How did Scooter Braun get his start in the music industry?

Scooter Braun started by promoting parties in college, first with fake IDs, then by bringing people to nightclubs. He quickly learned the business from mentors like Alex Giddawan and by building relationships. His success in party promotion caught the attention of Jermaine Dupri, who offered him a job at So So Def Recordings, leading him to drop out of college and fully pursue music. (Timestamp: 589)

What common trait did Scooter Braun see in the successful artists he managed?

Scooter Braun believes that many great artists, including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, share a common trait: pain. He suggests that to convey emotions on a level that touches people globally, artists must deeply understand emotions, which often involves drawing from experiences of both joy and pain. (Timestamp: 1584)

What is Scooter Braun's biggest regret regarding how he managed young artists?

Scooter Braun feels guilt about his early management of young artists, stating he wished he had prioritized mental health support. He would have had therapists on the road for everyone and encouraged them to slow down and go inward for self-reflection, rather than solely chasing external success and dopamine hits from fame. (Timestamp: 1967)

How did Scooter Braun deal with the personal and public backlash from the Taylor Swift catalog acquisition?

Scooter Braun views the Taylor Swift incident and subsequent public backlash as a 'gift of pain' leading to awareness. He realized that both the immense praise and hate he received were undeserved because people didn't truly know him. This experience, coupled with his divorce shortly after, forced him to surrender control and focus on his true self and the people who genuinely loved him. (Timestamp: 3412)

What role did the Hoffman Process play in Scooter Braun's life?

The Hoffman Process was a pivotal week-long retreat Scooter Braun attended in October 2020 after having suicidal thoughts amidst his marriage falling apart. It helped him discover his inner child (Scott) and realize how much he had prioritized his public 'Scooter' persona. While challenging, it led to him never feeling depressed again and understanding 'Amor Fati.' (Timestamp: 3746)

What did Scooter Braun learn about managing artists from David Geffen?

Scooter Braun learned that management can be heartbreaking and often unappreciated, as articulated by David Geffen's quote: 'move the mountain over here and they say it was supposed to be there.' He recognized the interdependent nature of the artist-manager relationship and the importance of focusing on one's own integrity rather than dwelling on betrayals. (Timestamp: 2968)

How does Scooter Braun define success at this point in his life?

At 90 years old, Scooter Braun imagines success to be primarily about his children and his relationship with his partner. He emphasizes the importance of building genuine, loving connections and enjoying the 'game' of life through curiosity and creativity, rather than being driven by the fear of missing out or external achievements. (Timestamp: 5869)

What is Scooter Braun's philosophy on giving back and philanthropy?

Inspired by his mother's teaching of 'Sedaka' (charity) and his grandfather's metaphor of a filling glass, Scooter Braun believes every aspect of his business should have a give-back component. He views wealth as a custodian and aims to pour his resources into others' 'glasses' rather than letting it spill and make a mess. (Timestamp: 6557)

What challenge is Scooter Braun personally trying to overcome, related to a past fear?

Scooter Braun admits that the fear of failure, particularly in comparison to his brother's successful book, has kept him from writing his own book. He constantly feels his mind and personal insights evolve, making him doubt if he could write a 'great book,' but recognizes this as a barrier to a long-held desire. (Timestamp: 6694)

Key Moments

Scooter Braun: When Everything Broke, It Fixed Me

The Diary Of A CEO

People & Blogs7 min read115 min video

Jun 9, 2025|3,267,587 views|14,907|1,496

The Diary Of A CEO steven bartlett steve bartlett podcast the diary of a CEO podcast life lessons CEO

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TL;DR

Scooter Braun discusses his drive, overcoming insecurity, and finding authentic self-worth beyond external validation.

Key Insights

Scooter Braun's relentless drive originated from a deep-seated fear of not being enough, stemming from his family's immigrant background and a desire to prove his worth.

