Aspire with Emma Grede

Audacy
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Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world’s most successful people. Emma Grede, one of America’s richest self-made women, wants you to make the most of your life. On ‘Aspire with Emma Grede', learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet, including goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, investor, philanthropist and former chair of Starbucks Mellody Hobson and international bestselling author and “On Purpose” podcast host Jay Shetty. Each episode will unpack their habits, philosophy and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology and of course how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need, to turn your dreams into reality.  Emma Grede is a founding partner and chief product officer of SKIMS and CEO of Good American. She also made history as the first Black woman to serve as an investor on Shark Tank.

  1. 5D AGO

    Why Execution Matters More Than The Right Idea with Issa Rae

    Issa Rae is entering a new chapter — not from the bottom, but from experience. After disrupting modern television with shows like HBO’s Insecure, building business across multiple industries, and creating some of the most culturally resonant work of the last decade, Issa sits down with Emma for a reflective conversation about power, execution, and what it really means to build something that lasts. Issa isn’t into chasing momentum. She’s moving discernment— navigating the industry on her own terms and only committing to work she genuinely believes in.  In this episode, Issa opens up about: Why ideas are meaningless without execution The difference between visibility and real power What it means to “prove yourself again” — even at the top How she decides what not to do in this phase of her career Why money equals creative freedom, not validation The discipline of saying no, protecting her voice, and building on her own terms Her desire to continue to make people’s favorite content.  Issa also reflects on leadership, ownership, and the responsibility that comes with influence — especially in an industry that feels like it’s regressing.  This conversation is for anyone navigating a new chapter, resisting comfort, or learning that longevity requires a different kind of courage. What resonated most with you from Issa’s journey — her discipline, her clarity, or her refusal to rush?  Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more honest conversations on Aspire. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 18m

  2. FEB 3

    From a Single Instagram Handle to a Media Empire (Angelica Nwandu)

    Angelica Nwandu shouldn’t be here...not according to the statistics. After surviving the unimaginable loss of her mother at age six and growing up in foster care, she rebuilt her world from scratch. Today, she stands as the powerhouse founder behind The Shade Room, one of the most influential media platforms in culture. In this rare intimate conversation, Angelica opens up to Emma about: -Surviving childhood trauma and how adaptability became her superpower -Growing up across wildly different homes—from Inglewood to Bel Air—and how that shaped her ambition -The accidental birth of The Shade Room—and how she built a media empire out of nothing -What it really takes to scale, evolve, and lead a company with cultural influence -Why ownership matters, and the crucial shift she’s making from frugality to growth -The emotional toll of running a platform at the center of culture—and why she’s ready for her next chapter Angelica also addresses the controversy and scrutiny The Shade Room has faced over the years — including critics who say the platform can sometimes tear down the same community it seeks to uplift. She speaks candidly about how she balances impact, responsibility, and evolution as the brand grows. Angelica’s story is proof that you can start over, build again, and create something bigger than yourself—even when no one sees your potential yet. If you’re a woman navigating career pivots, big dreams, second chances, or the pressure to “figure it out,” this conversation will stay with you. What part of Angelica’s journey inspired you the most — her resilience, her reinvention, or her vision for the future of media? Drop a comment below. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 30m

  3. JAN 27

    What Most Leaders Get Wrong (Simon Sinek)

    In this powerful conversation, Emma sits down with Simon Sinek to redefine what leadership actually looks like in today’s world. Known for shaping how millions think about purpose and influence, Simon goes deeper than theory, challenging the outdated idea that leadership is about authority, titles, or control. Instead, he breaks down why real leadership is rooted in responsibility: the responsibility to help people feel safe, supported, and able to do their best work. Together, Emma and Simon explore why so many people feel disconnected from their jobs, why traditional leadership models are failing, and what it really means to lead in service of others. Simon reflects on his own journey to finding purpose, the discomfort that came with it, and why clarity—not charisma—is the foundation of trust, loyalty, and lasting success. This episode is a grounded, honest look at leadership without ego, purpose without performance, and the new rules required to build cultures—and lives—that actually work. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Why leadership isn’t about being in charge, it’s about taking responsibility for people How helping people is the true job of a leader Why so many leaders get it wrong, even with good intentions What it really means to “find your why” and keep it in balance The difference between authority and trust Why great leaders are made, not born How to lead without burning out yourself or your team The simple mindset shift that creates loyalty, safety, and long-term success Why service not power is the foundation of meaningful leadership To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 30m

  4. JAN 20

    Buiding Our Tolerance for Frustration (Dr. Becky)

    Why do ambitious moms feel like they’re failing even when everything looks successful from the outside? In this enlightening episode of Aspire, Emma sits down with parenting expert and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Dr. Becky Kennedy for a conversation about motherhood, ambition, guilt, and what kids actually need from us. Dr. Becky breaks down why working moms feel stretched so thin, how culture has conditioned women to absorb everyone else’s emotions, and why so many parents secretly believe they’re “not enough.” She explains why emotion regulation is the most important skill we can model for our children, why discomfort is essential for kids’ growth, and how “mom guilt” has been completely misunderstood. Together, Emma and Dr. Becky dive into: Why ambitious moms feel like they’re winning at work but failing at home The real definition of guilt — and why most “mom guilt” isn’t guilt at all How convenience culture has robbed kids of frustration tolerance Why kids don’t need selfless martyrs — they need sturdy leaders The danger of absorbing everyone else’s emotions How to stop judging your parenting by your child’s behavior What to do when you’re overwhelmed, burnt out, or in the spiral How parents can learn, grow, and lead with confidence This is the episode every working parent needs to watch. You are not failing,  and Dr. Becky explains exactly why.   Did this conversation hit home for you? Drop a comment below.  We’d love to hear your thoughts and your own experiences with ambition and mom guilt.  Don't forget to subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode of Aspire with Emma Grede. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 6m

