Emma Grede is a trailblazing entrepreneur and powerful motivational speaker whose life story captures the spirit of modern leadership. Known for co-founding the groundbreaking fashion brand Good American and playing a pivotal role in the launch of Skims, Emma has reshaped the industry landscape with a focus on inclusivity, representation, and innovation. Raised in East London by a single mother, she defied expectations to rise through the business world, earning a place on Forbes’ list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women. Emma is hired as a speaker not only for her extraordinary success but for her ability to connect with audiences through authenticity, vision, and a passion for driving meaningful change.
Her professional journey began after studying business and marketing at the London College of Fashion. Emma’s early career saw her quickly rise through roles at the Saturday Group, eventually co-founding ITB Worldwide in 2008 – a talent and influencer marketing agency that later attracted acquisition. Her experience in building brands and forging strong partnerships laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial ventures. Emma’s leadership of Good American, launched in 2016 with an unprecedented $1 million in first-day sales, marked her arrival as a major force in fashion and business. Her partnership with high-profile collaborators like Khloé Kardashian and Kim Kardashian has amplified her impact, while her instincts for identifying market gaps have made her a standout figure in inclusive brand building.
In recent years, Emma has continued to expand her influence across industries. She co-founded Off Season in 2025, a sports apparel brand blending quality with modern fanwear, and launched her podcast Aspire with Emma Grede, where she explores entrepreneurship and resilience. Her appearance as a guest Dragon on “Dragons’ Den” in 2024 further demonstrated her insight and leadership, as did her role in co-founding Safely, a plant-based cleaning brand. Emma also serves as Chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, pushing major retailers to dedicate shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Recognition like the CFDA Innovation Award for Skims and her long-standing work with Baby2Baby reflect her multifaceted commitment to progress.
Audiences around the world turn to Emma for her unmatched perspective on leadership, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Her ability to translate real-world experience into relatable, energising talks makes her an ideal speaker for those looking to challenge norms, champion diversity, and achieve ambitious goals. Emma is hired because she doesn’t just talk about success – she embodies it, and empowers others to do the same.
