Podcast Summary
From East London to CEO: Emma Greed's Inspiring Journey: Our upbringing and background can shape our purpose and drive, as demonstrated by Emma Greed's success as a CEO, despite the challenges she faced growing up in East London.
Emma Greed's upbringing in East London has greatly influenced her journey and the values she holds. Despite growing up in a neighborhood that lacked aspiration and glamour, Emma cultivated a deep sense of respect and trust for the community around her. This early experience shaped her character and led her to start Good American, a fashion brand that celebrates the power of all women. Emma's success as a CEO and co-founder of multiple companies stems from her ability to infuse inclusivity and solutions-oriented thinking into her work. Her story reminds us that our upbringing and background have the power to shape our purpose and drive, regardless of the challenges we may face.
Believing in More: Emma Grede's Journey to Success: Confidence and hard work can lead to achieving anything.
Emma Grede's belief in the possibility of more and her ambition to strive for it came from a combination of her upbringing and her own self-worth. Despite growing up in an environment where jobs were seen as mundane and unfulfilling, Emma's mom instilled in her the belief that she was no better than anyone else, but also that no one was better than her. This perspective served as a great equalizer and allowed Emma to respect and value everyone around her. With this mindset, Emma never felt a lack of confidence or a sense of being less than others. She believed that by working hard and putting her all into her goals, she could achieve anything. This simple yet powerful mentality has continued to guide Emma throughout her life.
From Unenjoyable Jobs to Success: The Power of Perseverance and Continuous Learning: Embrace every job as a stepping stone towards your ultimate goals, even if it's not enjoyable. Focus on personal growth and always envision the end goal to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Hard work and perseverance are essential for success, regardless of where you start. Emma Grede's journey to success was filled with various jobs and experiences that may not have been glamorous or enjoyable, but she approached each one with pride and a willingness to learn. She recognized that even the unenjoyable jobs were stepping stones towards her ultimate goals. This mindset allowed her to gain valuable insights, both in terms of professional skills and leadership qualities. It's important to remember that not every job will be fulfilling, but there is always something to be gained from it. By focusing on personal growth and constantly envisioning the end goal, you can overcome obstacles and achieve success in your own unique way.
The Value of Experiencing Challenging Jobs: Perseverance and finding passion in difficult situations can shape career paths and lead to success.
Experiencing jobs we don't enjoy can be valuable in helping us determine what we truly want to do. Emma Grede and Jay Shetty both reflect on their past jobs, such as paper routes and working in a fashion show production company, that they found challenging and unenjoyable. However, they acknowledge that these experiences taught them important lessons. Emma learned to appreciate the power of early mornings through her paper routes, while Jay became the most reliable paper route worker and gained financial advantages. Both guests highlight the importance of perseverance and finding passion even in difficult situations. These experiences ultimately helped shape their career paths and led them to success.
The Power of Sales, Storytelling, and Embracing Fear in Entrepreneurship: Sales skills, storytelling ability, and the willingness to face and overcome fear are crucial for success in entrepreneurship. It's not about formal education, but rather the unique perspective and drive that set entrepreneurs apart.
Sales and storytelling are essential skills for entrepreneurship and brand success. Emma Grede emphasizes the importance of being able to sell to investors, craft a story for customers, and understand what makes a brand successful. She shares her experience of cold calling and facing rejection, which taught her perseverance and resilience. Grede also reflects on how fear has played a role in her career, explaining that it motivates her to keep growing and pushing herself outside of her comfort zone. She overcame feelings of inferiority based on her lack of formal education, realizing that it was her unique perspective and drive that set her apart. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the significance of sales ability, storytelling, and embracing fear in the entrepreneurial journey.
Embracing the Ups and Downs of Pursuing Difficult Goals: Pursuing challenging goals involves feeling happy, okay, and crappy in equal parts. Embracing the tough moments and recognizing their value leads to growth and a fulfilling journey.
Pursuing difficult goals and dreams often comes with a mix of emotions. Emma Grede explains that when chasing something challenging, you can expect to feel happy about a third of the time, okay about a third of the time, and pretty crappy for the remaining third. This ratio is normal and indicates that you're pushing yourself and not settling for comfort. Embracing the idea that it's not supposed to be easy all the time can help you navigate through the tough moments. It's in these challenging times that you experience the most growth. So, instead of trying to avoid difficulties or seeking constant happiness, recognizing the value of the ups and downs can ultimately lead to a fulfilling and successful journey.
