Are you building a company—or defining a legacy?

Last week, Spotify reported $4.3 billion in Q3 revenue, adding 6 million subscribers. Today, the company has north of 250 million paid users.
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But let’s not forget: without Napster, Spotify wouldn’t exist.
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In the late ’90s, CDs were a status statement—pristine sound, iconic album art, and liner notes that offered a glimpse into the artist’s world. My own collection meant the world to me. Then Napster arrived, and everything changed.
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Today, “Napster” carries a stigma tied to piracy. But the disruption and innovation it unleashed in 1999 permanently reshaped the music industry. It’s a story worth celebrating—and learning from.
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Key takeaways:
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– Create a Movement, Not Just a Product
↳ Napster wasn’t just about file sharing; it ignited a cultural shift.
The best ideas challenge conventions.
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– Disruption Comes with High-Stakes Challenges
↳ Napster’s insane growth—from 50,000 to nearly 20 million users—proved how transformative the model was. But with that scale came immense legal pushback.
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– Focus on Legacy Over Longevity
↳ Napster paved the way for Spotify, Apple Music, and the streaming revolution.
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True disruption breeds resistance.
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To endure, prepare for challenges as big as your vision.