Emma Grede on Work-Life Balance: A Personal Responsibility

Emma Grede, the innovative cofounder of Skims and Good American, is not enthusiastic about inquiries regarding work-life balance. She believes that managing how you pick up your kids from school is not something that should be addressed by your employer, nor should it be a topic during job interviews. According to Grede, achieving a equilibrium between professional and personal obligations is a personal responsibility. She highlights that those who excel in their careers rarely, if ever, experience a day without engaging in some form of work. “Work-life balance is your issue to handle, not your employer’s,” Grede asserts.

As a mother of four, Grede manages to carve out time to enjoy weekends at the beach in Malibu. However, she acknowledges that working on Saturdays is a reality for those aspiring to live an exceptional life. In her view, prior to demanding a work-life balance from your employer, one should prioritize earning a higher salary, receiving bonuses, and thriving in a remarkable work environment. For Grede, these elements are crucial before expecting the company to accommodate personal balance needs.