Navigating Relationships and Embracing Growth: Prioritize support and understanding outside of your relationship, explore alternative experiences for personal growth, and embrace the transformation that comes with each stage of life.
Relationships and partnerships evolve over time and go through different chapters. Emma Grede shares her experience of being with her husband for 15 years and how their values and priorities have shifted throughout their journey. She emphasizes the importance of having someone who supports and understands your ambitions outside of the relationship. Grede also reflects on her past experiences as a club kid and how they opened her up to alternative experiences and perspectives. This demonstrates the significance of exploring different aspects of life and finding peace and understanding in unexpected places. Ultimately, Grede's story reminds us that every chapter of life has its own story and purpose, and that growth and transformation are essential in relationships and personal development.
Pursuing Dreams and Redefining Motherhood: Emma Grede encourages mothers to prioritize their own goals and passions, while also nurturing their children's individuality. She emphasizes the importance of focused and meaningful time spent with them, rather than the quantity of time.
Emma Grede emphasizes the importance of living out her dreams and pursuing her own goals as a mother. She believes that it is crucial for her children to see her as a role model who is following her passions, rather than conforming to societal expectations of what a mother should be. While she acknowledges that there are trade-offs and challenges, she rejects the idea of finding balance and instead prioritizes where her energy and focus are needed each day. Emma also highlights the significance of quality time and individual connection with her children, understanding their unique needs and nurturing their individuality. Ultimately, she believes that love and support can be expressed without having loads of time, as long as it is focused and meaningful.
Managing Expectations and Embracing Imperfections: Stay true to yourself, prioritize what truly matters, and find joy in the unplanned moments. Don't be too hard on yourself, as most people are too busy with their own lives to judge you.
Women should lower their expectations and be honest with themselves about what they are capable of. There is so much pressure on women to do it all, but it's simply not feasible or sustainable. We need to let go of the idea of being a supermom and understand that our children will be alright even if we're not there for every little thing. When reflecting on the best moments of our lives, it's usually the spontaneous and unplanned ones that bring us the most joy, not the ones we meticulously planned and stressed over. We need to stop judging ourselves so harshly and realize that most of our mistakes are in private and that people are too focused on their own lives to be judging us. Ultimately, we need to differentiate between what is real and what is fueled by our ego.
Prioritizing Love and Connection with Children: Love is about being present and showing affection in simple ways, prioritizing meaningful conversations and understanding what truly matters to your children. Love grows through shared experiences, projects, and the incorporation of rituals in relationships.
Children prioritize love and connection over all else. It's not about being the perfect parent or fulfilling every expectation. Instead, it's about being present and showing love in simple ways. Just a bit of you is what they truly want. They don't care about material possessions or accomplishments. As discussed by Emma Grede and Jay Shetty, the key is to have meaningful conversations with your children and understand what truly matters to them. It's also important to remember that love is not about being there for every moment or event, but rather about consistently showing your love and support. In relationships and partnerships, love should be the foundation, and it means being there for each other in the moments that matter, even if it's not always convenient for ourselves. Love grows through shared experiences and projects, and it's important to have a sense of purpose or new chapters to keep the connection strong. Additionally, incorporating rituals into the relationship can enhance the bond and create meaningful moments together.
Building Memories for a Strong Relationship: Continuously creating shared experiences and memories is crucial for a healthy relationship, preventing stagnation and fostering a strong connection between partners.
A healthy and fulfilling relationship requires continuously creating stories and memories together. When we stop making new memories, we are left living in the past, which ultimately leads to an unhealthy dynamic. It is essential to consistently engage in activities, big or small, that allow us to build and create together. Even something as simple as building a shed or taking on a new project can bring a sense of magic and excitement to a relationship. By valuing shared experiences and actively seeking out opportunities to create together, we can strengthen our connections and prevent the separation that often occurs when individuals solely live out the most exciting parts of their lives independently.
