Emma Grede, Mellody Hobson & Angela Ahrendts on inclusive leadership
Jan 30, 2025
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Emma Grede, co-founder of Good American and chair of the 15 Percent Pledge, shares her entrepreneurial journey and the significance of inclusive leadership. Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments, emphasizes the crucial role of financial literacy, especially for underserved youth. They discuss the transformative power of diversity in business, the need for transparency in leadership, and innovative strategies to engage customers authentically. Their conversations inspire a deeper commitment to DEI efforts and nurturing company culture amidst growth.
Emma Grede emphasizes the significance of recognizing market needs and personal instincts to drive inclusive entrepreneurial ventures.
Mellody Hobson advocates for improved financial literacy and DEI efforts, stressing their crucial role in empowering underserved communities.
Deep dives
AI-Native CRM System for Modern Businesses
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Lessons from Entrepreneurial Success
Emma Grede, co-founder of the fashion brand Good American, shares valuable insights borne from her entrepreneurial journey. She emphasizes the importance of understanding personal instincts and recognizing market needs, which guided her in launching an all-inclusive apparel line that transformed the industry. Grede reflects on her previous career in talent and brand partnerships, noting that her experience allowed her to spot opportunities for startups seeking to leverage influencers in their branding efforts. Through careful selection of partners and investors, she has cultivated a network that aligns with her vision, underscoring the significance of surrounding oneself with authentic collaborators who share a commitment to the mission.
The 15% Pledge for Diversity and Inclusion
The 15% Pledge is a significant initiative created to advocate for the equitable distribution of resources among Black-owned brands, encouraging companies to allocate 15% of their purchasing power to these businesses. Emma Grede explains that this pledge emerged from a collective desire for actionable change following social justice movements, particularly in the wake of George Floyd's death. She highlights the importance of recognizing that Black-owned brands are not exclusive to Black consumers but can appeal to a broader market when given a fair chance. The pledge has successfully created a pipeline of opportunities, leading to increased visibility and sales for participating brands while fostering a more inclusive marketplace.
Advocating for Financial Literacy and DEI Efforts
Melody Hobson champions financial literacy and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as pivotal components in empowering underserved communities. Through her children's book, 'Priceless Facts About Money,' she aims to enhance financial understanding not just for kids but also for the adults who read with them. Hobson critiques the current state of financial education in the U.S., emphasizing the urgent need for improved curriculum that equips young people with the knowledge of key economic concepts. She also addresses challenges within DEI initiatives, attributing some setbacks to cultural and legal fears, while remaining optimistic about the potential for inclusive practices to drive innovation and societal growth.
Emma Grede is the co-founder of Good American and Safely, a founding partner of Skims, and chair of the 15 Percent Pledge. In this conversation, recorded live on stage at the Masters of Scale Summit in October of 2024, Grede shares entrepreneurial lessons with Angela Ahrendts (former SVP at Apple). Later in the episode, it’s Ahrendts’ 2024 Summit chat with Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments and former chair of DreamWorks. Hobson explains why she believes DEI efforts are worth fighting for and the importance of financial literacy.