Source: Fortune
Summary
Entrepreneur Emma Grede, co-founder of $5 billion shapewear company Skims, spoke at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit about trusting her intuition. She said she does not second-guess herself and emphasized the importance of taking action without waiting to be ready. Grede, who has no college degree, shared how her experience with failure has helped her push boundaries. She described how Skims developed products like a push-up bra for women post-mastectomy and a face sculpt wrap to create new markets. Grede also discussed her book, which focuses on practical advice over feel-good messaging.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Grede talks about intuition, not data.
She’s built a $5 billion company without a college degree.
Her products target specific needs, not just trends.
She’s not here to make people feel good—she’s here to get results.
Author: Evan Null
Emma Grede’s Unshakable Confidence
Emma Grede, the co-founder of Skims, has built a $5 billion empire without a college degree. Her confidence is rooted in her own experiences, both successes and failures. She says she doesn’t second-guess herself, a trait she believes is rare among women. Grede’s approach to business is direct and results-driven, focusing on making small improvements that add up over time.
The Power of Intuition in Business
Grede credits her intuition as a key factor in keeping her brands relevant. She believes many people, especially women, talk themselves out of trusting their instincts. Her confidence in her own judgment has allowed her to take risks, like launching products that challenge traditional norms. These include a push-up bra designed for women who have had breast reconstruction surgery.
Building Products for Real Needs
Grede’s strategy involves identifying real problems and solving them. For example, Skims created a face sculpt wrap to fill a gap in the market. She also emphasized the importance of understanding customer needs and creating products that meet them. Her focus is not on trends but on practical solutions that serve a specific audience.
Challenging the Status Quo
Grede is not afraid to challenge the status quo. She criticized the feel-good advice often found in women’s media, arguing that it lacks practicality. Instead, she offers real, actionable insights based on her own experiences. Her book, *Start With Yourself*, reflects this philosophy, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and hard work.
Results Over Comfort
Grede’s approach is clearly results-oriented. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the sacrifices and trade-offs she’s made in her career. Her message is clear: success requires hard work, focus, and a willingness to take risks. She believes in being honest about the realities of running a business, rather than offering empty encouragement.
