If you've ever felt underestimated, struggled with mom-guilt, or wondered if it's possible to truly balance ambition and personal peace, this is your episode. We dive into the emotional costs of overachievement, building a business as a mother of three, the moments of doubt when everyone underestimated her, and the heartbreaks that shaped her perspective on success and leadership. This isn't just a story of entrepreneurship and resilience; it's also about vulnerability, intuition, and learning to let go of perfection. Jessica Alba gets real about the success, the global fame, and her journey building the mega-successful brand, The Honest Company. In this deeply personal and honest conversation, Jessica opens up about her transition away from the company she poured her heart into, revealing what it felt like to hand over her "baby" to others. Jessica shares the inside story of what really drove her to start The Honest Company—her health struggles as a child, an allergic reaction that terrified her as a new mom, and her fierce determination to protect families everywhere from hidden toxins. Jessica Alba is proof that the strength to evolve comes from being true to who you really are, even in the toughest moments. 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 sits down with Lucy Guo to uncover the incredible journey of how the daughter of immigrants from Fremont, California, became the world's youngest self-made female billionaire. Unapologetic and refreshingly candid, Lucy offers practical insights into monetizing your passions, securing the equity you deserve, and maintaining authenticity while chasing your dreams. From being a 14-year-old computer hacker to co-founding Scale AI, a multi-billion-dollar tech powerhouse, Lucy shares how she navigated setbacks—including being sidelined from her own company—and reinvented herself to revolutionize social media. Tune in for an inspiring and empowering playbook from Silicon Valley’s boldest rebel entrepreneur. 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 electrifying sit-down, marketing powerhouse Bozoma Saint John tells Emma Grede how trusting her gut—and refusing to shrink—propelled her from a junior assistant’s cubicle to the C-suite, and now to founding the hair-care disruptor, Eve by Boz. She unpacks why “excellence is a baseline” was the mantra drilled into her by her Ghanaian parents, shares the exact language she used to claim credit without apology, and explains why ditching a rigid five-year plan unlocked once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Boz dives deep on separating ego from intuition, funding a factory in Ghana to center Black women in a $7-billion industry, and spotting the storytelling through-line that ties every bold career move together. If you’re ready to amplify your voice, own your wins, and make audacious moves, this conversation is your playbook—hit subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a confidence boost today. 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

Ever wondered what it really takes to turn your small idea into a billion-dollar success? Today, Emma sits down with Allison Ellsworth, the founder behind Poppi, the revolutionary beverage brand that became the second fastest-growing drink company in history. Allison shares the real, raw journey—from brewing her first drink in her kitchen, to putting her life savings on the line, and ultimately landing a $2 billion deal with PepsiCo. This episode is your masterclass in courage, branding, and innovation. Allison reveals her exact playbook for knowing when to go all in, how to avoid costly mistakes, why being social-first changed everything for her company, and the unexpected reason she chose to step away from the business she built from scratch. If you're holding onto an idea, waiting for the right moment, or navigating the complexities of growing your brand, you can't afford to miss this conversation. Hit play for the ultimate inspiration to just get started and build the business of your dreams. 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 most startups fail, and how can you avoid it? In this episode of the Aspire podcast, Mark Cuban breaks down exactly what new founders get wrong, how to take an idea from nothing to something, and the critical Day 1 steps every entrepreneur must get right. He also explains why mastering AI isn’t optional anymore and how it’s completely changing how businesses are built. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, Mark offers raw, tactical advice on sales, mindset, money, and how to build a business that works. 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 raw and deeply honest conversation, Charlamagne tha God joins Emma Grede to reflect on his remarkable journey—from a troubled youth in South Carolina to becoming one of the most influential voices in media. Charlamagne opens up about his early run-ins with the law, the wake-up calls that changed his path, and the mindset that helped him build an empire across radio, books, podcasts, and TV.   He shares hard-earned lessons on purpose, peace, and perseverance, discusses the role of therapy and plant-based medicine in his healing, and speaks candidly about masculinity, marriage, and fatherhood. With signature wit and wisdom, Charlamagne reveals how his greatest success lies not in controversy, but in clarity—and why doing right by his family is the most powerful move he’s ever made. 