Who is Emma Grede? Podcast host who interviewed Meghan Markle is a high school dropout turned Kardashians business partner

Her latest interview on a podcast with Meghan Markle has been grabbing attention worldwide, as it seems that the Duchess of Sussex may have made critical remarks about the Royal Family.

As an ardent admirer myself, I can’t help but feel the limelight has shone brightly on none other than the remarkable Emma Grede – a British-born powerhouse who effortlessly juggles the roles of entrepreneur, designer, and podcast host extraordinaire, gracing our ears weekly through the captivating Aspire podcast.

The stylish woman with dark hair left high school early, but her wealth has grown significantly to an estimated $396 million by the time she turned 42 years old.

She serves as the CEO for Good American, Khloe Kardashian’s fashion brand, and is also one of the co-founders of Skims, a line started by Kim Kardashian that has an estimated worth of $4 billion.

Grede is proud of her star-studded social network that encompasses the Kardashians, Markle, Jessica Alba, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

She was named as one of Forbes’ Richest Self-Made Women in America in 2023.

However, alongside her praises, Grede’s approach towards work-life balance has been subjected to criticism as being perceived as ‘harsh’ or ‘difficult’.

As Grede regains attention in the cultural spotlight, DailyMail.com delves into the inspiring tale of her rise to success – and her recent encounter with controversy.

Inside Emma’s humble upbringing in London while being raised by a single mom 

Emma hails from London, England, having been brought up there; her parents originate from Jamaica and Trinidad, having immigrated.

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be nurtured by my single mother, who tirelessly juggled her career at Morgan Stanley while raising my siblings and me following our parent’s divorce.

Emma explained to Standard.co.uk, as they talked about her mother, “I never fooled myself into thinking it would be easy raising us.

She often wasn’t around, but it was clear to me that she left for work to ensure we had a place to live. This perspective has shaped my mindset; every morning, I rise to work hard.

A significant portion of who I am today is due to my upbringing. Growing up, I lived in Plaistow with three sisters and a single mother. Our neighborhood was close-knit, and we all knew each other well. There was a strong sense of trust and honesty that permeated the community, which I’ve carried with me as I moved forward in life.

As a teenager, she held several unconventional jobs, such as distributing newspapers, working behind the counter at a delicatessen, and managing the cashier at a clothing store – just to mention a few examples.

She shared with PEOPLE last year that she has always considered herself as someone who naturally leans towards action. Her life has been marked by constant work, as she found herself either lacking skill in certain areas or uninterested in tasks assigned to her. This led to a desire for self-direction, where she would say, “I need to find something I truly want to do.

She remembered setting aside every penny to purchase magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire, and she had always envisioned a career in the fashion industry.

She had been attracted to that realm and its inhabitants, yet she acknowledged in an interview with Bustle that it served as a form of escape for her. The allure was significantly different from the upbringing she experienced.

She attended the London College of Fashion for business studies, however, she left in 2001 when she secured an internship with Gucci.

She shared with Standard.co.uk that it turned out to be the best choice for her, as she discovered that she gained more valuable experiences in just a few months of working compared to what she could have learned during her college tenure.

During an interview with PEOPLE in 2024, Emma opened up about facing challenges related to learning and never allowing these hurdles to prevent her from reaching her aspirations.

She shared that her high school education ended prematurely due to significant learning challenges. However, she emphasized that one can develop proficiency in areas where they may initially struggle, a concept often referred to as a ‘growth mindset.’

When I was younger, I wasn’t aware of it, but I always believed in my capacity to learn new things. To me, intelligence, talent, and abilities are not static qualities; instead, I firmly believe that with dedication and effort, most people have the potential to improve significantly in almost any area.

Inside Emma’s career and how she became a Kardashian family go-to

Later on, Emma secured employment with Inca Productions, where she oversaw numerous fashion shows and corporate events.

As a dedicated follower at Inca, I played a significant role in spearheading the innovative field of ‘designer collaborations.’ This unique approach involved partnering top-tier consumer brands with high-fashion designers, such as Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Vivienne Westwood, and Zac Posen, along with renowned brands like Chivas, Mercedes-Benz, and Sky. My work brought these creative powerhouses together to create unparalleled collaborations in the fashion industry.

In the year 2008, she established ITB Worldwide, a talent management and marketing agency based in London that she owned for approximately ten years. However, in 2018, this agency was taken over by Rogers & Cowen.

She reminisced to CNBC, recounting her experience of being among numerous individuals, dealing with clients and transactions. In that moment, a thought crossed her mind: “If they are capable of achieving it, then why can’t I?” This was the impetus for launching ITB Worldwide.

Via ITB, she secured a collaboration with Natalie Portman and Dior. Furthermore, ITB facilitated her connections with the Kardashians – she was involved in the advertising campaign for Kendall Jenner’s #MyCalvins, met Kris Jenner during Paris Fashion Week, and they had an encounter at that event. (This version aims to maintain the same information while being more natural and easier to read.)