Embracing Growth and Challenging Expectations.: Constantly improving oneself and debunking societal norms, Emma Grede believes in being the best version of oneself in all aspects of life, embracing personal growth, and proving that women can excel in both career and motherhood.
Emma Grede believes in constant self-improvement and embracing all facets of her life. She emphasizes the importance of not dwelling on past mistakes but instead focusing on personal growth and evolution. Being the best version of herself is her life's purpose, not just in business but in every aspect, including being a mother, wife, and boss. She acknowledges that it takes ongoing work and practice to succeed, and she doesn't get it right every day. Emma Grede also challenges societal expectations by defying the notion that women have to choose between career success and being a nurturing mother. She believes that women can be both and strives to dispel these myths through her work and businesses.
Overcoming Gender Expectations and Embracing Multifaceted Identities: Society must confront gender biases and support women in embracing their diverse roles and aspirations, challenging imposter syndrome and unequal expectations.
Women face unique challenges in society, particularly when it comes to balancing multiple roles and downplaying their skills and accomplishments. Society often places expectations on women and perpetuates the idea that they cannot be many things to many people. This can lead to imposter syndrome and a lack of self-acceptance. Men are rarely asked about imposter syndrome or balance, while women are constantly questioned about these topics. Additionally, women often hesitate to apply for jobs or ask for pay raises unless they meet all the criteria, whereas men tend to be more confident in applying. Society needs to recognize and challenge these gender biases to create a more equal and inclusive environment, where women are encouraged to embrace their multifaceted identities and prioritize their own needs and ambitions.
Embracing Differences for Team Success: Not everyone on your team will have the same level of ambition, and that's okay. Embrace and value the diverse motivations and work styles of your team members to create a harmonious and effective work environment.
Not everyone on your team will share the same level of ambition and passion as you do, and that's okay. Emma Grede, the founder of Good American, acknowledges that while some individuals are fully invested in the mission and values of a company, others may simply be there for a paycheck. It's important to separate your own expectations and ambitions from those of your team members, understanding that not everyone will have the same drive to excel. Building a successful team requires a balance of individuals with different motivations and work styles. By accepting and embracing the diversity within your team, you can create a harmonious and effective work environment.
Overcoming Fear for Pursuing a Fulfilling Life: Taking a chance on ourselves and overcoming fear can open doors to unexpected opportunities and inspire others to do the same. Don't let fear hold you back from a more fulfilling life.
Sometimes we stay in situations that aren't fulfilling because of fear. We worry about what others will say or we question our own abilities. However, it's important to remember that taking a chance on ourselves can lead to great opportunities. Even if we don't have all the answers or the perfect plan, we can still make a change and pursue a better life. We shouldn't be afraid of failure, especially when we have little to lose. By being honest with ourselves and recognizing our potential, we can inspire others to take a chance on us and create unexpected opportunities. So, don't let fear hold you back from making a change and pursuing a more fulfilling path.
Embracing Failure: The Underrated Key to Success: Failures are stepping stones to success, and it's important to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Don't let failures define you, but rather use them as motivation to keep pushing forward.
Failure and mistakes are essential for success. Emma Grede shares her own experiences of losing and failing multiple times before finding success. She emphasizes that these failures are often not discussed or showcased, but they are integral to the journey. Grede highlights the importance of not being afraid to lose and learning from mistakes. She recounts embarrassing moments and public failures but views them as learning opportunities rather than the end of her career. This resilience and ability to recover comes from her upbringing and the belief that she can get through anything. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that failures don't define us, and it's crucial to dust ourselves off and keep moving forward.
Emma Grede's Approach to Problem-Solving and Building Successful Brands: Inclusivity and diversity are crucial aspects of good business. By identifying and addressing problems that affect her personally, Emma creates solutions that cater to the needs of a wide range of individuals, fostering loyalty and trust.
Emma Grede's approach to problem-solving and building successful brands is rooted in her personal experiences and a deep understanding of inclusivity and diversity. She begins by identifying problems that she personally finds problematic, knowing that if it affects her, it likely affects others as well. This perspective allows her to connect with a wide range of individuals, from young women to women in the middle of America, and create solutions that cater to their needs. Emma believes that inclusivity and diversity are not just buzzwords but crucial aspects of good business. By acknowledging and serving the most amount of people possible, her brands make customers feel seen, heard, and valued, leading to their loyalty and trust.
Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Decision-making: Including individuals from diverse backgrounds in decision-making processes can improve outcomes and ensure products and marketing strategies are inclusive and sensitive to diverse audiences.
Companies need to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their decision-making processes. Emma Grede emphasizes that decisions made in abstract ways without input from individuals with different backgrounds can lead to insensitive and flawed outcomes. She believes that bringing people from diverse backgrounds, including race, age, and education, to the decision-making table can greatly benefit a company. Grede encourages companies to step outside their comfort zones and seek input from those who may have a better understanding of their target audience. By doing so, companies can ensure that their products and marketing strategies are inclusive, avoiding mistakes that can be perceived as offensive or discriminatory.
The Importance of Hunger, Innovation, and Continuous Learning in Achieving Long-Term Success: Staying hungry, innovative, and constantly learning, along with embracing competition, are essential for long-term success. Finding excitement in work and striving for improvement while upholding principles can lead to generational success.
Staying hungry and innovative even when things are going well is crucial for long-term success. Emma Grede emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and competition in fueling her drive to win. She constantly educates herself about her industry and stays aware of what her competitors are doing. This natural inquisitiveness keeps her at the top of her game. Additionally, she defines winning by finding excitement in her work and constantly striving to improve. Despite the challenges that come with growth, she remains committed to upholding the principles that the company was built on. This mindset ensures that success is not short-lived but instead leads to generational or generationally defining businesses.
Coping with stress and finding joy in the journey.: Finding rituals, expressing gratitude, and focusing on the positive can help manage stress and maintain balance and perspective in building a business.
Emma Grede shares her perspective on handling stress and expectations while building a business. Despite the high profile and scrutiny that comes with her industry, she emphasizes the importance of finding rituals and small joys in her daily life to cope with stress. By waking up early, working out, meditating, and expressing gratitude, she manages to stay grounded and appreciate the present moment. Grede's ability to focus on the positive and find happiness in even the smallest things helps her maintain a sense of balance and perspective. She recognizes that her current success is the result of her journey and past experiences, allowing her to be grateful for where she is today.
Creating Opportunities and Empowering Others: Emma Grede believes in using her success to uplift and support women from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of resilience and humility in achieving greatness.
Emma Grede feels a tremendous sense of responsibility for women, particularly young black women, minority women, and those who grew up in poverty. She believes that real success means using her own achievements and aspirations to positively impact more people. She focuses on creating opportunities for others by sharing her knowledge and advice, even in small ways. Emma values the importance of giving someone time and support to help them succeed. She recognizes that reaching the top does not make a person inherently better or more deserving. The key is to maintain a resilient mindset and remain humble, understanding that everyone is capable of achieving greatness with the right circumstances and determination.
The Power of Clarity and Decisive Choices: Embrace clarity, make decisive choices, and seek new opportunities to grow personally and positively influence others.
In short, one big takeaway from the conversation is the power of clarity and making decisive choices. Both Jay Shetty and Emma Grede emphasize the importance of having a clear vision and staying focused on it, regardless of external circumstances. Grede highlights that understanding the unique individuality of oneself and others is key to navigating life's challenges. Additionally, the conversation sheds light on the transformative power of new experiences and environments. Moving to LA has widened their perspectives and allowed them to connect with inspiring individuals who are making a positive impact. Ultimately, embracing clarity, making decisions, and embracing new opportunities can lead to personal growth and the ability to positively influence others.
Trust your instincts, take action, and embrace personal growth.: Making a decision and adjusting as needed leads to personal development, unexpected opportunities, and positive impact on others. Trust yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and lead with kindness.
Making a decision and then making it right is more valuable than endlessly seeking the right decision. Taking action and adjusting as needed allows for personal growth and progress. This mindset encourages individuals to trust their instincts and not be paralyzed by the fear of making a wrong choice. Additionally, staying true to oneself and not conforming to societal expectations or staying within predefined lanes can lead to significant personal development. Stepping outside of comfort zones and exploring new paths can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth. Ultimately, leading with kindness in all interactions is a powerful way to positively impact others and create a better world.
