Overview
This in-depth interview with Scooter Braun explores his upbringing, career trajectory, struggles with identity, mental health, and major life transitions as a leading music manager and entrepreneur. Key themes include the impact of childhood, the dangers of external validation, lessons from extreme success and failure, and the importance of self-work and authentic relationships.
Early Life and Motivation
- Felt pressure to exceed the privilege and trauma of his family's immigrant and Holocaust survivor background.
- Developed a persona ("Scooter") as a mask to hide insecurities and drive relentless ambition.
- Childhood lessons emphasized a higher standard and integrity, shaping his desire for achievement and fear of failure.
Career Beginnings and Building Relationships
- Started in college with party promotions, leveraging respect, hard work, and building diverse relationships.
- Gained significant opportunities through persistence, willingness to learn, and not being afraid to approach or be ignorant.
- Emphasized the importance of letting work speak for itself and maintaining long-term, authentic connections.
Major Career Milestones
- Dropped out of college to pursue music management, founding SB Projects at 24.
- Successfully identified and developed acts like Asher Roth and Justin Bieber by trusting intuition and seizing opportunity.
- Attributed success to a mix of conviction, lack of limiting beliefs, and a drive to prove himself.
Managing Young Artists and Mental Health
- Admitted to guilt over not recognizing the unique struggles of young artists in the spotlight.
- Recognized that humans are not made to be worshipped, and fame at a young age can be damaging.
- With hindsight, would have prioritized mental health support and therapy for artists and himself.
Navigating Success, Betrayal, and Setbacks
- Extreme career highs were followed by public criticism (notably the Taylor Swift controversy) and personal challenges, including divorce.
- Learned the lesson that both praise and hate from the public are undeserved and transient.
- Underwent therapy, including the Hoffman process, leading to self-acceptance and letting go of control.
Personal Growth and Family
- Authentic friendships and family became anchors; realized he undervalued those who truly cared.
- Divorce and time away from his children became pivotal in personal realization and change.
- Emphasized valuing one's own trauma and actively doing self-work for healthier relationships.
Reflecting on Regret and Advice
- Advises on doing self-work now, not waiting for a "perfect time."
- Encourages harmonizing work and relationships rather than balancing or sacrificing one for the other.
- Hardships are viewed as necessary for growth, and vulnerability as the route to deeper relationships.
Business Philosophy and Legacy
- Champions the mindset of curiosity and creation over competition for ongoing fulfillment.
- Supports philanthropic efforts heavily, influenced by family values, and believes in "pouring water into other people's glasses."
- Sees himself as a custodian rather than owner, inspired by Kabbalah teachings.
Decisions
- Stopped managing artists after 23 years to pursue personal growth and new ventures.
Action Items
- TBD – Scooter Braun: Consider writing a book, overcoming fear of inadequacy.
- TBD – Steven Bartlett: Engage in self-work (therapy or introspection) sooner rather than later; invest more in personal relationships.
Recommendations / Advice
- Prioritize mental health support for young talents.
- Take breaks for personal growth even in demanding careers.
- Foster deep, authentic relationships—value quality over external validation.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- What new industries or ventures will Braun explore next?
- Will he eventually write and publish his book?