Podcasts > The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett > Scooter Braun: My Divorced Saved My Life, But I Didn’t See It Coming! I Still Carry Guilt For The Young Artists I Managed!

Scooter Braun: My Divorced Saved My Life, But I Didn’t See It Coming! I Still Carry Guilt For The Young Artists I Managed!

By Steven Bartlett

In this episode of The Diary Of A CEO, Scooter Braun discusses his path from college party promoter to music industry executive, including his early work with Jermaine Dupri and his discovery of Justin Bieber. He shares insights from managing young artists, highlighting the importance of mental health support in the music industry through experiences with artists like Spencer Lee.

The conversation also explores Braun's personal evolution, as he opens up about his family background as descendants of Holocaust survivors and how therapy helped him understand his drive for success. He discusses his views on the future of the music industry, his role as an early Spotify investor, and his perspective on balancing professional ambitions with family life and personal growth.

Scooter Braun: My Divorced Saved My Life, But I Didn’t See It Coming! I Still Carry Guilt For The Young Artists I Managed!

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 9, 2025 episode of the The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

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Scooter Braun: My Divorced Saved My Life, But I Didn’t See It Coming! I Still Carry Guilt For The Young Artists I Managed!

1-Page Summary

Scooter's Early Years and Roots of Ambition

Scooter Braun's journey begins with his family history as Holocaust survivors and immigrants. Growing up with privilege, Braun felt driven to prove his worth beyond his advantages. His father, Ervin, constantly reminded him he was "special," creating both motivation and pressure to meet high expectations.

During college, Braun demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by transitioning from selling fake IDs to becoming a successful party promoter in Atlanta. His networking abilities and strategic thinking during this period laid the foundation for his future in the music industry.

Scooter's Music Industry Career Journey, Successes, and Challenges

Braun's entry into the music industry began through connections with artists like Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest vice president of music at So So Def. His most notable success came from discovering Justin Bieber through YouTube videos, taking a chance on the young artist despite industry skepticism.

Managing young artists taught Braun valuable lessons about mental health and addiction. He shares his experience with artist Spencer Lee, whose struggle with addiction and eventual overdose highlighted the importance of supporting artists beyond their careers. Braun now emphasizes the critical nature of mental health support in the music industry.

Scooter's Personal Growth and Journey of Self-Discovery

Through therapy and personal challenges, Braun discovered that his ambition was driven by a deep fear of inadequacy. He reveals struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, finding breakthrough after attending the Hoffman Process, an intensive self-understanding program. This experience helped him embrace uncertainty and let go of his need for control.

Scooter's Views on Music, Technology, and the Future

As an early Spotify investor, Braun praises Daniel Ek's vision for revitalizing the music industry. He expresses excitement about AI's potential to increase productivity and create more time for human experiences. Looking ahead, Braun prioritizes being an engaged father while remaining open to new professional frontiers, emphasizing the importance of balancing family life with continued growth and learning.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • So So Def is a record label founded by Jermaine Dupri in the early 1990s. It has been a prominent label in the music industry, particularly in the realm of hip-hop and R&B. Jermaine Dupri, a successful artist and producer, played a key role in the label's success and in nurturing talent within the music industry. The label has been associated with various successful artists and has contributed significantly to the music landscape over the years.
  • AI's potential in the music industry lies in its ability to analyze vast amounts of data to predict trends, personalize recommendations, and optimize music creation processes. It can assist in tasks like songwriting, production, and even predicting a song's potential success. AI tools are increasingly used by music streaming platforms and record labels to enhance listener experiences and streamline operations. This technology has the potential to revolutionize how music is created, discovered, and consumed in the digital age.

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Scooter Braun: My Divorced Saved My Life, But I Didn’t See It Coming! I Still Carry Guilt For The Young Artists I Managed!

Scooter's Early Years and Roots of Ambition

Scooter Braun’s journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial success is deeply rooted in the collective experiences of his family and their high expectations.

Scooter's Immigrant Background and Desire to Prove Worth

Scooter Sought to Exceed His Privilege and Establish His Identity Beyond Family Roots

Scooter Braun felt a profound sense of obligation to honor his family's history as Holocaust survivors and immigrants. Ashamed of the privileges afforded to him, he was driven to prove his value and establish his own identity beyond the advantages he had been given.

