Inclusive Leadership with Grede, Hobson & Ahrendts

Businesses that address genuine needs are more likely to resonate with customers.

"The only thing that we can guarantee is that meeting customers where they're at, having a business that solves a real problem and serves a real purpose, that's the only continued way that you can connect with customers."

• Emma underlines the necessity of providing genuine value to customers.
• Focus on solving problems to build sustainable customer relationships.
• Understanding customer needs leads to meaningful product development.

Recognizing the right cultural moment is critical when introducing new products or services.

"I always think about there being a time and a moment in culture when there are things that customers are willing to accept... it's about like when is what you do ready to be accepted."

• Emma emphasizes the importance of timing and cultural alignment in business.
• Analyzing market readiness can increase the chances of product acceptance.
• Founders should stay attuned to cultural trends and shifts.

Balancing profit with social impact can drive business growth and contribute positively to society.

"It's about taking what you know and taking your power and taking something that you do uniquely well and being able to say, OK, let's like pay this idea forward. And if it's a business proposition, it's just a win-win all round."

• Emma believes integrating social initiatives can benefit both business and community.
• Founders can create value by addressing societal needs through their companies.
• Embracing social responsibility can enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Trusting your instincts can guide you towards opportunities and help solve real problems.

"I get a hunch, I get a feeling, I catch a vibe and I go for what I think is gonna be right."

• Emma relies on her instincts developed from her background.
• Encourages founders to trust their gut feelings when making decisions.
• Using intuition can lead to unique solutions and paths less traveled.

Honesty and transparency are fundamental in building strong teams and leading effectively.

"What I try to do is tell the truth, and what I try to do is be really honest about my expectations, what I need from people, where we're going... it's really served me incredibly well."

• Emma stresses the importance of clear communication with team members.
• Being authentic attracts top talent and fosters loyalty.
• Open leadership cultivates a transparent and trustworthy company culture.

Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail remains vital for offering experiential value to customers.

"I'm opening about a store a month at the moment... People are craving in real life experience, they're craving community... There is so much value to traditional bricks and mortar."

• Emma emphasizes that customers desire tangible experiences and personal interactions.
• Recommends not overlooking any channels where customers can be found.
• Physical stores can significantly contribute to brand growth and valuation.

Pursuing B Corp certification can have unexpected benefits for both company culture and customer loyalty.

"Becoming B Corp certified was a turning point in Good American... It did two things. Number one, becoming B Corp certified taught me a lot... but they're the ones that are the boundary pushers and they're coming up with everything that is driving the company forward."

• Emma found that B Corp certification boosted team morale and loyalty.
• It attracted a dedicated segment of customers who value social responsibility.
• Certification can differentiate your brand and future-proof your business.

Adapting marketing strategies is crucial as digital platforms and consumer behaviors evolve rapidly.

"Whatever work last year is not working now, that's for sure, right? It's like there's no arbitrage in social media anymore..."

• Emma highlights that past marketing tactics may no longer be effective.
• Emphasizes the importance of solving real problems to connect with customers.
• Encourages meeting customers where they are and adjusting strategies accordingly.

Building the right team is essential for creating the right culture and achieving business success.

"I spend an enormous amount of my time hiring because I know that bringing the right people into the right culture is what building a business is all about, and nothing happens on your own..."

• Emma believes in investing time to hire individuals who fit the company culture.
• She acknowledges that success is a team effort, not a solo achievement.
• Focusing on team building can drive innovation and growth.

Raising funds for a unique concept can be challenging, but selecting the right investors is crucial for long-term success.

"I have a rule that's, I don't take investors that I don't, well I wouldn't want to have a drink with, that I don't want to spend time with because you end up in these relationships that are really complex."

• Emma emphasizes choosing investors who align with your values and vision.
• She advises founders to view investor relationships as long-term partnerships.
• Building trust with investors leads to better collaboration and support.