The Change Agent: From Street Corner to the Corner Office | Aspire with Emma Grede

Music mogul, entrepreneur, and branding genius Steve Stoute joins Emma to reveal how he turned being underestimated into his advantage, using his roots, instincts, and connection to culture to build an empire that reshaped music, marketing, and business.

If you’ve ever felt like where you come from holds you back -- or that success only happens for people with access -- this conversation will change how you see yourself.

You’ll learn how to:
🔥 Turn rejection into momentum
💡 Use your background as your competitive edge
🚀 Build ideas that move culture — not just chase it

Watch this if you’re ready to stop waiting for permission and start turning your story into your strategy.

💬 Drop a comment: What part of your story gives you the edge?


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Buy Emma's Book: START WITH YOURSELF is yours April 2026! Preorder today wherever you buy books or at https://www.emmagrede.com/

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ABOUT ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE
Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world’s most successful people.
Emma Grede, one of America’s richest self-made women, wants you to make the most of your life. On ‘Aspire with Emma Grede', learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet, including goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, investor, philanthropist and former chair of Starbucks, Mellody Hobson, podcast host Jay Shetty, billionaire entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban, and public luminaries like Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Charlamagne Tha God, Jessica Alba, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Each episode will unpack their habits, philosophy, and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology, and, of course, how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need to turn your dreams into reality.

LISTEN TO ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE
link.pscrb.fm/f0281/Aspire_YT

ABOUT EMMA GREDE
Emma Grede is a founding partner and chief product officer of SKIMS and CEO of Good American. She also made history as the first Black woman to serve as an investor on Shark Tank. Learn more at: https://www.emmagrede.com/

00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:18 The importance of relationship skills
00:04:26 Finding great counterparts
00:07:38 Early hip hop influences in Queens, NY
00:12:47 Early jobs and meeting Martin Lawrence
00:14:42 Being the bridge between business and hip hop
00:17:27 How Will Smith and Men in Black changed Steve's trajectory
00:21:16 Getting musicians to buy into the business side
00:24:59 Ad Break
00:27:18 Who should be an entrepreneur?
00:31:25 Don't ask for a mentor, ask questions
00:36:36 How to always stay relevant
00:41:38 Ad Break
00:44:37 Leadership through truth, challenge, and respect
00:50:37 Building a successful workplace culture
00:53:27 Differences between men and women in business
00:56:35 Work/Life balance as a founder
01:02:45 Ad Break
01:05:07 Build the habit of saving money
01:11:30 Steve Stoute's legacy
01:15:22 Rapid Fire Questions