Scooter's Upbringing and His Father's Expectations

Scooter was raised to believe he was "special," a message that was reinforced by his father, Ervin, and his mother, who both endured significant hardships. His father’s daily reminders that he was different and special ingrained in Scooter a fear of failing to meet these high expectations, particularly in his parents' eyes. Steven Bartlett recounts an instance when Ervin called Scooter a liar, highlighting the high standard set for him and the emphasis on living with integrity.

Scooter's College Entrepreneurship: Fake IDs and Party Promotion

Scooter harnessed his flair for networking, marketing, and spotting opportunities early on. His entrepreneurship began with selling fake IDs, improving upon his friend’s inefficient model, but he soon transitioned to party promotion. Recognizing an untapped market, he approached a nightclub with a business proposition that marked the beginning ...

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Scooter's Early Years and Roots of Ambition

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Reflect on your family history to identify values and lessons that can guide your career choices. By understanding the struggles and triumphs of your ancestors, you can find a source of motivation and a sense of purpose that resonates with your personal and professional life. For example, if your grandparents were immigrants who valued hard work and resilience, consider how you can incorporate these values into your own work ethic and career goals.
  • Create a "networking map" to strategically build relationships in your field of interest. Start by listing out the types of professionals and influencers you'd like to connect with. Then, research local events, online forums, and community groups where these individuals might gather. Attend these events with the goal of making genuine connections, not just handing out business cards. For instance, if you're interested in the tech industry, you might join a local tech meetup and volunteer to help organize their next event, giving you a chance to interact with key figures in a meaningful way.
  • Use a p ...

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Scooter Braun: My Divorced Saved My Life, But I Didn’t See It Coming! I Still Carry Guilt For The Young Artists I Managed!

Scooter's Music Industry Career Journey, Successes, and Challenges

Scooter Braun's trajectory from club promoter to a top industry executive has been filled with significant connections, risky ventures, successes, and intense challenges, particularly in managing young artists.

Scooter's Relationships With Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris

Scooter Braun began his music industry career by promoting parties, leading to connections with major industry players. He met and worked with artists like Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris early on, who brought him into their circles, recognizing his potential. His knack for timing and connections propelled his career. While still attending Emory University, Braun worked for So So Def, where Jermaine Dupri appointed him the youngest vice president of music at just 20 years old.

Scooter's Management of Justin Bieber and Other Artists

Scooter Braun is known for his unconventional approach in the music industry, which led him to discover talents such as Justin Bieber. Braun identified Bieber's potential through videos posted by his mother of church performances, particularly moved by his rendition of "So Sick" by Ne-Yo. Going to great lengths, Braun researched backgrounds and called school boards to locate Bieber, leading to a pivotal decision to bring him to Atlanta for their first meeting. Despite skepticism within the industry about YouTubers transitioning into successful musicians, Braun took a chance on Bieber, which paid off as he quickly rose to stardom, with his YouTube views soaring from 60,000 to 60 million.

Braun's belief in Bieber's talent was rooted in his tone, charisma, soul, and competitive spirit. He also mentions stepping back from Bieber's day-to-day management to allow him to prove his ability to succeed independently and mentions other artists like Ariana Grande and Tori Kelly, whose success he attributes to his foundational belief in their talents.

Scooter's Challenges With Young Artists' Management and Mental Health Lessons

Managing young artists brings its unique pressures and challenges, which Braun learned through experience. He has expressed regret for not fully understanding the backgrounds and pressures of young talents and the damage that fame can inflict. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of mental health for young stars and recognized the need for adequate support and therapy in the st ...