He created a 'mask' named Scooter to achieve success, realizing later in therapy that his true self, 'Scott,' was the real driver, and he needed to reconcile with his own name and insecurities.

The 'crowd' in his baseball success analogy represents internal noise and self-doubt, not external naysayers, and true success comes from quieting this internal crowd.

Early career relationships were built on respect, delivering value, and letting his work attract opportunities, rather than actively seeking them out of perceived need.

Childhood stars often struggle due to the intense pressure of public worship and undeveloped brains, highlighting the critical need for mental health support and self-awareness.

The Taylor Swift and Big Machine Records situation taught him the profound lesson that external praise and hate are not deserved, and true value comes from self-awareness and empathy.

His journey through divorce and public criticism, particularly the Taylor Swift incident, served as a gift, forcing him to confront his insecurities and embrace a more authentic, human self.

True success is found in participating in life's game, embracing surrender, and finding joy in the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination or external achievements.

Harmonizing life's different aspects, including relationships, career, and personal growth, is more effective than seeking a balance, by integrating them rather than pitting them against each other.

Philanthropic work and giving back were instilled early and remain a core value, demonstrated through substantial employee and artist payouts after his company sale and ongoing charitable efforts.

THE ROOTS OF RELENTLESS DRIVE

Scooter Braun's early success was fueled by a profound fear of not being enough, a feeling forged by his immigrant parents' refugee background and his own drive to prove his value. He consciously created a persona, 'Scooter,' as a mask to overcome perceived limitations of his true self, 'Scott.' This intense drive, born from insecurity, propelled him to remarkable achievements but also led to a disconnect from his authentic self.

RECONCILING WITH THE SELF: THE 'MASK' OF SUCCESS

The persona of 'Scooter' became a shield, enabling him to operate with extreme confidence and ambition, even faking it until he made it in high-stakes negotiations. However, at the peak of his career, this mask became so large that he lost touch with himself, leading to a severe mental health crisis. Therapy revealed the deep shame he felt about his privilege and the realization that external validation was a poor substitute for self-acceptance.

UNDERSTANDING THE INNER 'CROWD'

Braun re-examines his earlier baseball analogy for success, clarifying that the 'crowd' and the 'noise' are not external critics but the internal voices of doubt and insecurity within one's own mind. True success, he realized, is not about silencing external naysayers but about learning to stand at the plate, quieting the internal chaos, and believing in one's own right to be there and keep swinging.

RELATIONSHIPS: THE FOUNDATION OF HIS EMPIRE

His career was significantly shaped by his ability to form loyal, lasting relationships. He attributes this to respecting elders, showing gratitude to those who offered opportunities, and prioritizing his work to speak for itself. Rather than approaching people for favors, he aimed to impress them with his results, allowing them to seek him out, a philosophy that opened doors with key figures in the music industry.

THE CATALYSTS OF GROWTH: ADVERSITY AND DREAMBUSTERS

Braun reflects on moments of adversity, like being told by a college dean that his chances of success without a degree were one in a billion. While the host Elias finds these 'dreambusters' negative, Braun views them as crucial catalysts, embracing the concept of 'amor fati'—loving one's fate, including hardships. He acknowledges that while solely being driven by haters is unhealthy, embracing all influences, even negative external doubt, can be a powerful fuel.

DISCOVERING TALENT AND THE 'WHY NOT ME?' MENTALITY

His approach to discovering talent like Asher Roth and Justin Bieber was characterized by a confident 'why not me?' attitude, coupled with a lack of limiting beliefs and a fear of failure. He pursued them relentlessly, convinced of his vision and capabilities, especially at a young age where the stakes felt less consequential. This ignorance, he believes, allowed him to take bold risks that paid off.

THE COMPLEXITY OF FOSTERING YOUNG ARTISTS

Braun expresses significant guilt regarding the mental health struggles of young artists he managed, acknowledging his own lack of self-awareness at the time. He attributes these challenges to the intense pressures of fame, the lack of developed brains in adolescence, and the human tendency to worship public figures. He stresses the importance of mental health resources and the need for artists to have outlets beyond their immediate teams.

