#1 Business Expert: Here’s how I went from $0 to 7 BILLON EMPIRE … (and how you can too)

The Inner Critic and the Journey to Self-Confidence

Emma opens up about the universal struggle of worrying about what others think—a feeling that many wrestle with early in their careers and even intermittently throughout life. She admits that, like many, she spent years being her own harshest critic, constantly trying to prove her worth to others. But over time, Emma reached a pivotal moment where she realized the importance of redirecting that energy inward, focusing on meeting her own expectations rather than chasing external validation. This internal shift allowed her to wake up each day with the resolve to give her best for herself, a practice she continues today.

She highlights how this early insecurity led to missed opportunities—times she refrained from speaking up or engaging in conversations, rooted in the fear that "everyone knows better than me." Emma candidly states that with age and experience, she has come to understand that "no one knows anything" and that success is often about learning on the fly and embracing uncertainty. This reframing fosters confidence, though she emphasizes that courage does not equate to an absence of fear. Instead, it involves managing and "parking" fear to prevent it from wielding a negative influence.

Breaking Barriers

Emma discusses the stark gender disparities in confidence and opportunity, sharing insights into how women often underestimate their qualifications compared to men. She references studies demonstrating that men apply for roles when they meet only 40% of the criteria while women hesitate even when they meet 80%. The societal conditioning that discourages women from "bragging" or assertively promoting themselves plays a massive role in this dynamic. Emma has encountered significant criticism for speaking boldly in her professional life, a standard not equally applied to men.

Rather than shy away, Emma doubles down, refusing to conform to outdated expectations of demure, "likable" women in business. Her philosophy is to unapologetically "do me," paving a path for others to break free from the restrictive molds that often hold women back. She recognizes the external barriers are real and formidable, which is why she intentionally structures her companies with women in leadership roles to drive better decision-making and inclusivity. Emma believes representation matters, both for the efficacy of business and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.

The Secret to Accelerated Growth

Emma underscores the transformative power of focusing on what you can do well right now. Reflecting on her early days working in a deli, her commitment to being "an amazing sandwich maker" was a stepping stone on her journey. This commitment to excellence, regardless of the scale or glamour of the task, builds the foundation for confidence and opens doors to greater opportunities. Emma encourages embracing a mindset of "I'll do that," highlighting the importance of saying yes to opportunities and learning as you go, rather than waiting to be fully prepared or perfect.

This mentality, she asserts, can magnetize success and connections, much like the waitress at a casual restaurant who enthralled her friends simply by being excellent at her job. Emma's own career exemplifies this principle, showing that relentless dedication and openness to new challenges "force multipliers" that unlock growth and innovation.

Passion Versus Competence

One of the most striking points Emma makes challenges the cultural fixation on "finding your passion." She advises against chasing passion alone, warning that passion can be fleeting and sometimes impractical. Instead, she suggests focusing on what you're good at—developing competence that builds real confidence. This approach allows you to find fulfillment through mastery and growth rather than waiting for an elusive all-consuming passion.

Emma emphasizes that purpose often emerges organically when you lean into your strengths and identify the activities that energize rather than drain you. In doing so, you avoid burnout and sustain the drive needed to build something meaningful. This pragmatic philosophy invites listeners not to expect overnight success but to commit to deep focus and continual improvement in a chosen field.

Surrounding Yourself Wisely

Emma opens up about her personal strengths—like resilience, focus, and work ethic—while acknowledging her limitations, such as impatience. She stresses the importance of knowing yourself deeply, including areas where you are less capable, and surrounding yourself with complementary talent. Self-awareness enables better decision-making about what roles to take on personally and where to delegate or seek support. This insight is crucial for anyone hoping to scale a business or sustain long-term success.

She also touches on the value of understanding your unique strengths through tools like the StrengthsFinder assessment, which helped a co-host discover her top skill in strategy—an awakening that shifted her entire mindset. Emma advises embracing who you are authentically, instead of adhering to societal pressures to "be good at everything," which often dilutes focus and energy.

Motherhood

Navigating the demands of being a high-powered CEO, mother of four, and wife, Emma discusses the trade-offs she consistently makes. She refuses to sugarcoat the challenges or perpetuate unrealistic "balance" myths. For Emma, balance is less about perfectly distributing time and more about accepting difficult choices and prioritizing what works for her family and herself. She is unapologetic about letting go of certain societal expectations, such as elaborate school lunchboxes or constant presence at every event, focusing instead on meaningful non-negotiables like annual girls' trips that sustain her happiness.

Emma advocates for honesty in parenting and leadership, encouraging women not to fall into guilt traps or comparison games. She believes that openly owning your decisions—for work trips or business commitments—fosters a healthier narrative for children and sets empowering examples. Her kids understand and respect her career because she models passion, purpose, and authenticity, dismantling old perceptions about what it means to be a "good mom."

She also highlights the critical support systems that make her work possible, such as nannies and a strong partnership with her husband. Crucially, Emma champions asking for help and collaborative problem-solving as essential skills for any ambitious person.

Shattering Myths and Starting Small

Throughout the conversation, Emma dispels myths about overnight success and exclusive access, emphasizing the grind, relentless hard work, and continuous learning involved in building an empire. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start where they are with what they have and validate ideas through testing and iteration rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

This approach was illustrated vividly when a restaurant owner from the audience pitched her idea for a food industry-centric YouTube show. Emma advised taking the concept and experimenting with smaller-scale versions, leveraging platforms like YouTube or Instagram as cost-effective proving grounds before chasing major media deals. This strategy reduces risk and accelerates growth by allowing entrepreneurs to learn fast and pivot wisely.

Emma's commitment to truth-telling extends through her newly launched podcast Aspire, which aims to share real conversations with accomplished people about the messy, hard, and unglamorous aspects of success. Her mission is to provide honest mentorship at scale, offering tools and insights to those ready to pursue their dreams without illusions.

Concluding Thoughts

Emma closes with a powerful reminder that success and fulfillment are ongoing practices shaped by the stories we tell ourselves daily. She shares how she consciously chooses to be kind and encouraging in her self-talk, viewing it as the most enduring relationship she will ever have. For Emma, the journey is about consistently practicing who you want to be, staying fiercely authentic, focused, and brave amid fear and societal noise.

Her story challenges us to question our self-imposed limits and societal expectations, urging a reassessment of what it truly means to be successful, confident, and fulfilled. Emma Grede's path from humble beginnings to building a $7 billion empire is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of saying, "I'll do that."