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Scooter's Music Industry Career Journey, Successes, and Challenges

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Scooter Braun's career journey began in the music industry as a club promoter, organizing events and building connections with artists and industry professionals. Through his early work and networking, he transitioned into artist management, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the music business. Braun's evolution from promoting events to managing successful artists like Justin Bieber showcases his rise to becoming a top industry executive. His ability to identify talent, make strategic decisions, and navigate challenges contributed to his transformation into a respected and influential figure in the music industry.
  • Scooter Braun's early career involved working with So So Def, a record label founded by Jermaine Dupri. Jermaine Dupri, a prominent figure in the music industry, appointed Braun as the youngest vice president of music at So So Def when Braun was just 20 years old. This opportunity marked a significant milestone in Braun's career trajectory, showcasing his potential and paving the way for his future success in the industry.
  • Scooter Braun discovered Justin Bieber through videos of his performances shared by Bieber's mother. Despite industry skepticism about transitioning YouTubers into successful musicians, Braun saw Bieber's potential and took a chance on him. This unconventional approach paid off as Bieber quickly rose to stardom, showcasing Braun's keen eye for talent and willingness to take risks in the music industry. Braun's belief in Bieber's talent and his proactive efforts to locate and meet him in Atlanta were pivotal in shaping Bieber's career trajectory.
  • Spencer Lee was an artist managed by Scooter Braun who faced addiction struggles. Despite efforts to support Lee post-rehab, he tragically relapsed and overdosed, highlighting the challenges artists can encounter despite their career opportunities. Braun aims to rele ...

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Scooter Braun: My Divorced Saved My Life, But I Didn’t See It Coming! I Still Carry Guilt For The Young Artists I Managed!

Scooter's Personal Growth and Journey of Self-Discovery

Scooter's Ambition Stemmed From Fearing Inadequacy

In the face of personal difficulties, including controversies and a divorce, Scooter Braun, best known for his high-profile clients and influence in the music industry, began a journey into understanding his insecurities and the mask he wore to conceal them. Scooter revealed that his fear he wouldn't be enough drove his actions. His fear of inadequacy was so profound that it stopped him from exploring who he was outside his career, hinting at a core belief that kept him tethered to his ambitions. Scooter's therapy played a central role in this discovery, helping him fall in love with his real name, Scott, again and realize the insecurities of the persona 'Scooter' he had created to achieve things he didn't believe 'Scott' could accomplish.

Scooter's Struggle With Depression and Suicidal Thoughts, and the Turning Point for His Wellbeing

Scooter Braun’s personal growth occurred alongside his struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. Scooter said he thought about "shutting it all off" not because he wanted to die, but because he wanted the noise in his head to go away. The turning point for his well-being was his choice to attend the Hoffman Process, an intensive self-understanding program, marking a major shift in his priorities. This decision clashed with the release of Ariana Grande's "Dangerous Woman" album, indicating that he began to prioritize his mental health over professional responsibilities. The impact of the Hoffman Process was profound, and despite going through a divorce and facing other challenges, Scooter has not been depressed since his attendance. He has found happiness and a better understanding of joy and pain.

Scooter's Embrace of Uncertainty and the Importance Of Letting Go

Scooter embraced uncertainty and learned to let go of the need to control everything. He learned that self-worth and happiness come from shutting out the internal noise and voices telling you that you're not enough. His experiences led him to have a broader understanding of life. He began to see himself as an active participant in a game he can't fully control and became content with his role as a father and friend. He now realizes the importance of participating in life, rather than trying to control it. Scooter has accepted ...

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Scooter's Personal Growth and Journey of Self-Discovery

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While therapy and self-help programs like the Hoffman Process can be transformative for some, they may not be effective for everyone, and other methods or treatments might be necessary for different individuals.
  • Prioritizing mental health over professional responsibilities is important, but it's also crucial to acknowledge that not everyone has the privilege or financial stability to make such a choice without significant consequences.
  • Embracing uncertainty and letting go of control are valuable lessons, but in some situations, taking control and making decisive actions are necessary for personal growth and success.
  • The concept of accepting all experiences as gifts, including hardships, can be empowering, but it's also important to recognize that some experiences are inherently negative and it's okay to seek change or improvement rather than passive acceptance.
  • The idea of focusing on oneself and what one can control is a healthy perspective, but it's also essential to consider the impact of one's actions on others and the importance of community and collaboration.
  • The notion ...