NAVIGATING PUBLIC SCUTINY AND UNFAIR CRITICISM

The intense public backlash following the Big Machine Records acquisition, particularly the conflict with Taylor Swift, was a pivotal, albeit painful, experience. This period, coinciding with his personal divorce, taught him that neither extreme praise nor hate is deserved, as people often don't truly know him. The 'gift of pain' from this experience provided profound self-awareness and empathy for those he worked with.

REDEMPTION THROUGH SURRENDER AND PARTICIPATION

Braun's journey has transitioned from a 'competitive mind' focused on outcomes to a 'curious and creative mind' that embraces participation and surrender. The sale of his company marked a shift from actively controlling his destiny to trusting the process. He now views life as a game to be enjoyed, accepting that while he can influence outcomes, total control is an illusion, a philosophy solidified by his experience with significant hardships.

LEARNING FROM LIFE'S LESSONS: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

While business successes and public criticism were significant, it was the personal blows of divorce and the potential loss of consistent time with his children that truly served as wake-up calls. These experiences forced him to confront his own 'stuff' and the underlying issues he had previously masked, leading him to prioritize his family and self-work, transforming him into a more present and authentic individual.

THE POWER OF SELF-WORK AND AUTHENTIC LIVING

Through experiences like the Hoffman Process, Braun learned to embrace his inner child, 'Scott,' and shed the protective armor. This led him to understand that true strength lies in vulnerability and shared humanity. His closest friends affirmed this, noting they knew 'Scott' better when he was no longer presenting a perfect image, highlighting the importance of genuine connection over curated personas.

INTEGRATING LIFE'S ELEMENTS: HARMONY OVER BALANCE

Braun advocates for 'harmonizing' life's various aspects—career, relationships, personal growth—rather than seeking balance, which implies trade-offs. He suggests bringing all elements together, sharing fears and joys, and doing the inner work to understand why certain behaviors persist. This holistic approach fosters a more fulfilling life where different facets complement each other.

THE JOURNEY AS THE DESTINATION: CULTIVATING CURIOSITY

Inspired by the poem 'Ithaca,' Braun now focuses on the journey rather than Fixating on an end goal. He actively seeks new experiences and industries with a sense of curiosity and wonder, embracing the unknown. He believes that building for the joy of creation, free from the pressure of external validation, is where true fulfillment lies, contrasting this with the fear-driven pursuit of 'firsts'.

GIVING BACK AND THE CUSTODIAN MINDSET

A core principle instilled by his mother and grandfather is the importance of philanthropy. Braun views wealth as a temporary custodianship, emphasizing giving back through charitable donations and supporting employees and artists generously, especially after his company's sale. This 'Sedaka' principle, a part of his Jewish heritage, reflects a deep-seated commitment to communal well-being and the belief that true wealth is shared.

THE FEAR OF WRITING AND EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN

When asked what fear of failure has kept him from doing, Braun identified writing a book. He acknowledges that his constantly evolving thoughts and personal growth have made him hesitant to commit to a narrative. However, the conversation with the host served as a powerful nudge, highlighting the value of sharing lessons learned, even if the process of articulation is ongoing and challenging.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Products

●Software & Apps

●Tools

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Scooter Braun's Guide to Personal Growth and Career Longevity

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Engage in self-work and therapy, especially in your 30s and 40s, to understand your true drivers and reconcile with your inner self.

Embrace 'Amor Fati' by learning to love the sorrow and pain as much as the joy and success, as every experience is a gift.

Be grateful for 'dream busters' and challenges, as they can serve as catalysts for growth and new perspectives.

Prioritize building authentic, long-lasting relationships based on respect and loyalty, rather than transactional connections driven by need or insecurity.

Let your work speak for itself; allow your accomplishments to be the reason people seek you out, rather than constantly seeking opportunities.

