Trading Secrets 234. Emma Grede: From high school dropout to entrepreneurial powerhouse, a masterclass in the hustle, heart, and high standards behind Good American, Skims & beyond!
May 12, 2025
01:16:30
This week, Jason is joined by a powerhouse who's not just building brands, but shaping the future of entrepreneurship, Emma Grede!
As Co-Founder and CEO of Good American and Founding Partner of SKIMS, to becoming the first black woman to guest star as a shark on Shark Tank. With a keen eye for opportunity, a passion for equality, and a voice that resonates far beyond the boardrooms, Emma is redefining what it means to lead, especially as a woman and a woman of color.
In this episode, Emma shares how she recognized her entrepreneurial spirit early on—watching her mom budget, understanding the cost of everything, and forming a deep emotional connection to money. She opens up about raising capital for Good American, growing from a modest client base to working with some of the biggest names, and the hard lessons learned after failing in LA and starting from scratch. Emma talks about building a full-service reputation, earning trust, and key insights from investor Andrew Rosen. She explains how directly asking women what they need has informed her investment and product strategies, the top three traits she looks for when deciding where to invest, and how she keeps up with fast-moving trends. Plus, she breaks down her rules for hiring, firing, and promoting, shares the inspiration behind her new podcast Aspire with Emma Grede, and talks about her recent collaboration with Off Season and designer Kristin Juszczyk.
Emma reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss!
Host: Jason Tartick
Co-Host: David Arduin
Audio: John Gurney
Guest: Emma Grede
Stay connected with the Trading Secrets Podcast!
Instagram: @tradingsecretspodcast
Youtube: Trading Secrets
Facebook: Join the Group
All Access: Free 30-Day Trial
Trading Secrets Steals & Deals!
Thrive Market:
Thrive Market is like your favorite health food store-but online, and way more affordable. I'm talking about premium brands like Primal Kitchen, Siete, Hu, and Simple Mills... all delivered to your door, and up to 30% less than what you'd pay at traditional stores. Skip the junk without overspending. Head over to ThriveMarket.com/TRADINGSECRETS to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
Booking.com:
Whether you’re looking to earn that extra income, fill those vacant weekends, or grow you business, head over to Booking.com to see how you can get started today. The reach is global, the bookings are consistent, and the control is yours. For the bookings you’ve dreamed of, list your property on Booking.com!
Boll & Branch:
Boll & Branch products are made different, so you can sleep better at night.Woven with the finest 100% organic cotton on earth and crafted by artisans who earn the pay and respect they deserve. Feel the difference an extraordinary night’s sleep can make with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off, plus free shipping on your first set of sheets, at BollAndBranch.com/tradingsecrets
Cymbiotika:
Cymbiotika is changing the game when it comes to supplements. Their liquid packets are more effective, convenient, and go wherever you go. Cymbiotika is as clean as it gets—no seed oils, preservatives, or artificial junk. Just high-quality, real ingredients that actually do something. Go to Cymbiotika.com/tradingsecrets for 20% off + free shipping today
As Co-Founder and CEO of Good American and Founding Partner of SKIMS, to becoming the first black woman to guest star as a shark on Shark Tank. With a keen eye for opportunity, a passion for equality, and a voice that resonates far beyond the boardrooms, Emma is redefining what it means to lead, especially as a woman and a woman of color.
In this episode, Emma shares how she recognized her entrepreneurial spirit early on—watching her mom budget, understanding the cost of everything, and forming a deep emotional connection to money. She opens up about raising capital for Good American, growing from a modest client base to working with some of the biggest names, and the hard lessons learned after failing in LA and starting from scratch. Emma talks about building a full-service reputation, earning trust, and key insights from investor Andrew Rosen. She explains how directly asking women what they need has informed her investment and product strategies, the top three traits she looks for when deciding where to invest, and how she keeps up with fast-moving trends. Plus, she breaks down her rules for hiring, firing, and promoting, shares the inspiration behind her new podcast Aspire with Emma Grede, and talks about her recent collaboration with Off Season and designer Kristin Juszczyk.
Emma reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss!
Host: Jason Tartick
Co-Host: David Arduin
Audio: John Gurney
Guest: Emma Grede
Stay connected with the Trading Secrets Podcast!
Instagram: @tradingsecretspodcast
Youtube: Trading Secrets
Facebook: Join the Group
All Access: Free 30-Day Trial
Trading Secrets Steals & Deals!
Thrive Market:
Thrive Market is like your favorite health food store-but online, and way more affordable. I'm talking about premium brands like Primal Kitchen, Siete, Hu, and Simple Mills... all delivered to your door, and up to 30% less than what you'd pay at traditional stores. Skip the junk without overspending. Head over to ThriveMarket.com/TRADINGSECRETS to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
Booking.com:
Whether you’re looking to earn that extra income, fill those vacant weekends, or grow you business, head over to Booking.com to see how you can get started today. The reach is global, the bookings are consistent, and the control is yours. For the bookings you’ve dreamed of, list your property on Booking.com!
Boll & Branch:
Boll & Branch products are made different, so you can sleep better at night.Woven with the finest 100% organic cotton on earth and crafted by artisans who earn the pay and respect they deserve. Feel the difference an extraordinary night’s sleep can make with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off, plus free shipping on your first set of sheets, at BollAndBranch.com/tradingsecrets
Cymbiotika:
Cymbiotika is changing the game when it comes to supplements. Their liquid packets are more effective, convenient, and go wherever you go. Cymbiotika is as clean as it gets—no seed oils, preservatives, or artificial junk. Just high-quality, real ingredients that actually do something. Go to Cymbiotika.com/tradingsecrets for 20% off + free shipping today