  5. JAN 13

    25 Million People Can't be Wrong: This Advice Will Change Your Life (James Clear)

    What if the smallest decisions you make today determine who you become in 2026? In this powerful New Year conversation, James Clear — author of Atomic Habits, the global phenomenon with over 25 million copies sold — sits down with Emma to break down the real psychology of habits, identity, and long-term success. Whether you're trying to reset your routines, build discipline, or reinvent your life this year, this episode gives you the blueprint. James reveals:-Why “every action is a vote for the person you wish to become”-The invisible mistakes that sabotage your habits-How to escape bad habit loops without relying on motivation-Why the next hour matters just as much as the next decade -How to build habits that are obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying-The science behind consistency (and why starting is the real superpower)-Why “if you’re struggling to improve, the problem isn’t you — it’s your system”-What leaders, founders, and top performers do daily to stay ahead-Why identity is both your greatest advantage… and your biggest obstacle-How to make habit change FUN  Emma also opens up about her own struggles with habits, discipline, and energy — and James responds with practical tools, mindset shifts, and game-changing frameworks you can start using today. This is more than a conversation — it’s your 2026 reset, your system reboot, and your reminder that you’re far more capable than you think. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 17m

  6. JAN 6

    Mel Robbins: The One Thing That Actually Matters

    In this deeply honest conversation, Mel Robbins sits down with Emma for one of the most raw, generous, and energizing interviews she’s ever given. Fresh off the global success of The Let Them Theory and hosting one of the world’s biggest podcasts, Mel opens up about what’s really behind her “overnight” rise: 16 years of unseen work, fierce mission-driven clarity, and a relentless commitment to helping people live better lives.  Together, Emma and Mel unpack everything from success, purpose, jealousy as a directional tool, and the truth about staying grounded when the world explodes around you. Mel shares the surprising mindset practices that changed her life, the one metric she actually tracks in her business, how to build something lasting in a noisy world, and why she believes your next chapter can begin today...no matter your age or circumstances.  They also go deep on Mel’s new phase as an entrepreneur, the behind-the-scenes story of building her media company, and the launch of her first consumer product, Pure Genius, a clinical-grade protein shot years in the making. This episode is packed with wisdom, practical tools, and the kind of real talk that will keep you motivated this year. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: -Why success is timing + mission + relentless consistency -How jealousy can reveal your true path -The #1 mistake creators and entrepreneurs make -The mindset shift Mel uses every single morning -How to stop obsessing about other people’s opinions -Why your biggest chapter may still be ahead of you -The truth about money, debt, and rebuilding from zero -How Mel built a top global podcast without chasing virality -The origin story behind Mel’s new product launch, Pure Genius What hit home for you? Leave a comment with your favorite moment or insight from Mel! And don’t forget to subscribe—it truly helps us grow this community and bring you more powerful conversations. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 30m

  7. 12/30/2025

    How Dr. Barbara Sturm Built a Billion Dollar Beauty Brand with Zero Training

    How does a doctor with zero beauty training build one of the most influential skincare brands in the world? In this episode of Aspire, Emma Grede sits down with Dr. Barbara Sturm — the founder behind a global, anti-inflammatory skincare empire — to reveal the true story you’ve never heard.   Dr. Sturm opens up about the bullets she dodged, the bets she made, and the risks that almost broke her. From being dismissed by the beauty industry to scaling a brand from €350 to a brand valued at over a billion dollars. Dr. Sturm shares the mindset, the science, and the steps it took to build something no one believed was possible.   You’ll learn: -How she built a global brand without investors -The mindset every ambitious woman needs to scale -What she wishes every founder knew before starting -Why she never used retinol,  and what she does instead -The anti-inflammatory approach that changed the industry -The moment she realized the world was finally listening   If you’re an entrepreneur, a skincare obsessive, or a woman building something big — this conversation will change the way you think about success, aging, and what’s actually possible. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 12m

  8. 12/26/2025

    How to Build a Powerful Network

    How does building a strong network help propel you in your career and business life? This mini-episode of Aspire with Emma Grede, answers that very question.  After listening, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what a network actually is, why it matters, and most importantly how you can create it for yourself, from where you are with what you have. We’ll also touch on the importance of being an active, valuable part of people’s networks.  Because the truth is, it’s not just about how your network shows up for you, it’s also about how you show up for your network.  In this episode, you’ll learn: The distinction between networking and building a real network  Why feedback is a gift and how to actively seek it The importance of getting out of your own way and putting your ego to the side How to actively be a part of someone else’s network.  Why networks naturally evolve over time. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 min
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4.6
out of 5
561 Ratings

About

Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world’s most successful people. Emma Grede, one of America’s richest self-made women, wants you to make the most of your life. On ‘Aspire with Emma Grede', learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet, including goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, investor, philanthropist and former chair of Starbucks Mellody Hobson and international bestselling author and “On Purpose” podcast host Jay Shetty. Each episode will unpack their habits, philosophy and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology and of course how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need, to turn your dreams into reality.  Emma Grede is a founding partner and chief product officer of SKIMS and CEO of Good American. She also made history as the first Black woman to serve as an investor on Shark Tank.

Information

  • Channel
    Audacy
  • Creator
    Emma Grede | Audacy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Audacy, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Aspire with Emma Grede

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