Skims Cofounder: A Leader's Role Is Business Needs, Not Friendship

Emma Grede, a cofounder of the shapewear and apparel brand Skims, has outlined her leadership philosophy, emphasizing that a business leader's core duty is to serve the needs of the enterprise.

"It is not my job to be your friend," Grede said during a recent appearance on the Boardroom podcast. She clarified that this stance does not preclude empathy or mistreatment. Grede asserted that leaders can be empathetic and prioritize their team's needs while maintaining an "enterprise mentality" focused on what is right for the business.

Grede, who also cofounded the Good American brand, explained that failing to act in the best interest of the business ultimately hinders the ability to support employees. She noted that as a company grows, its personnel must also evolve, which can necessitate difficult decisions, such as letting go of employees who cannot keep pace with the business's expansion.

The cofounder advocates for candid, direct feedback, a practice she terms "radical honesty," to ensure employees understand their standing. Grede also dismissed the notion that female executives must be overly nurturing and stated her concern when candidates prioritize "work-life balance," having previously called remote work "career suicide."

However, Grede stressed that directness does not equate to cruelty or abuse. "You can still be honest without being brutal," she concluded.