Italian (UK-born) entrepreneur Emma Grede, co-founder of Skims, Good America, and Safely, has been the subject of a vigorous debate following recent highly contentious remarks during an interview on a recently aired podcast. Speaking to Steven Bartlett on The Diary of a CEO, Grede opined that work-life balance is “your problem” and not something that should be the hassle of employers. Her words went viral and stirred mixed reactions on social media.
Grede’s comments were sparked by inquiries about the various red flags she sees at job interviews. She stated that asking about work-life balance when being interviewed means responsibility has been left out. “That’s not the way to win the interview,” she said.
A CEO’s Take on Balance
Grede elaborated that her businesses are organized so they already have personal freedom built in. She said no one at her companies misses doctor’s appointments, haircuts or school meetings. Employees work flexible hours and there is no micromanagement. For that reason, she considers questions on balance old-fashioned or irrelevant. She stressed that today’s work places including hers were designed for flexibility therefore people must learn how to manage their time.
She also talked about her own history as a mother of four, saying that she has had to work out how to chase big career goals while raising a family. This juggling act to her is a personal venture; the employers are not responsible for fixing everything..
Online Reactions Are Divided
Grede’s statements were responded to immediately by social media users and professionals. There were some critiques that she was too honest and her tough-love approach, but they agreed that employees need to take responsibility for their time. Others, however, blamed her for being out of touch, particularly in consideration of the fact that Skims’ primary target is a rather feminine audience, with most of them having to deal with the issue of workplace inequality and more domestic duties.
“Work-life balance is fine for the owner to ignore who makes 20x my salary!” one online critic wrote. Massive red flag.” The others defended Grede, arguing that all she was doing was encouraging self-discipline and independence, but not ignoring the fact of the need for rest and flexibility.
Experts Push Back
Experts in mental health and the workplace did not take long to respond. Psychologist Katina Sawyer told Business Insider that Grede’s perspective does not see the big picture. She said that as an individual problem, balance neglects the effect of company culture and leadership on employee wellbeing. A lot of experts claim that it is up to companies to establish limits, to promote time off, and to develop systems preventing burnout.
Data supports this concern. When surveyed in 2022, 4 out of 10 U.S workers reported that their job i negatively impacting their mental health. For the women, the amount is even higher. The Pew Research study noted that 60% women find it hard to balance between their careers and personal life as compared to the 47% of men. Women also spend more hours on housework and care taking, even if both partners work full time.
A New Podcast Amid the Backlash
Despite all the backlash, Emma Grede is forging ahead with new media ventures. She launched a podcast titled “Aspire with Emma Grede,” which will cover the topic of mentorship and entrepreneurship. The first guests are actress Gwyneth Paltrow and business leader Mellody Hobson. William Grede says the podcast will provide “unfiltered advice” and lessons from people who are making a meaningful career in life.
She hopes the podcast provides a space in which people can share even work-life struggles and solutions. According to her, in a real sense, success calls for hard work, sacrifice, and personal responsibility, and she says that these values have guided her in her own journey.
