Entrepreneur Emma Grede: Women Must Talk About Money

Emma Grede has built multiple billion-dollar fashion brands, and now she's on a mission to help women stop apologizing for wanting to be paid what they're worth.

The London-born entrepreneur, who co-founded Skims with Kim Kardashian and launched Good American denim, just released her book "Start With Yourself." In it, she tackles a question that still makes many women uncomfortable: Why can't we talk about money without feeling selfish?

Grede doesn't sugarcoat her answer. "Nobody wants to be the person that's asking for more all the time," she admits. "But what's the alternative? To be underpaid."

She points to a painful reality: small compromises add up to massive losses over a career. Turning down one extra $5,000 today might seem insignificant, but multiply that decision across decades and it becomes life-changing money left on the table.

Her journey from working multiple jobs in London to sitting on the Obama Foundation's board didn't happen by staying quiet. By age 30, she'd launched a talent management agency by raising her hand for every opportunity and learning from anyone willing to teach.

Now she's channeling that energy into her podcast "Aspire with Emma Grede" and speaking events where she delivers a straightforward message: financial literacy isn't optional for freedom.

"Money affects our ability to make choices and do what we want," Grede explains. "For us to take responsibility for ourselves, you have to take responsibility for your financial wellness."

She's part of a growing movement of women entrepreneurs and finance educators helping close the wealth gap through education. Even European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde recently launched a walking challenge that pairs fitness with financial lessons.

Why This Inspires

Grede reminds us that asking for fair pay isn't just about one person or one paycheck. "It's a generational conversation," she says. "What's the impact for the person coming after you?"

Her perspective reframes an uncomfortable truth: women aren't competing against each other for scraps. "We're in competition with the men," she notes bluntly. "And by the way? They killed us. The guy next to her is being paid more than both of you."

By encouraging women to "be the difficult woman" who negotiates hard, Grede is helping rewrite the rules for the next generation of businesswomen who won't have to choose between being liked and being paid fairly.

Financial freedom starts with one brave conversation about money.