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 Grede sits down with trial-lawyer-turned–viral communication coach Jefferson Fisher—author of the New York Times bestseller The Next Conversation—to unpack the single skill that drives every success: how you speak. Together they explore why social-media overload is eroding real dialogue, then trade real-world fixes that work from the boardroom to the dinner table. Jefferson explains how a smile and an open question transform first impressions, why cutting “sorry,” “just,” and other verbal fluff instantly boosts authority, and how flipping your “no” (lead with it, end with gratitude) sets healthy boundaries without guilt. Emma probes the toughest moments—family conflicts, workplace clashes, digital misreads—and Jefferson delivers tools such as framing conversations around a shared goal, letting your breath be the first “word,” and wielding strategic silence so people hear their own tone. Brimming with memorable metaphors (be a “well,” not a waterfall, in email) and Emma’s candid reflections on her own communication wins and misses, this episode hands you the script—and the mindset—to make your very next conversation resonate. 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 sits down for an intimate, inspiring conversation with former First Lady Michelle Obama and her big brother, Craig Robinson. In this special episode, Michelle and Craig open up about family, leadership, and the values that shaped them, from their early years sharing on Chicago’s South Side to the White House. Michelle reflects candidly on balancing motherhood, public life, and personal ambition, while Craig shares heartfelt stories that highlight the emotional intelligence and unwavering support they learned from their parents. Together, they discuss how everyone can create meaningful change—starting exactly where they are. 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

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, isn’t just launching a brand—she’s rewriting what it means to build one under relentless public scrutiny. In her first wide-ranging interview about her new company As Ever, Meghan joins Emma for a candid conversation about the pressure, the pivots, and the power of betting on yourself when the world is watching.They get into it all: why a humble jar of jam became her first product, how a Netflix partnership changed the scale overnight, and what it’s like to run a startup when your name is the headline. Meghan opens up about the lessons she learned selling scrunchies as a kid, what she would change about her public narrative, and the real cost of ambition in plain sight. This is a masterclass in building boldly—when you can’t move quietly. 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 of Aspire, Emma dives deep into one of her favorite topics: money! She sits down with bestselling author and financial expert Nicole Lapin to break down why we so often avoid money talk—and how that silence holds us back. Nicole reveals how she conquered her own debt using the “avalanche” method (tackling high-interest balances first) and how to master simple money lingo—ROI, APY, EBITDA—so you never feel lost in a finance convo again. We also cover how just $200 a month in an S&P 500 index fund at age 35 can balloon into roughly $500K by retirement, and why the “age in bonds” rule—your age in bonds, the rest in stocks—is a solid starting point. Plus: automating “set and forget” investments, keeping crypto under 1% of your net worth, and calculating the real “opportunity cost” of a home down payment (hint: sometimes renting wins). This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset. Nicole shares her story of losing her home in the Los Angeles wildfires and turning scarcity into abundance, proving that talking openly about money is the first step to freedom. Whether you’re drowning in debt or ready to make your first investment, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you take control of your finances—and finally feel good about your money. 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 personal solo episode of Aspire, Emma Grede gets real and shares the ten foundational principles that have shaped her journey as an entrepreneur, leader, and mother. Drawing from over two decades of experience, Emma opens up about the power of embracing vulnerability, leveraging your unique strengths, and facing your past head-on. She discusses the critical importance of authenticity, personal responsibility, and the transformative role risk plays in achieving success. Emma’s practical insights will help you clearly identify what truly matters, focus your energy on what you can control, and develop a learning mindset that bridges the gap between good and great. Tune in to discover the powerful guiding principles Emma relies on that can help you forge your own path to fulfillment and success. 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 sits down with Jay Shetty—a global media force, a spiritual leader, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and someone who's building a career with no blueprint — all while staying rooted in purpose and inner peace.   In this episode, Jay opens up about what it really takes to create a life no one else has modeled — and how he's maintained his well-being in the face of massive ambition. Emma and Jay go deep on everything from meditation and mindfulness to business and betrayal, asking questions we rarely hear answered honestly:   How do you protect your peace when the world keeps pulling at you?Can you chase success without burning out?Can you be ruthless in business without losing your center?   This isn’t just a conversation — it’s a masterclass in building a purpose-driven personal and professional life. Whether you’re launching a new venture, redefining success, or simply trying to keep it together while aiming higher, this episode will leave you ready to tackle your goals, all while staying grounded. 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

