Episode 3: Daniel’s sense of identity is changing

In the wave of change in the digital music industry, Spotify is one of the leaders, and the story behind it is full of challenges and conflicts.In the episode, Daniel Ek once said angrily that he originally thought record companies didn't understand their innovations, but in fact, these companies knew very well and were unwilling to accept changes just out of profit considerations.

Sony Music Sweden CEO Per Sundin, although he talks publicly about the need for industry change, privately, like many leaders of traditional record companies, he has reservations about emerging digital trends.This resistance was broken only when their children also started using illegal downloading platforms like The Pirate Bay.This shift shows that even the most die-hard old guard has to think again when faced with reality.

Attorney Petra Hansen serves as the go-between in copyright negotiations, tasked with finding common ground between Daniel Ek and the record label.She understood that while record companies saw the need for change, they were more concerned about protecting their own interests.Therefore, she proposed a plan that could not only meet Spotify's development needs but also be acceptable to record companies: design a paid Premium service and allow record companies to invest in it in exchange for copyright cooperation.

As Spotify gradually becomes formal, Daniel Ek's role is also quietly changing.From his initial technical orientation, he gradually showed more business acumen.He began to focus more on the company's growth and cost control, which showed in his negotiation skills and the way he treated his team members.

Martin Lorentsson, as an important early shareholder of the company, was gradually marginalized as Spotify developed.This shift signaled that the balance of power was beginning to tip, with Daniel Ek beginning to dominate.He was no longer just a programmer, but became a true business leader.

When musicians threatened to quit Spotify, Daniel Ek showed great negotiation skills and timing.He knew that in order for the company to continue to grow, concessions had to be made at the right time while ensuring that the company's interests were not compromised.