Emma Grede is here, and she’s not sugarcoating anything. We dig into what it really takes to build a business, lead people, and create a life on your own terms. She gets into her no-BS leadership style: high standards, radical honesty, and owning your mistakes. Emma shares major business missteps (including a failed product expansion), how she dissects failure without ego, and why understanding your own patterns is the key to long-term success. We also cover what she actually looks for when hiring, why being slow to hire but quick to fire matters, her take on unlimited PTO, working with friends, and when investors can do more harm than good. She breaks down why “focus” is one of the most misunderstood concepts in business, and why your customer has to be at the center of everything. This episode is honest, motivating, and packed with real insight on failure, leadership, resilience, and building something that lasts. A word from my sponsors: Shady Rays: Go to https://shadyrays.com and use code HONEST for 40% off 2+ pairs of polarized sunglasses. Momentous: Head to https://livemomentous.com, and use promo code HONEST for up to 35% off your first order Kahlua: Find Kahlúa Dunkin Caramel Swirl at retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Total Wine, Albertsons, Kroger, Ralphs, Safeway, BevMo, Publix, and more. Must be 21 or older to purchase. Please drink responsibly. Ritual: Ritual - Save 25% on your first month at https://Ritual.com/BEHONEST Sam Edelman: Visit us at https://samedelman.com to explore everything you need for spring and get 15% off with code honest15. Opositiv: Take proactive care of your health and head to https://OPositiv.com/HONEST or enter HONEST at checkout for 25% off your first purchase. Good Wipes: Buy any two packs of goodwipes at Walmart or https://Walmart.com, text them your receipt, and get reimbursed almost immediately for one of them. For more details, head to https://goodwipes.com/HONEST. For more Let's Be Honest, follow along at: @kristincavallari on Instagram @kristincavallari and @dearmedia on TikTok Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari on YouTube Produced by Dear Media. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
