What does it really take to build a successful business? For Emma Grede, the entrepreneur behind Good American and SKIMS, determination, hard work, and staying connected to customers are essential parts of the journey.
On November 5, the NYU Stern Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship welcomed Grede for a special edition of Behind the Brands, drawing a full house of more than 400 guests. Moderated by Berkley Center Associate Director Shayna Gaskins (Stern MBA ’27), the fireside chat offered a warm and candid look at Grede’s entrepreneurial journey and her approach to building businesses.
As Co-Founder and CEO of Good American and Founding Partner of SKIMS, Grede has helped shape some of today’s most recognizable consumer brands. Throughout the conversation, she emphasized the importance of determination, hard work, and resourcefulness, qualities that matter regardless of where someone is in their career or entrepreneurial journey.
Another theme was understanding customers and using their responses to guide business decisions. Sales can be an important indicator of whether a product is resonating with customers, while staying connected to their needs and keeping a pulse on the market are essential to continued growth.
Grede also discussed the trade-offs that come with entrepreneurship. Building a business requires making choices about priorities, opportunities, and personal commitments. An important part of navigating those decisions is accepting the trade-offs involved and being comfortable with your choices, regardless of what others may think.
Beyond the practical side of building businesses, Grede spoke about the value of in-person relationships and conversations. She emphasized the importance of connecting with others, building community, and finding ways to support one another as people pursue their goals.
That spirit of connection was evident throughout the evening. Many attendees were active or aspiring entrepreneurs inspired by Grede’s journey, and audience members eagerly took the opportunity to ask questions. Grede responded thoughtfully, offering additional perspectives on the experiences and challenges of entrepreneurship.
The enthusiasm continued after the conversation, as a line stretched around the lobby for the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Grede’s book, Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life.
The evening brought together hundreds of people interested in entrepreneurship, from those already building businesses to those considering their next steps. It was also an opportunity to make the kinds of personal connections Grede had emphasized throughout the conversation, bringing her message about community and supporting one another into the room itself.
