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Introducing Start with Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life with Emma Grede and Oprah from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Emma Grede has become one of the most influential voices in modern business. She is best known as a founding partner of SKIMS, co-founder and CEO of the clothing brand Good American, her podcast Aspire with Emma Grede and as the first Black female investor on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank. She is helping redefine what success looks like for a new generation of women. In this conversation with Oprah, Emma dives into her first book Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work and Life sharing the mindset behind her rise from a young girl in East London to a global business leader. Drawing on the lessons in her book, Emma opens up about radical self-accountability, the power of discipline and why success starts from within. She also shares her bold perspectives on work-life balance, motherhood without guilt and why women must get comfortable putting money and ambition at the forefront. Plus, we hear from twin sisters who turned a simple idea into a hundred-million-dollar business after making a deal with Emma on Shark Tank. BUY THE BOOK! Emma Grede "Start with Yourself" https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Start-With-Yourself/Emma-Grede/9781668085486 00:00:00 - Welcome Emma Grede author of “Start with Yourself” 00:04:18 - Emma knew she needed to change 00:06:10 - Realizing what you don’t want 00:08:35 - How Emma changed her life 00:13:45 - Radical ownership and real barriers 00:15:10 - We need more women in power 00:19:00 - Career and motherhood 00:20:20 - We put too much pressure on moms 00:22:50 - Truth vs. emotions in business 00:24:22 - Mistakes Emma made 00:27:00 - Emma and Skims 00:27:50 - Building from purpose vs. ego 00:31:00 - Emma funded this on Shark Tank 00:36:00 - Importance of mentorship 00:38:20 - When to scale a small business 00:39:30 - The most important question 00:42:20 - What does self-care look like? 00:43:30 - Meditation practice 00:46:00 - Emma on life being magic 00:49:30 - Overcoming comparison 00:51:00 - Why she wrote the book 00:52:40 - Dyslexia is a superpower 00:54:30 - Is every woman meant for business? 00:56:30 - A well-lived life Cakes Body https://cakesbody.com/ Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

I hit a point in 2025 where I felt completely burnt out—and no matter what I tried, I couldn't shake it. No matter how much I rested, created, or stepped away, nothing seemed to work. So I made a decision: I was not bringing that version of myself into 2026. In this episode, I'm getting real about what burnout actually looked like for me—and the mindset shifts that helped me start rebuilding from it, even in the middle of chaos. Listen in as I share how you can draw a line, acknowledge what you can control, and how to choose a different way forward. Today's episode is brought to you by Cookie Finance: Are you a content creator making money online but still guessing when it comes to taxes, write-offs, or setting up your business the right way? Creators work way too hard to feel stressed and confused about their finances. If you're earning income from brand deals, digital products, or affiliate marketing and you're ready to feel organized, confident, and actually supported by a team who understands this industry—then you need to check out Cookie Finance. Cookie Finance is built specifically for content creators and offers everything from LLC setup to full-service bookkeeping and tax strategy as your income grows. Stop guessing. Start treating your creator brand like the real business it is. Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie Find It Quickly 00:54 - Line in the Sand 02:07 - Rebuilding During Chaos 03:11 - Mindset Shift Into 2026 05:37 - Rebuilt Through Burnout 05:56 - Stop Performing Online 09:37 - Quit Chasing Viral 11:17 - Truth Over Good Enough 12:27 - Rest Is Productive 15:00 - Imperfect Real Life Content 17:14 - Done Holding Back 17:31 - Step Into Your Voice   Mentioned in this Episode thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence  

I committed to posting on social media every single day for 30 days—and what I found on the other side surprised me. In this episode, I'm sharing my honest experience completing a 30-day posting challenge and what actually changed for me. Spoiler: it wasn't follower count or going viral. Listen in as I walk through the mindset shifts, the internal blocks I uncovered, and how this challenge helped me finally step into my voice in a way I hadn't before. If you've ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or unsure how to show up online—this one is for you.   Today's episode is brought to you by Cookie Finance: Are you a content creator making money online but still guessing when it comes to taxes, write-offs, or setting up your business the right way? Creators work way too hard to feel stressed and confused about their finances. If you're earning income from brand deals, digital products, or affiliate marketing and you're ready to feel organized, confident, and actually supported by a team who understands this industry—then you need to check out Cookie Finance. Cookie Finance is built specifically for content creators and offers everything from LLC setup to full-service bookkeeping and tax strategy as your income grows. Stop guessing. Start treating your creator brand like the real business it is. Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie   Find It Quickly: 00:38 - Proud of Yourself Practice 01:43 - Choosing to Be Visible 02:40 - Stan for Creators Challenge 04:31 - Results Weren't Virality 06:10 - Finding My Voice 10:52 - Improving My Skills 12:48 - Mindset Growth This Year 13:59 - Invitation to Challenge Yourself 15:15 - Owning Your Voice   Mentioned in this Episode Stan: stan.store  

If you've been stuck wondering why your content isn't growing… this episode might sting a little. I'm sharing the honest, unfiltered advice I've gathered after coaching content creators for over seven years—the stuff people need to hear but don't always want to. This is your wake-up call to stop overthinking, stop hiding behind perfection, and start building a real, sustainable business as a content creator. In this episode, I break down what's actually holding you back and what you need to do differently if you want to grow, monetize, and hit consistent income goals. Today's episode is brought to you by Cookie Finance: Are you a content creator making money online but still guessing when it comes to taxes, write-offs, or setting up your business the right way? Creators work way too hard to feel stressed and confused about their finances. If you're earning income from brand deals, digital products, or affiliate marketing and you're ready to feel organized, confident, and actually supported by a team who understands this industry—then you need to check out Cookie Finance. Cookie Finance is built specifically for content creators and offers everything from LLC setup to full-service bookkeeping and tax strategy as your income grows. Stop guessing. Start treating your creator brand like the real business it is. Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie   Find It Quickly: 00:48 - Stop Overthinking and Start Posting 01:43 - Brand Deals Are Not a Reliable Strategy 02:02 - Perfection Is Pushing Your Audience Away 08:30 - Stop Trying to Do Everything 08:58 - Focus on One Platform and One Income Stream   Mentioned in this Episode Boldfluence  

If you think going viral is the key to success, this episode might completely change the way you see your content and your business. In this episode, I'm breaking down why your content is already good enough—and why the real thing holding you back is your mindset. Listen in as I walk you through the three internal shifts that separate hobby content creators from full-time CEOs who build real income and long-term wealth. This isn't about working harder or chasing trends. It's about thinking differently, stepping into leadership, and finally running your content like a business.   Today's episode is brought to you by Cookie Finance: Are you a content creator making money online but still guessing when it comes to taxes, write-offs, or setting up your business the right way? Creators work way too hard to feel stressed and confused about their finances. If you're earning income from brand deals, digital products, or affiliate marketing and you're ready to feel organized, confident, and actually supported by a team who understands this industry—then you need to check out Cookie Finance. Cookie Finance is built specifically for content creators and offers everything from LLC setup to full-service bookkeeping and tax strategy as your income grows. Stop guessing. Start treating your creator brand like the real business it is. Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie   Find It Quickly: 00:00 - Hobby to CEO Mindset 01:52 - Shift 1: Trust Systems 02:33 - Virality Without Strategy 05:51 - Shift 2: Business Owner 07:11 Step Back and Strategize 08:27 - Shift 3: What Works for Me 10:26 - CEO Hour Weekly Habit 12:36 - Decide to Run a Business   Mentioned in this Episode: Boldfluence  

Feeling stuck on Instagram despite all your effort? This episode kicks off our summer series on audience growth for influencers—and we're starting with the platform we love to hate: Instagram. This episode originally aired in July 2025 as part of a larger series where I walked listeners through platform-specific strategies to grow your audience. This episode is all about building an Instagram presence that actually leads to results—without burning out. I break down the difference between just showing up and showing up strategically, and share the exact 90-day framework we teach inside Boldfluence to get creators unstuck and growing again. You don't need another "just be consistent" tip. You need a roadmap. Boldfluence gives you the full 90-day plan, a community to support you, and the tools to actually grow your platform with purpose. Let's build your audience—and your income—together. Join Boldfuence >> Grab the show notes and watch this podcast here: https://thrivetogether.blog/364 Mentioned in this Episode Boldfuence The Country Peony

Do you ever feel like you're doing everything right as a creator, but the money still isn't showing up? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on something most creators are feeling, but few are talking about: the system behind influencer income isn't always built in our favor. From low affiliate commissions to influencer rate calculators that undervalue your work, there are a lot of big players shaping the creator economy. Today I'm breaking down what's actually happening behind the scenes with platforms like Amazon, LTK, and influencer networks—and more importantly, how you can take your power back. If you've ever felt frustrated, stuck, or like you're working twice as hard for half the pay, this conversation is for you. I'm also sharing the exact shifts that will help you grow faster, stand out online, and focus your energy in the places that actually lead to income.   Today's episode is brought to you by Cookie Finance: Are you a content creator making money online but still guessing when it comes to taxes, write-offs, or setting up your business the right way? Creators work way too hard to feel stressed and confused about their finances. If you're earning income from brand deals, digital products, or affiliate marketing and you're ready to feel organized, confident, and actually supported by a team who understands this industry—then you need to check out Cookie Finance. Cookie Finance is built specifically for content creators and offers everything from LLC setup to full-service bookkeeping and tax strategy as your income grows. Stop guessing. Start treating your creator brand like the real business it is. Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie   Find It Quickly: 00:57 - Big Players Explained 02:01 - Amazon Commission Mystery 04:24 - LTK Algorithm Reality 06:22 - Influencer Networks Lowballing 11:55 - Quick Fix Ads Trap 13:28 - Boldfluence 15:08 - Own Your Voice 19:55 - Focus One Platform 20:46 - Pick Monetization Stream   Mentioned in this Episode: Content Creator Pricing Guide Boldfluence Content Creator Blueprint  

You know that content calendar you swore you were going to stick to this time? Yeah… me too. In this episode, I'm breaking down the real reason you're not staying consistent — and spoiler alert: it's not because you're lazy. It's because your setup is creating friction. I recently joined Stan Store's "Dare to Post" challenge, which requires posting every single day for 30 days. I'm only 6 days in, and it has already shifted something in my brain. So today, I'm sharing exactly what this challenge is teaching me about consistency, habits, and removing the invisible barriers that keep us stuck.   Today's episode is brought to you by Cookie Finance: Are you a content creator making money online but still guessing when it comes to taxes, write-offs, or setting up your business the right way? Creators work way too hard to feel stressed and confused about their finances. If you're earning income from brand deals, digital products, or affiliate marketing and you're ready to feel organized, confident, and actually supported by a team who understands this industry—then you need to check out Cookie Finance. Cookie Finance is built specifically for content creators and offers everything from LLC setup to full-service bookkeeping and tax strategy as your income grows. Stop guessing. Start treating your creator brand like the real business it is. Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie   Find It Quickly: 01:01 - Dare to Post Challenge 03:34 - Five Minute Filming 05:30 - Ready to Film Setup 07:46 - B-Roll Farming 12:45 - Theme Your Days 16:25 - Lower the Stakes   Content Creation Tools I Love: MagSafe Tripod: amzlink.to/az0iB9PpZIlGO   Mentioned in this Episode: Cookie Finance: thrivetogether.blog/cookie Stan Store's Dare to Post Challenge: stan.store/blog/dare-to-post Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence Thrive Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/702582376526506  