For those dealing with addiction in loved ones, learn from Al-Anon principles: understand it's not your fault, and be a constant, stable 'rock' for them.

Practice 'surrender and participate': acknowledge what you can't control, but actively engage and enjoy the journey of life.

Think big as an entrepreneur, and focus on curiosity and creativity rather than solely competition.

Make time for self-reflection and inner growth, even during your busiest periods.

Go on vacations together as a couple, separate from family or friends, to nurture the relationship.

Be present and prioritize your family; treat your time with children as sacred.

Harmonize different aspects of your life, rather than trying to 'balance' them, bringing all your passions and relationships together.

Be vulnerable with your close friends and family; let them see the real 'Scott' vs. the 'Scooter' persona.

Practice philanthropy and give back, understanding that wealth is a custodian and meant to be shared.

Avoid This

Don't solely be driven by fear of failure or external validation; recognize the internal 'crowd' rather than just external critics.

Avoid downplaying your own childhood traumas or struggles by comparing them to others; acknowledge and work on your unique experiences.

Don't chase volume over quality in B2B marketing; focus on reaching the right people.

Don't try to impress people who don't genuinely love you; focus energy on those who already do.

Don't justify unhealthy choices by claiming they are necessary for success or that 'no one understands your grind'.

Don't be afraid to leave a successful career or identity if it no longer serves your true self; allow space for new growth.

Don't let the fear of not being 'enough' drive you to build a protective 'mask' that hides your authentic self.

Don't ignore the 'alarms' in your personal life, especially in relationships; address issues before they become irreparable.

Don't let perceived unfairness or criticism from others consume you, as praise and hate are often undeserved when people don't truly know you.

Don't always expect things to end the way you want them to; embrace unexpected transitions and appreciate what happened.

Don't allow fear of failure to prevent you from pursuing new creative endeavors, like writing a book.

Common Questions

Initially, Scooter Braun was driven by a fear of not being 'enough' and a desire to prove his worth due to his family's immigrant background and his perceived privilege. He created the 'Scooter' persona to achieve big things. However, after intense therapy at age 40, he realized the internal 'crowd' of self-doubt was his biggest driver, not external noise, leading him to reconnect with his true self, Scott. (Timestamp: 183)

Topics

Scooter Braun Music Management Self-Identity Artist Development

Mentioned in this video

Organizations

Complex

Media company that hosted a podcast where Scooter Braun previously shared his baseball analogy about success.

Emory University

University Scooter Braun attended before dropping out to pursue his music career.

Al-Anon

Support group for families and friends of alcoholics, recommended to Scooter Braun when dealing with an artist's addiction.

YoungBloodZ

Hip-hop group Scooter Braun worked with while at So So Def.

One Direction

Boy band, whose members experienced the intense pressure of early fame, exemplified by Liam Payne's struggles.

Pencils of Promise

Non-profit organization dedicated to building schools and providing quality education, founded by Adam Braun, which the book 'The Promise of a Pencil' is based on.

People

Jason Weaver

Actor who played young Michael Jackson in a movie and introduced Scooter Braun to the Atlanta club scene at Velvet Room.

Jermaine Dupri

Music producer and founder of So So Def Recordings, who offered Scooter Braun his first major music industry job.

Asher Roth

Rapper, one of the first artists Scooter Braun signed, fitting the mold of an 'Eminem for college kids'.

Tom Hanks

Actor who famously quoted "This too shall pass," a saying that resonated with Scooter Braun during difficult times.

Spencer Lee

A talented artist Scooter Braun managed who struggled with severe addiction and tragically overdosed.

Diana Ross

Artist who hosted Motown 25, mentioned in the context of artists leaving Motown for other labels.

C. P. Cavafy

Poet who wrote 'Ithaca,' a work that deeply moved Scooter Braun and influenced his life philosophy.

CC Sabathia

Sai Young award winner mentioned in a baseball analogy about success, illustrating commitment and perseverance despite criticism.