Following a strong bond formed with Kris, she proposed the concept of Good American to the mother manager, who believed it could be an ideal match for Khloe Kardashian at age 40.

Emma shared with Standard.co.uk that she had the notion Khloé might appreciate, so she traveled to LA a week later to discuss it with her.

The youngest-Kardashian sister said ‘yes’ right away, and the brand was quickly born.

In October 2016, Good American made its debut, reportedly setting a record for the largest first-day denim sales in the entire history of the apparel industry, totaling $1 million.

‘We’re a great partnership. We really understand how to create an incredible product,’ gushed Emma.

Khloé and I hail from distinct backgrounds and experienced diverse childhoods, yet we share a sense of self-assuredness. Pondering its origin, we questioned: how might one instill this empowering sentiment in other women?

I was raised by a mother who is Caucasian and a father who is African American, surrounded by friends hailing from various parts of the world, all uniquely different. Needless to say, I deeply value diversity in my life.

As reported by Bustle, Emma plays a significant role in virtually all facets of the company – managing tasks ranging from design to online sales.

On weekends, she reviews customer feedback on products to generate ideas for new product developments, a fact was reported; and Khloé considers her as one of the most dedicated individuals she has ever encountered.

She fully immerses herself in all aspects of the business, continually striving to surpass expectations for what a contemporary and diverse fashion company should stand for, according to Khloé.

Emma makes it a point to carefully read every customer review from Good American, an action that provides her with valuable insights for improving their products further.

‘Our businesses are incredibly data led. We’re looking at everything,’ she shared with Ramped Up.

Let’s consider the difference in user experiences between someone visiting our site from one region compared to another region within the country.

How do shopping habits differ between locals and international shoppers here? And what can we learn from the patterns of returns? Frequently, the information reveals opportunities for innovation.

In collaboration with her sister Kim (age 44), Emma introduced SKIMS in the year 2018. By 2021, the New York Times had estimated the company’s worth to be a staggering $1.6 billion.

Back in May 2021, she joined forces with Kris and Chrissy Teigen to develop a vegan home care brand named Safely. This eco-friendly product range has now become available at Walmart.

Emma holds dual roles: she serves as the leader of The 15 Percent Pledge, a mission aimed at persuading retailers to allocate 15% of their store shelves for businesses owned by Black individuals; and she represents Women for Women International as an advocate.

During season 13, she too graced the Shark Tank as a guest, marking her as the inaugural black female investor to make an appearance on the ABC series.

As a forward-thinking lifestyle guide, I firmly believe that I embody the spirit of a modern shark in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Unlike any era before, this climate is distinctively unique, and I thrive on embracing its dynamic nature. Furthermore, I’ve deliberately chosen to carve out a career path focused on fostering diversity and inclusivity within my professional sphere, ensuring that my team and I reflect the richness of our multifaceted world.

Emma is particularly proud of the inclusivity she fosters throughout her brand portfolio, ensuring they provide options for individuals of various body types, figures, and skin shades.

She emphasized during her interview in February that it’s crucial to bring about transformation. She believes we’re currently experiencing an exceptional global moment, where companies such as Good American and SKIMS have the potential to significantly reshape the business world and make a profound impact on the industry.

‘Given that our business specializes in producing clothing sizes ranging from double XL up to 5X, I believe I’m uniquely positioned to bring about changes in the industry. That prospect excites me the most.’

Emma shared that she is deeply enthusiastic about crafting exceptional teams and providing chances for individuals, using her brands as the platform.

20 years back, entrepreneurs often operated with a self-centered mindset, she noted. On the contrary, my approach centers around fostering extraordinary teams, providing opportunities, and cultivating loyalty.

By choosing that path, you’ll encounter many individuals who began their journey with me a decade or more ago, and they continue to work alongside me today, albeit in diverse roles. I believe this consistency speaks volumes about the importance of maintaining strong relationships.

In her own words, she shared that collaborating with the Kardashians taught her a valuable lesson: the concept of unceasing effort, regardless of one’s level of success.

It’s crucial to consistently put in as much effort as everyone around you, and I observe this commitment daily from them, which I strive to mirror myself.

As Emma conversed with Elle, she explained that she believes her ability to work effectively with the Kardashians stems from their contrasting personalities.

Despite occasionally modeling for her brands and attending glamorous events with her well-known family, she isn’t fond of the limelight; instead, she tends to work more comfortably off-stage.

She clarified, “I’m not cut out for those kinds of things.” She added, “I find it challenging, and maybe that’s why my friendships with other women are successful in a unique way.

Since they behave in such a manner, I don’t consider myself as the public image of the brands; instead, I function more like their intellectual core.

She doesn’t let criticism ruffle her feathers. Moreover, she stated, “I take great pride in collaborating with Kim, Khloe, and Kris. They are exceptional business associates.

