What’s one bright spot that snuck up on you?
There’s a small group of managers—Clarence, Marion [Kraft], Virginia [Davis], Kerri [Edwards] and I—who Zoomed pretty consistently through the earliest, toughest period of the pandemic. Their friendship and support have been an incredible blessing. We’ve been able to talk through some hard stuff, compare notes on scenarios and planning. But we’ve also been able to make each other laugh and lighten the mood when we needed it.

What are you listening to?
Female rappers have been like some kind of medicine for me during quarantine: Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion and City Girls.

Who’s your pick for Entertainer of the Year and why?
No one has had a greater impact on country music this year than Luke Combs. So he gets my vote.

Has what or how you’re listening to music changed?
I’ve definitely been more intentional about listening to music since I’m playing it more at home versus background music in the car or office. I’ve found I’m leaning much more on mood-based playlisting instead of artist or genre-specific playlists.

What’s one thing you hope for the industry?
I hope our genre can become an even greater voice for what the country and world are feeling through songwriting. Country-music storytelling is unrivaled, and our creators have the ability to really shine and lead right now—to make the music the world needs to hear.