Model, entrepreneur and media mogul Karlie Kloss sits down with Emma for a rare, wide-ranging conversation about the bold pivots, personal principles, and hard-won lessons that have shaped her journey from the runway to the boardroom. With baby number three on the way, Karlie opens up about the balancing act of motherhood and mogulhood, the trade-offs she makes, and the guilt she’s learned to manage. Emma and Karlie dive deep into her transition from fashion icon to tech and media entrepreneur, her mission to empower women in STEM through Kode with Klossy, and her bold foray into publishing with the relaunch of i-D. Karlie also shares what drives her as an investor, her evolving relationship with money, and how she navigates being underestimated in male-dominated rooms. Whether you’re multi-passionate, mid-pivot, or just need the push to take a leap, Karlie’s story is proof that reinvention is always within reach. 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 is joined by the relentless entrepreneur Michael Rubin, founder and CEO of Fanatics for a deep dive into his extraordinary journey from a self-described "god-awful athlete" to one of the most successful business minds in the sports industry. Michael pulls back the curtain on the mindset and drive that fuels his success, revealing how outworking the competition has been a cornerstone of his career.   From launching his first business at age 8 to building Fanatics into a global powerhouse, Michael shares how his obsession with business—and his ability to thrive during the toughest times—has shaped his rise. Whether it's pushing through failures or seizing opportunities in the face of adversity, Michael’s relentless work ethic and ability to pivot when needed have been crucial to his journey. He talks about the sacrifices he's made, the lessons he's learned about leadership, and how his obsession with staying ahead of the competition fuels both his personal and professional life. Emma and Michael also explore the importance of being in tune with your audience, identifying untapped markets, and building a team of game-changers who share your vision. 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 sits down with the number one person she looks up to in business: to Mellody Hobson. As Co-CEO of Ariel Investments—a firm managing over $14 billion in assets—Mellody is a powerhouse whose influence stretches far beyond Wall Street.   She opens up about her early life growing up on the South Side of Chicago, the youngest of six kids raised by a single mother, and how those beginnings shaped her views on money, ambition, and success. Mellody shares her rare career journey—starting as an intern and rising to president in under ten years, all while staying at the same company for over three decades.   Emma and Mellody go deep on what it takes to thrive in male-dominated spaces, why subject matter expertise is the foundation of real leadership, and how negotiating for yourself is non-negotiable. They also talk openly about money trauma, self-worth, and rewriting the financial narratives many of us carry.   Mellody’s story proves you can build a legendary career without chasing every trend—by staying focused, staying prepared, and staying true to yourself. This conversation is full of hard-won wisdom on how to stand out, stay sharp, and lead with purpose. 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 sits down with Gwyneth Paltrow for an unfiltered conversation about ambition, evolution, and the emotional toll of leadership. Gwyneth opens up about her radical pivot from Academy Award-winning actress to founder and CEO of Goop, the challenges of scaling a brand born from personal passion, and the intense public scrutiny that’s followed her journey. They dive into the emotional complexity behind ambition, navigating layoffs as a woman leader, and how Gwyneth balances personal growth with her brand’s identity.  If you've ever wondered what it really takes to reinvent yourself—and stay true to your vision even when the world has strong opinions—this conversation is for you. 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 Grede has spent her career building culture-defining brands and breaking barriers in business. Now, she’s bringing that same passion to Aspire with Emma Grede—a new podcast designed to inspire, empower, and fuel your ambition. Every week, Emma shares honest conversations with trailblazing entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries, diving into the real stories behind their success. Get ready for practical insights, powerful motivation, and the push you need to keep going. Tune in every Tuesday for your weekly dose of motivation with 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