Criticism comes my way each day, but can I sleep soundly at night? Am I content with my actions? Most definitely.

Inside Emma’s family life as she balances being a mother-of-four with a business empire 

Emma is wedded to Jens Grede, who is 47 years old, and they have four kids collectively – Grey, Lola, as well as the twins, Lake and Rafferty.

Jens, on the other hand, teamed up with Erik Torstensson to establish the multi-media fashion advertising company known as Wednesday Agency Group. Currently, he manages a total of 12 businesses, which include Frame Denim among their ranks.

They met while they both worked on ITB, and he serves as a board director for Skims.

During her conversation with Bustle, Emma playfully commented, “It’s amusing since we were in a professional partnership prior to becoming friends, yet it turns out we’re not particularly skilled at working together.

‘We each follow our own paths, acknowledging the unique skills we both possess, and rarely encroach upon each other’s specialized domains.’

Or simply:

‘We stick to our own tasks, respecting each other’s expertise, without often interfering in one another’s fields.’

However, she confessed that maintaining a successful career alongside her family responsibilities isn’t always straightforward for her.

She openly acknowledged that she doesn’t excel at everything and never claimed to do so. She relies on a great deal of assistance, including nannies for her children, and admits she doesn’t clean her own house. Essentially, she admitted to Standard.co.uk that she needs to prioritize and balance various aspects of her life.

I prefer to keep a small circle of friends and generally opt for quieter evenings rather than going out for drinks. Previously, there were periods in my life that were more socially active, but currently, I’m fully engaged with my business ventures.

‘I don’t strive for perfect equilibrium; if my child is ill, that takes priority, and if there’s a deal to be closed, I focus on that instead.’

I don’t think it’s solely about meeting the needs of my kids; rather, I aim to demonstrate for them the pursuit of personal fulfillment. My hope is that by witnessing me engaged in activities that bring joy, they will grasp the significance of discovering what truly makes one happy.

Emma spoke more about her life as a working mom with PEOPLE in 2024.

‘I don’t handle daily pick-ups and drop-offs routinely, but if my child has a performance, I’ll make an exception to attend. Everyone’s circumstances are unique; it’s not about following a set pattern. We need to accept that no one can have everything perfect – what appears perfect on Instagram is just an idealized portrayal.’

She went on to say: ‘Let’s draw inspiration from our own pasts, recalling how we managed just fine as children. Our children don’t require constant attention; they need our love and guidance. We shouldn’t be overly involved in every challenge they face, as that isn’t beneficial.’

1) Attempting such action would significantly reduce the available time for women to engage in other activities. It’s alarming to see numerous friends struggling and stretching themselves thin when they become mothers.

In 2017, the pair made an official move from London, United Kingdom, to Los Angeles, USA, and they listed their London residence for sale at a price of $7 million three years after the relocation.

Inside Emma’s recent ‘work-life balance’ controversy that sparked social media backlash 

During my chat on the Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett back in May 2025, I was asked to disclose some warning signs I notice during job interviews. Here’s one way I might have put it:

“When I sit down for an interview, there are certain red flags that I keep an eye out for. These are behaviors or attitudes that may not align with our company culture or values. For instance, if a candidate seems unwilling to take responsibility for their actions, that’s a big warning sign for me.

She immediately said that she would walk out on anyone who asks her about a ‘work-life balance.’ 

‘Work-life balance is your problem,’ Grede said. ‘That’s yours to figure out.’

At her workplaces, individuals aren’t confined to their desks. They attend haircuts, personal appointments, or handle matters concerning their children when necessary, without anyone raising eyebrows about their absence from the desk.

When someone discusses their work-life balance during the interview, it makes her think, “It seems there might be some imbalance in your life.

In simpler terms, Bartlett shared with Grede that about one-third of the individuals he questioned considered achieving a good work-life balance to be important, regardless of where they were employed.

When Bartlett expressed disinterest in the matter, suggesting it wasn’t a choice he’d make for himself, Grede suggested this was due to his ambition – hinting that someone lacking drive or passion might prioritize work-life balance instead.

She pointed out that it isn’t typical for an ordinary employee to work every day of the week, yet a person with ‘drive’ and aspirations for success might need to put in a bit of extra effort.

During the extended two-hour interview, a segment featuring Emma discussing work-life harmony particularly caught fire on social platforms.

Many drew comparisons between Emma’s comments and Kim’s controversial statement from 2022, “Nobody wants to work nowadays,” which sparked criticism.

One Instagram user warned, ‘Her remarks are a warning sign. Flee quickly,’ regarding the Business Insider article about Grede’s statements.

‘That’s capitalism for you, businesses that prioritize profits over humanity,’ another one wrote.

‘Good luck recruiting top talent after these comments,’ another Instagram user commented. 

One user simply commented, ‘#toxicmanager.’

Neither Grede nor Kim have responded to comments publicly since the podcast was posted in May. 

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2025-06-18 17:52