Emma Grede, the co-founder of Skims and a former Dragons' Den star, has reiterated her controversial stance that working from home is detrimental to women's careers. Appearing on This Morning with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, the self-made multi-millionaire addressed the backlash she faced after calling herself a 'three-hour mum' and claiming remote work doesn't work.
Proximity and Visibility Are Key
When asked to elaborate on her comments, Grede explained: 'I think that proximity and visibility are imperative for success. Being in the room and in front of people is not just for climbing the corporate ladder, but also for having a lovely life. I met my husband at work, and all my best friends. When we sit at home, we only think of the benefits, but it takes a lot away from your life.' She added that relationships are built through in-person interactions, and 'you won't get ahead if you're not seen.'
Flexibility vs. Remote Work
Ben Shephard played devil's advocate, noting that many people rely on working from home to continue their jobs. Grede acknowledged this but stressed the importance of flexibility. 'Flexibility for women is absolutely imperative,' she said. 'I hire hundreds of women, and they are all afforded flexibility. But sitting at home five days a week in front of a computer is no way to live and certainly isn't a recipe for an amazing career.'
Grede described her life as a 'series of trade-offs' and wrote her book to provoke conversation, not just to be read. 'There are such unrealistic expectations for women. When I talk about being a three-hour mum, I mean I get an hour in the morning and a couple of hours at night,' she revealed.
Kardashian Partnership Speculation
Grede, who co-founded Skims with Kim Kardashian and Good American with Khloe Kardashian, has faced rumors of a falling out with the famous family. She has shifted focus to building her own brand, leading to speculation that the Kardashians are unwilling to share the spotlight. However, Grede remains focused on her message about the importance of in-person work for career advancement.
