Aspire with Emma Grede

Emma sits down with Cardi B, global superstar, entrepreneur, and now founder, to talk about what actually changed once she understood where her power sits. Cardi didn’t come into this industry with a co-sign. She came in figuring it out in real time, investing her own money, navigating bad deals, and slowly realizing she’d been making everyone else rich before herself. Now, as a two-time Grammy winner and a mother of four, she’s launching Grow-Good, her own haircare brand, and stepping into a new level of ownership. Cardi shares: Why getting burned early became her best business education What she looks for in partners now, and what she won’t tolerate How she shifted from quick money to ownership and equity Why this moment feels urgent, and what she’s building toward How she’s balancing motherhood, relationships, and ambition Where do you need to stop settling and start taking control? Drop it in the comments, we’re reading. And subscribe to Aspire with Emma Grede so you don’t miss what’s next. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Monique Rodriguez built Mielle Organics from her basement into a billion-dollar brand and did it without a blueprint. In this episode of Aspire, Monique shares the real story behind building one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the world–from bootstrapping with her husband’s paycheck to risking their home, navigating criticism, and ultimately selling to Procter & Gamble while remaining CEO.  But this isn't just a business story. It started with loss, a leap of faith, and a decision to bet on herself before she felt ready. This is a conversation about what it really takes to build something meaningful… and what happens when you finally reach the other side. In this episode, Monique shares: Why you don’t need to feel ready before making a life-changing decision How personal adversity can reshape your ambition and clarity What founders get wrong about scaling too early How to know when it’s time to bring in experienced operators Why building with the end in mind changes how you run your company The real risks founders take behind the scenes How to navigate criticism as your company grows What it actually means to lead after a major acquisition How to protect your vision while growing at scale Why success doesn’t always eliminate the feeling of having something to prove  Monique Rodriguez’s story is proof that you don’t have to be ready to start, you just have to be willing. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Allie K. Miller has been working in AI for nearly 20 years, and she says most of us aren't even close to using these tools to their full potential. Today, she's going to teach us exactly how to change the way we work, think, and operate with AI. Allie built teams at IBM and Amazon, advises companies like Google, OpenAI, and Salesforce, and TIME named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in AI. Nearly two million people follow her because she's one of the clearest voices translating AI for people who aren't engineers, which is why she's the right person to have this conversation with. In this episode, Emma and Allie get into the practical, actionable side of AI that most people never hear about—from the systems Allie has built to run her life and business, to the mistakes that keep most people stuck at the surface level. You'll learn: Why treating AI like a search engine is the biggest mistake people make and how to start treating it like an employee who works for you around the clock The prompting shift from "senior analyst" to "CEO" that changes the quality of everything you get back How to build a context document about your life, business, and beyond that makes every AI interaction more useful The automated briefing system Allie uses to manage her calendar, goals, and priorities every morning The study that shows how using AI the right way can make you more creative What's driving the 25% gender gap in AI adoption and what women can do about it right now If you've been holding back from using AI because this all feels overwhelming, or no one's ever taught you how to use it well, start here. What's the first thing you're going to try with AI after this conversation? Drop it in the comments and come back and tell us how it went. For more conversations like this on business, leadership, and leveling up how you work, subscribe to Aspire with Emma Grede so you never miss what's next. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Emma sits down with financial educator and entrepreneur and everyone’s RichBFF, Vivian Tu to unpack why women are still the least likely to talk openly about money  and what it ultimately costs them.  Vivian grew up translating bills for her immigrant parents and then went on to earn six figures on Wall Street before walking away from a $625K salary to build something on her own terms. She knows exactly what financial confidence looks like from the inside  and what keeps most women from getting there. Vivian shares:  How to negotiate a raise and actually win it Why stability has to come before wealth (and how to build it) The quiet ways lifestyle inflation erodes your progress How to think strategically about benefits, taxes, and retirement The mindset shift that separates earners from builders Why women talking openly about money changes everything This isn't a conversation about becoming rich. It's about becoming someone who knows what they're worth and stops leaving it on the table. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emma has known Rich Kleiman for 20 years. In all that time, they've never talked about where he actually came from, until now. What came next was one of the most honest conversations we've had on the podcast.  The hardest story to change is the one you tell yourself. For Rich, it wasn't a lesson,  it was survival. He grew up navigating a volatile home on the Upper West Side. With a mother battling addiction and no one to watch him, Rich was left to figure life out on his own.  Today he manages Kevin Durant's business empire, has built Boardroom from scratch, and is one of the most respected operators at the intersection of sports, music, and culture.  In this conversation, he and Emma get into how chaos became his competitive advantage, what it really takes to build a partnership that lasts, and why legacy means more to him now than money ever did. Rich shares:  How growing up around instability shaped his instincts in business. How his ability to navigate chaos made him a better leader. Why notoriety and success aren't the same thing  Why the stories you tell yourself matter – and how truth outways comfort.  Why making peace with your past changes how you move through the world.  What's the story you keep telling yourself? Drop it in the comments — we'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Aspire with Emma Grede. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes you can reach a point in your career when everything looks right on paper, but feels completely wrong.  And wanting something different doesn’t make you ungrateful, it signals growth.  But the next step is where a lot of people make emotional decisions. They quit without having a plan, waiting to feel ready before they make a move, or talking themselves out of it entirely. In this episode, Emma talks about what a real career pivot actually looks like. Not the fantasy version where you walk away from everything and magically figure it out, but the strategic version where you build on what you’ve already done. She gets into how to tell the difference between burnout and a real signal that it’s time to change, why the best pivots are usually closer than you think, and how to move forward without starting from zero. You'll learn: The Pivot Audit:  a framework for making big career moves strategically How to de-risk a career change before you take the leap Why being "too late" is a myth and what the data actually says What's one part of your career you've quietly outgrown? Drop it in the comments — we'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Aspire with Emma Grede. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The truth is, most of us weren’t taught how to manage our money, we were taught not to talk about it.  From salary transparency and investing to honest discussions about debt and risk, women are left out of the conversation. Today’s guest, Tori Dunlap, is trying to change that. She’s built HerFirst $100K into a multi-million dollar education platform by helping women reshape their relationship with money and start building wealth.  In this conversation Emma and Tori get into the real reasons why so many women avoid looking at their bank accounts, how money narratives impact our decisions before we are even old enough to understand them and why waiting until you're ready to invest is ultimately costing you your future.  Tori also speaks candidly about why she believes women in relationships should keep separate accounts, how the trad wife trend can be misleading and why getting rich isn’t something women should ever feel guilty about.  You’ll learn:  • Why “I’m bad at math” is keeping women broke • What most of us get wrong about investing and how to do it right • What today’s economic uncertainty actually means for your money • Why financial education is the highest-return investment you can make What's your biggest money block right now? Drop it in the comments,  we'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Aspire with Emma Grede. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mori Taheripour is one of the leading negotiation experts in the country,  but her most important lesson may be this: negotiation has nothing to do with conflict and everything to do with knowing your worth.  The Wharton professor has spent the last 22 years teaching people how to ask for what they want, not by using scripts or tactics, but by rebuilding the self-belief that life slowly chips away at.  In this episode, Emma and Mori get into the fear, guilt, people-pleasing and inner work that sits at the heart of every negotiation you’ll ever have.  They explore:  Why negotiation is a life skill,  not a boardroom tactic How fear of rejection stops us from asking for more Why people pleasers struggle to advocate for themselves How to stop taking no personally Why your biggest negotiation is always with yourself Why leverage is often perception  How to ask for more without guilt or apology  This is the episode for every woman who has ever talked herself out of asking. You already have what it takes and Mori explains exactly why. What's your biggest negotiation challenge right now? Drop it in the comments,  we'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Aspire with Emma Grede. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly Wearstler is one of the most influential designers in the world,  but her real genius may be how she turned taste into a scalable multi-million dollar business. Over the years, she’s built a company that stretches far beyond interiors, expanding into product, licensing, creative direction, and media  all while staying closely involved in the work itself. In this conversation, we get into the structure, decision-making, and resilience behind that growth. In this episode, Emma explores: How Kelly built a 60-person studio Why she believes in “sequence” over speed The commercial strategy behind creative work How she’s using AI within her company  Investing in hierarchy and leadership Knowing when to walk away  Why longevity matters more than hype This is a conversation about building something that evolves and making sure it’s designed to endure. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Interviewing isn’t a personality test. It’s a skill, and it’s one you can learn. In this Career Girl’s Guide episode, Emma breaks down what actually makes someone stand out in the room. Drawing from years of interviewing — on both sides of the table — she shares the mindset shifts and practical tools that separate average candidates from unforgettable ones. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How to research like a strategist  How to uncover a role’s hidden pain The three-part storytelling formula that works • How to speak about failure with authority • Salary rules that change your earning trajectory • The questions that signal leadership This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being understood — and positioned. Career girlies don’t audition. We position. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Aspire, Emma sits down with Jessie Inchauspé, known to millions as The Glucose Goddess. What started as a personal health experiment turned into three bestselling books, a global community, and an eight-figure business — built from the ground up, without outside investors. But this conversation isn’t about going viral. It’s about control. Emma and Jessie talk about the very intentional decision to bootstrap, what it actually takes to protect your freedom as a founder, and why Jessie would rather move slower than compromise on quality. They get into building around real intellectual property instead of trends — and why trusting your own proof can be more powerful than chasing scale. In this episode, Jessie shares: Why she chose not to raise capital How staying independent shaped every major decision The trade-offs that come with slower, intentional growth Why she refuses to sacrifice quality for margin How motherhood made her more focused, not softer How a simple personal breakthrough can evolve into a global platform Yes, they talk about her famous glucose hacks. But more importantly, they talk about conviction and what happens when you decide something that worked for you might actually help millions of others. This episode is for founders who care about freedom, longevity, and building on their own terms. If it resonates, like, comment, and subscribe for more honest conversations with leaders shaping the future of business. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Aspire, Emma sits down with Laney Crowell, founder and CEO of Saie – a brand that consistently has seven products ranked in the top ten at Sephora.  Emma and Laney talk about what it really took to build Saie from scratch: the mindset shifts, the operational discipline, the hiring decisions, and the resilience required to scale without a traditional founder background. In this episode, Laney shares: Why rejection isn’t personal and how to use it as fuel What raising capital as a woman actually requires The importance of reference checks and hiring intentionally Why refining consistently beats rushing growth The importance of building a community alongside the brand  The rewards and challenges of building a business as a new mother This episode is for anyone who feels “not qualified enough” or “not ready yet” and is building anyway. If this conversation resonated, leave a comment and subscribe for more honest conversations with founders, leaders, and builders on Aspire. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Issa Rae is entering a new chapter — not from the bottom, but from experience. After disrupting modern television with shows like HBO’s Insecure, building business across multiple industries, and creating some of the most culturally resonant work of the last decade, Issa sits down with Emma for a reflective conversation about power, execution, and what it really means to build something that lasts. Issa isn’t into chasing momentum. She’s moving discernment— navigating the industry on her own terms and only committing to work she genuinely believes in.  In this episode, Issa opens up about: Why ideas are meaningless without execution The difference between visibility and real power What it means to “prove yourself again” — even at the top How she decides what not to do in this phase of her career Why money equals creative freedom, not validation The discipline of saying no, protecting her voice, and building on her own terms Her desire to continue to make people’s favorite content.  Issa also reflects on leadership, ownership, and the responsibility that comes with influence — especially in an industry that feels like it’s regressing.  