09/01/2025
I’m just a talented in my field 54 year old white woman in Oklahoma City known as a company culture game changer.
So, why am I one talking anywhere about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s hit and miss optics? Why would I risk touching the third rail, especially on a week I’m needing to bring in multiple new sales?
1 - I think there is ALWAYS room for growth and reflection.
2 - I am listening to how their actions are connecting or not with those (often times fans) who are younger or people of color (and often times experts in PR).
3 - As much as they and some of their fans may want to see them as deserving of the same right to think and act as they please, they aren’t Travis and Taylor who live on the corner.
They each stepped into the arena (quite literally) with the desire to take it all the way to the top. And kudos to them they both have!
To be clear though. Not even Travis and Taylor on the corner have the right to act as they please. Especially not if it’s even occasionally derogatory towards others.
And to know what’s derogatory towards others we have to listen to those others. It’s hard for me to say that’s kind of ableist. It’s even harder when the response is don’t be so sensitive, or hey, we’re on your side that can’t be true.
4 - As a Company Culture Game Changer part of what I do is expand the capacity of an organization to listen to and build upon the genius of divergent perspectives. That is not happening, here. If you aren’t willing to go as wide in your thinking as you can, you don’t innovate or grow.
5 - I honestly believe they are better than their inconsistencies. I mean I don’t know them, but both of their public personas read as caring people who want to empower others. I love the love they very clearly have for each other and the respect they show each other, themselves individually, their families and the people who work for them and with them. And we know from their actions that they are BOTH big supporters of charitable organizations.
6 - I think anytime any of us practice my motto of Listen, Learn, Amplify with any groups of people with less privilege or accommodations than ourselves, we make the world a little kinder and more respectful. Can you imagine the impact they would have if they were amplifying equity and justice in all their financial endeavors? Or if the public was pressuring them do so? (Public pressure is why there are so many Carnegie libraries around the nation after all)
7 - They aren’t strapped for cash. They are in a position where they could choose to enlist and stop giving vibes reminiscient of last century, and more relevant to a broader more diverse audience. And the Coach in me will always look at resources available that can help the heart of who people are get communicated more effectively and impactfully.
This is nothing personal. Yes, Beyoncé is my Queen. Like her, though, I am not a hater. Taylor and Travis are each extremely talented. They’ll never see this, but it’s good to diverge our thinking a little and ponder it.