Actionables

  • You can explore your own motivations by journaling to identify if fear of inadequacy drives your actions, similar to how therapy helped Scooter. Start by writing down your goals and then delve into why you want to achieve them. Are you pursuing a career or a hobby because you love it, or because you're afraid of not being enough without it? This self-reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of your true desires and values.
  • Create a personal "Happiness Blueprint" that focuses on integrating what you love into your daily life, rather than trying to balance them. For instance, if you enjoy reading, instead of setting aside separate time as 'reading time', listen to audiobooks during your commute or while doing chores. This way, you're not trying to find extra time in your day, but rather enriching the activities you're already doing.
  • Practice embracing uncertainty by sett ...

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Scooter Braun: My Divorced Saved My Life, But I Didn’t See It Coming! I Still Carry Guilt For The Young Artists I Managed!

Scooter's Views on Music, Technology, and the Future

As an early investor in Spotify and an influential figure in the entertainment industry, Scooter Braun offers a unique perspective on music, technology, and the balance with personal life.

Scooter's Appreciation For Daniel Ek and Spotify's Music Industry Impact

Scooter Acknowledges Ek's Vision and Spotify's Industry Impact

Scooter Braun has held onto his shares in Spotify for almost two decades, displaying unwavering trust in the company's contribution to the music industry. He lauds Daniel Ek for his bravery and foresight, crediting him with revitalizing the music industry. Ek's vision allowed labels, artists, and companies to thrive in ways previously thought impractical, by bringing revenues back through Spotify's innovative platform. Braun underscores Spotify's monumental impact, which provided unprecedented value to music industry assets like publishing and masters.

Scooter's Excitement About AI and Technology

Scooter Envisions a Future With More Productivity and Time for Human Experiences

Despite not explicitly mentioning it, Scooter's reflections on intense work conditions hint at the necessity of balance between productivity and mental health. He displays a deep enthusiasm for AI and technology's potential role in increasing productivity, leading to a future brimming with human experiences and creativity. Braun draws an optimistic picture despite expecting growing pains, as he foresees significant advancements in AI that will allow for a shift towards a more experience-rich life, as evidenced by the growing interest in nature and national parks during the COVID pandemic. He envisions a future where technological advancements should invoke excitement rather than fear.

Scooter's Vision: Being an Engaged Father and Exploring New Frontiers

Scooter Prioritizes Family While Staying Open to Learning and Growth

Braun’s recent musings suggest an introspective stance on work-life balance, stressing personal growth and stepping into the unknown beyond professional achievements. His central priority is his role as a father, as he aspires to be a present parental figure until his children reach adulthood. He eagerly anticipates the next phase which includes deepening his understa ...

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Scooter's Views on Music, Technology, and the Future

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Scooter Braun is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry known for managing artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. He is also recognized for his early investment in Spotify, a popular music streaming platform. Braun's strategic investments and management roles have solidified his position as a key player in shaping the music industry landscape.
  • Daniel Ek, the co-founder of Spotify, revolutionized the music industry by creating a platform that allowed users to stream music legally and conveniently. Spotify's introduction shifted the industry from physical sales to digital streaming, providing a new revenue stream for artists and record labels. Ek's vision and Spotify's innovative approach not only changed how people consume music but also influenced the way artists release and promote their music in the digital age. The platform's impact on the music industry has been significant, shaping the modern music landscape and setting new standards for distribution and accessibility.
  • Scooter Braun sees AI and technology as tools that can enhance productivity, potentially leading to a future where people have more time for meaningful experiences. He believes that advancements in AI can help strike a balance between work efficiency and mental well-being. Braun envisions a future where technological progress enables individuals to focus on creativity and personal growth, rather than just work output. This perspective reflects his optimism about the positive impact ...

Counterarguments

  • While Scooter Braun praises Daniel Ek for Spotify's impact, some artists and industry professionals argue that streaming services like Spotify have made it difficult for musicians to earn a fair income from their work.
  • The balance between productivity and mental health is crucial, but some might argue that the music industry, in particular, often still demands a pace that can be detrimental to mental health, despite technological advancements.
  • The excitement about AI and technology's potential must be tempered with caution, as there are concerns about job displacement and the ethical implications of AI in creative industries.
  • Prioritizing being an engaged father is commendable, but it's important to acknowledge that not everyone has the privilege o ...

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