This conversation is for anyone navigating a new chapter, resisting comfort, or learning that longevity requires a different kind of courage. What resonated most with you from Issa’s journey — her discipline, her clarity, or her refusal to rush?  Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more honest conversations on Aspire. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Angelica Nwandu shouldn’t be here...not according to the statistics. After surviving the unimaginable loss of her mother at age six and growing up in foster care, she rebuilt her world from scratch. Today, she stands as the powerhouse founder behind The Shade Room, one of the most influential media platforms in culture. In this rare intimate conversation, Angelica opens up to Emma about: -Surviving childhood trauma and how adaptability became her superpower -Growing up across wildly different homes—from Inglewood to Bel Air—and how that shaped her ambition -The accidental birth of The Shade Room—and how she built a media empire out of nothing -What it really takes to scale, evolve, and lead a company with cultural influence -Why ownership matters, and the crucial shift she’s making from frugality to growth -The emotional toll of running a platform at the center of culture—and why she’s ready for her next chapter Angelica also addresses the controversy and scrutiny The Shade Room has faced over the years — including critics who say the platform can sometimes tear down the same community it seeks to uplift. She speaks candidly about how she balances impact, responsibility, and evolution as the brand grows. Angelica’s story is proof that you can start over, build again, and create something bigger than yourself—even when no one sees your potential yet. If you’re a woman navigating career pivots, big dreams, second chances, or the pressure to “figure it out,” this conversation will stay with you. What part of Angelica’s journey inspired you the most — her resilience, her reinvention, or her vision for the future of media? Drop a comment below. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful conversation, Emma sits down with Simon Sinek to redefine what leadership actually looks like in today’s world. Known for shaping how millions think about purpose and influence, Simon goes deeper than theory, challenging the outdated idea that leadership is about authority, titles, or control. Instead, he breaks down why real leadership is rooted in responsibility: the responsibility to help people feel safe, supported, and able to do their best work. Together, Emma and Simon explore why so many people feel disconnected from their jobs, why traditional leadership models are failing, and what it really means to lead in service of others. Simon reflects on his own journey to finding purpose, the discomfort that came with it, and why clarity—not charisma—is the foundation of trust, loyalty, and lasting success. This episode is a grounded, honest look at leadership without ego, purpose without performance, and the new rules required to build cultures—and lives—that actually work. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Why leadership isn’t about being in charge, it’s about taking responsibility for people How helping people is the true job of a leader Why so many leaders get it wrong, even with good intentions What it really means to “find your why” and keep it in balance The difference between authority and trust Why great leaders are made, not born How to lead without burning out yourself or your team The simple mindset shift that creates loyalty, safety, and long-term success Why service not power is the foundation of meaningful leadership To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do ambitious moms feel like they’re failing even when everything looks successful from the outside? In this enlightening episode of Aspire, Emma sits down with parenting expert and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Dr. Becky Kennedy for a conversation about motherhood, ambition, guilt, and what kids actually need from us. Dr. Becky breaks down why working moms feel stretched so thin, how culture has conditioned women to absorb everyone else’s emotions, and why so many parents secretly believe they’re “not enough.” She explains why emotion regulation is the most important skill we can model for our children, why discomfort is essential for kids’ growth, and how “mom guilt” has been completely misunderstood. Together, Emma and Dr. Becky dive into: Why ambitious moms feel like they’re winning at work but failing at home The real definition of guilt — and why most “mom guilt” isn’t guilt at all How convenience culture has robbed kids of frustration tolerance Why kids don’t need selfless martyrs — they need sturdy leaders The danger of absorbing everyone else’s emotions How to stop judging your parenting by your child’s behavior What to do when you’re overwhelmed, burnt out, or in the spiral How parents can learn, grow, and lead with confidence This is the episode every working parent needs to watch. You are not failing,  and Dr. Becky explains exactly why.   Did this conversation hit home for you? Drop a comment below.  We’d love to hear your thoughts and your own experiences with ambition and mom guilt.  Don't forget to subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode of Aspire with Emma Grede. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the smallest decisions you make today determine who you become in 2026? In this powerful New Year conversation, James Clear — author of Atomic Habits, the global phenomenon with over 25 million copies sold — sits down with Emma to break down the real psychology of habits, identity, and long-term success. Whether you're trying to reset your routines, build discipline, or reinvent your life this year, this episode gives you the blueprint. James reveals:-Why “every action is a vote for the person you wish to become”-The invisible mistakes that sabotage your habits-How to escape bad habit loops without relying on motivation-Why the next hour matters just as much as the next decade -How to build habits that are obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying-The science behind consistency (and why starting is the real superpower)-Why “if you’re struggling to improve, the problem isn’t you — it’s your system”-What leaders, founders, and top performers do daily to stay ahead-Why identity is both your greatest advantage… and your biggest obstacle-How to make habit change FUN  Emma also opens up about her own struggles with habits, discipline, and energy — and James responds with practical tools, mindset shifts, and game-changing frameworks you can start using today. This is more than a conversation — it’s your 2026 reset, your system reboot, and your reminder that you’re far more capable than you think. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this deeply honest conversation, Mel Robbins sits down with Emma for one of the most raw, generous, and energizing interviews she’s ever given. Fresh off the global success of The Let Them Theory and hosting one of the world’s biggest podcasts, Mel opens up about what’s really behind her “overnight” rise: 16 years of unseen work, fierce mission-driven clarity, and a relentless commitment to helping people live better lives.  Together, Emma and Mel unpack everything from success, purpose, jealousy as a directional tool, and the truth about staying grounded when the world explodes around you. Mel shares the surprising mindset practices that changed her life, the one metric she actually tracks in her business, how to build something lasting in a noisy world, and why she believes your next chapter can begin today...no matter your age or circumstances.  They also go deep on Mel’s new phase as an entrepreneur, the behind-the-scenes story of building her media company, and the launch of her first consumer product, Pure Genius, a clinical-grade protein shot years in the making. This episode is packed with wisdom, practical tools, and the kind of real talk that will keep you motivated this year. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: -Why success is timing + mission + relentless consistency -How jealousy can reveal your true path -The #1 mistake creators and entrepreneurs make -The mindset shift Mel uses every single morning -How to stop obsessing about other people’s opinions -Why your biggest chapter may still be ahead of you -The truth about money, debt, and rebuilding from zero -How Mel built a top global podcast without chasing virality -The origin story behind Mel’s new product launch, Pure Genius What hit home for you? Leave a comment with your favorite moment or insight from Mel! And don’t forget to subscribe—it truly helps us grow this community and bring you more powerful conversations. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does a doctor with zero beauty training build one of the most influential skincare brands in the world? In this episode of Aspire, Emma Grede sits down with Dr. Barbara Sturm — the founder behind a global, anti-inflammatory skincare empire — to reveal the true story you’ve never heard.   Dr. Sturm opens up about the bullets she dodged, the bets she made, and the risks that almost broke her. From being dismissed by the beauty industry to scaling a brand from €350 to a brand valued at over a billion dollars. Dr. Sturm shares the mindset, the science, and the steps it took to build something no one believed was possible.   You’ll learn: -How she built a global brand without investors -The mindset every ambitious woman needs to scale -What she wishes every founder knew before starting -Why she never used retinol,  and what she does instead -The anti-inflammatory approach that changed the industry -The moment she realized the world was finally listening   If you’re an entrepreneur, a skincare obsessive, or a woman building something big — this conversation will change the way you think about success, aging, and what’s actually possible. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does building a strong network help propel you in your career and business life? This mini-episode of Aspire with Emma Grede, answers that very question.  After listening, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what a network actually is, why it matters, and most importantly how you can create it for yourself, from where you are with what you have. We’ll also touch on the importance of being an active, valuable part of people’s networks.  Because the truth is, it’s not just about how your network shows up for you, it’s also about how you show up for your network.  In this episode, you’ll learn: The distinction between networking and building a real network  Why feedback is a gift and how to actively seek it The importance of getting out of your own way and putting your ego to the side How to actively be a part of someone else’s network.  Why networks naturally evolve over time. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices