She schedules an “AI day” every 6 weeks, inspired by a conversation with Mark Cuban, who juggles around 60 AI apps on his phone.
Emma Grede, founding partner and chief product officer of Skims, has embraced a hands-on approach to AI that offers a model for founders navigating today’s fast-changing technology scene. Emma dedicates an entire day every six weeks, to keep herself updated with latest developments, emerging tools and trends.
Though Grede’s path began long before AI. With an estimated net worth of $405 million and recognition from Forbes as one of America’s richest self-made women, she has earned her place not just on business skill but on adaptability. Co-founding Skims in 2019 with Kim Kardashian and her husband Jens Grede, she helped grow the brand from a shapewear company into a broad lifestyle and beauty name valued at $5 billion after a $225 million funding round led by Goldman Sachs. Skims is on track to top $1 billion in sales this year as it expands its reach worldwide.
The push to master AI came after a blunt chat with Mark Cuban. Known for juggling 60 AI apps, Cuban’s example was a wake-up call. Grede soon signed up for courses at Wharton and Harvard to catch up fast. She recalls telling herself, “I’m using AI like a 42-year-old woman” capturing the gap many leaders feel trying to keep pace with new tech.
This sense of urgency birthed the idea of “AI day.” Every six weeks, Grede sets aside time to explore AI developments and tools, and encourages her team, especially women, to do the same. She even rewards staff with cash bonuses when they bring AI into their work, showing that fluency in AI is a real edge in today’s market.
Grede knows there’s no choice: “It’s like do or die.” Recent research backs this up. Lightcast reports AI skills bring a 28% pay boost, roughly $18,000 a year, while KPMG’s CEO Outlook 2025 reveals that nearly 75% of CEOs see AI talent competition as a top risk — with 77% saying future growth depends on upskilling.
For Grede, this careful, structured learning blends humility with clear direction. It helps her stay relevant and sets a tone that learning never stops. For Skims, adopting AI thoughtfully across merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and customer care promises greater efficiency and innovation as the company grows quickly.
Looking beyond her own company, Grede’s deliberate AI focus reflects a bigger shift for founders and entrepreneurs. Today, AI knowledge is less an option and more a necessary tool to unlock growth through data and audience insights. It creates new chances for smaller creators to automate and tailor their work, while brands like Skims use AI investments to broaden their advantage.
When the pace of change moves as fast as it does now, it doesn’t matter where you sit in the organization. Staying curious and making time to learn with purpose turns into a power you either develop — or risk losing.
