personal and professional strengths. Toward the end of the episode, Ash explains how listeners can get involved, explore the framework, and take the project's signature Era Quiz to unlock their own leadership archetype.
Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or a corporate leader looking for a fresh, engaging way to unite your team, this episode is packed with inspiration on how to step confidently into your next professional era.
Ready to find out which era rules your leadership style? Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out The Next Era Project online!
Where to Find The Next Era Project
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