Michael Jackson

Legendary musician, Jason Weaver played his younger self in a movie. Also mentioned in relation to the Motown 25 special.

Ariana Grande

One of the major artists managed by Scooter Braun, mentioned in relation to her success and the "Wicked" project.

Adam Braun

Scooter Braun's brother, author of 'The Promise of a Pencil,' whose success made Scooter hesitant to write his own book.

Alex Giddawan

Ran the Velvet Room in Atlanta and taught Scooter Braun the fundamentals of party promotion and club management.

Justin Bieber

Global pop superstar discovered and managed by Scooter Braun at a young age, starting from a YouTube video.

Tori Kelly

Artist managed by Scooter Braun, whose journey from coffee shops to Grammy stages he witnessed.

Demi Lovato

Artist managed by Scooter Braun, who achieved her dream of singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl.

Michael A. Singer

Author of 'The Surrender Experiment,' which influenced Scooter Braun's philosophy of balancing participation and surrender in life.

David Geffen

Music executive and film producer, whose documentary and quote about management ('move the mountain over here and they say it was supposed to be there') were referenced.

Anthony Hamilton

Singer Scooter Braun worked with while at So So Def.

Robert Woodruff

Founder of Coca-Cola, whose story the Emory dean used to discourage Scooter Braun from leaving school, inadvertently fueling his decision to drop out.

Barry Gordy

Founder of Motown Records, whose advice about life's unpredictability ('it will never end the way you want it to, but it doesn't mean it didn't happen') deeply impacted Scooter Braun.

Brian Weiss

Head of psychology at the University of Miami and author of 'Many Lives, Many Masters,' whose work introduced Scooter Braun to reincarnation.

Da Wallik

Person who was advising Spotify and was involved in Scooter Braun becoming an investor.

Concepts

Forbes Under 30

A list recognizing young achievers, initially mistaken by the host for the 'Billboard 30 Under 30' list Scooter Braun referenced.

Amor Fati

Latin concept from Marcus Aurelius meaning 'love of one's fate,' embracing sorrow and pain as much as joy and success.

Hoffman Process

A week-long, intensive personal growth retreat focused on early childhood exploration to understand one's personality, which Scooter Braun attended.

Billboard 30 Under 30

List of young music industry professionals, from which Scooter Braun called every person to build community years ago.

Michael Jackson's Moonwalk

Iconic dance move first performed by Michael Jackson at the Motown 25 special.

Companies

Third Wave

A blockchain company founded by the host, valued at $160 million, illustrating his history of building on technological frontiers.

So So Def Recordings

Record label where Scooter Braun was the youngest vice president, a position he gained due to Jermaine Dupri.

SB Projects

Company established by Scooter Braun at 24, with a plan to sign three types of acts, including Asher Roth and Justin Bieber.

Motown Records

Iconic record label founded by Barry Gordy, which revolutionized the music industry for black musicians.

Television special celebrating Motown Records, famous for Michael Jackson's debut of the Moonwalk.

Bon Charge Red Light Therapy Mask

A red light therapy product mentioned by the host. It helps with complexion, boosts collagen, and targets upper skin layers.

Bon Charge infrared sauna blanket

Books

Many Lives, Many Masters

Book by Brian Weiss about hypnotic regression and past lives, which profoundly changed Scooter Braun's views on death and life.

The Promise of a Pencil

A New York Times bestseller written by Scooter Braun's brother Adam, which made Scooter feel like writing was 'Adam's thing'.

The Surrender Experiment

Book by Michael A. Singer that influenced Scooter Braun's understanding of surrendering control in life.

Ithaca

Poem by C. P. Cavafy about the journey being more important than the destination, inspiring the name of Scooter Braun's holding company.

Locations

Velvet Room

Club in Atlanta where Scooter Braun learned how to promote parties from Alex Giddawan, becoming pivotal to his early career.

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