Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

Emma Grede: What it really takes to build a brand with the Kardashians

May 1, 2026·1h 10m
Episode Description from the Publisher

Before she became the entrepreneur behind Kardashian-founded brands Good American and Skims, Emma Grede was a kid from Plaistow with severe dyslexia, few qualifications, and a fierce belief that she could build a bigger life for herself.In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien sits down with Emma to trace the story behind her remarkable rise- from helping raise her younger sisters in East London and struggling in a school system that never seemed to fit, to building a career in fashion through sheer audacity, instinct and relentless hard work.Emma reflects on the work ethic she inherited from her mother, the unpaid placements and early setbacks that taught her how business really worked, and the confidence that drove her to knock on doors others were too intimidated to approach. She explains how she discovered her gift for negotiation, why relationships became the foundation of her success, and how those instincts helped her build businesses alongside the Kardashians that would go on to reshape modern fashion and culture.They discuss class, ambition and social mobility; the difference between talent and opportunity; the myths we tell about success; and why Emma believes women need a more honest conversation about work, money and power.Sharp, funny and full of hard-won insight, this is a conversation about ambition, reinvention and what it really takes to get to the top.Find out more about START WITH YOURSELF: A New Vision for Work & Life by Emma Grede hereFull Disclosure is a Global ProductionListen or watch every Friday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal -> https://nordvpn.com/fulldisclosure Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of Full Disclosure with James O'Brien and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.