Why WFH can be a hurdle for a successful career? Kim Kardashian's brand co-founder shares her growth mantra

"If you’re not in the room, you’re not able to do that at an excellent level." That’s how Emma Grede, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind Kim Kardashian’s billion-dollar brand Skims, defines ambition in today’s workplace.

In a candid interview on The Skinny Confidential Him and Her podcast, Grede shared her unwavering belief in the power of proximity, stating that deeply ambitious professionals should steer clear of remote work if they want to truly excel. With a personal net worth of $405 million (as per Forbes), the CEO of Good American and founding partner of Skims has built her success by being relentlessly present.

Learning by Listening: Grede’s Early Office Grind

Recalling her early days in the office, Grede described how sitting next to her boss helped shape her business acumen. “I learned from proximity,” she said. “I’d write down every phrase that came out of her mouth.” For her, the cadence, word choice, and real-time feedback created a boot camp for excellence—one she now replicates for her own teams.

A No-Excuses Culture for the Hungry

At Good American, the message is clear: five days in the office, or you’re not the right fit. Grede admitted she makes exceptions when needed—like supporting new mothers or employees with special circumstances—but made it clear that, for most roles, in-person presence is non-negotiable.

“I think I make it quite clear that if you’re a three-day-a-week person, that’s totally fine—it just doesn’t work here. It doesn’t work for me,” she added.

Apart from her leadership in Skims and Good American, Grede also co-founded the eco-conscious cleaning brand Safely and appears as a guest investor on Shark Tank.

Remote vs. Reality: The Hybrid Work Dilemma

Grede’s views come amid an ongoing debate over hybrid work. According to 2023 Gallup data, 76% of employees reported improved work-life balance with hybrid setups. But nearly a quarter also said they felt less connected to their teams.

Lucid Software CEO Dave Grow echoed this complexity in a CNBC Make It interview, highlighting that executive dissatisfaction with remote productivity suggests we haven’t yet perfected hybrid models.

Yet Grede remains firm. “We want to create conditions for ambitious people to succeed,” she said. “But for those starting out, for most people in the company, we have to be [in person] five days a week.”

Emma Grede’s stance might spark debate in today’s flexibility-loving workforce—but it undeniably reflects the intense drive behind her success. In an era dominated by Zoom calls and Slack channels, her message cuts through the noise: “Show up, be seen, and learn by doing.”