Are you consistent but still not seeing growth? You're not alone. Every creator has been there. You're posting regularly, checking off your to-dos, doing everything "right," and yet, the needle barely moves. It's frustrating and exhausting. Here's the truth: consistency is not a strategy. Listen in as I break down why doing more isn't the answer and what actually moves the needle when you feel stuck. This episode originally aired on June 26, 2025 as episode 362. Find It Quickly 00:46 - Consistency Isn't a Strategy 02:28 - The 'Do More' Trap 04:06 - 3 Fixes When Growth Stalls 06:47 - Content Pillars 10:14 - Monetization Clarity 11:32 - Pause to Refine 13:10 - Real Examples of Taking Breaks  16:08 - Diagnose the Gap With Metrics + Next Steps Mentioned in this Episode Boldfuence Shift Studio DIY's Kelly Mindell

Tax season doesn't have to be scary, especially when cookies are involved. In this episode, I'm joined by Katie Callaway from Cookie Finance to tackle all things taxes for content creators. We break down exactly what you need to have in place—from LLCs to business bank accounts—and demystify the world of write-offs, quarterly payments, and how much to set aside for the IRS. The team at Cookie is specifically trained for and tailored to creators like us. They actually get our industry and all of the nuance that goes into our purchases.   Find It Quickly: 00:16 - Meet Katie from Cookie Finance 06:39 - The Importance of LLCs for Content Creators 11:23 - Setting Up Business Bank Accounts 15:14 - Preparing for Tax Season 19:48 - Common Tax Deductions for Content Creators 24:17 - Cookie Finance Services   Connect with Cookie: Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie    

Tired of writing blog posts no one reads? Let's fix that. In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact steps to format your blog posts so that people actually want to read them. We're talking real strategies, tactical steps, and zero fluff. If writing makes you nervous, or you feel like no one's clicking through your content, this episode is your starting point. This is part four in our blogging series, and we're covering why structure matters, how to make posts scannable, and how to use headings the right way for both your reader and Google. PLUS—our very first listener question! Sabrina asks about Wix vs. WordPress, and I give you a full breakdown on which is better for long-term growth and monetization. Check Out the Episodes in Our Blogging Series: 381: How to Pick the Right Blog Platform Based on Your Goals 386: What to Write on Your Blog as an Influencer: Your Guide to Content Pillars, Keywords, & Calendars 392: Is Blogging Still Worth It? Yes—Here's How to Get Consistent Traffic   Find It Quickly: 01:31 - Blog Writing Confidence and Structure 02:36 - Formatting Tips for Readable Blog Posts 07:17 - Using Headings for SEO and Readability 12:09 - Final Tips and Encouragement 18:26 - Listener Question: Wix vs WordPress   Mentioned in this Episode: Ask Bree: thrivetogether.blog/askbree Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence Siteground: siteground.com BigScoots: bigscoots.com 381: How to Pick the Right Blog Platform Based on Your Goals  

Want to make money on Instagram without waiting for brand deals or hitting 10K followers? In this episode, I'm breaking down how you can start making real money through short-form video without needing a big following. We're going beyond the usual "wait-for-brand-deals" model and diving into smart affiliate strategies that work now.   Find It Quickly: 01:59 - The Importance of Publishing Content 02:46 - Monetizing Instagram Reels 04:49 - Affiliate Marketing Strategies 07:04 - Maximizing Affiliate Income with Reels 11:16 - Engaging Content Ideas for Affiliates 14:42 - Consistency and Community Support   Mentioned in this Episode: Pricing Guide: thrivetogether.blog/pricingguide Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence Youtube Channel: youtube.com/@thrivetogetherblog  

If you're listening to this, you might be feeling the weight of the world—and you're not alone. I'm recording from Minnesota, with a heavy heart, in the middle of a time when the news and social media feel overwhelmingly heartbreaking. Today's episode is about holding space for both grief and growth. So many of you have reached out, asking: How do we keep showing up? What do we post when the world is in crisis? This is not a how-to guide. Instead, I'm offering a moment of reflection. I'm here to remind you that your work matters and that taking care of your mental health, protecting your energy, and showing up with purpose is necessary.   Find It Quickly: 01:11 - Balancing Grief and Purpose 02:20 - Building a Sustainable Business 04:43 - Protecting Your Mental Health 05:58 - Adapting Your Content Strategy 06:58 - Embracing Authenticity and Visibility 09:18 - Holding Multiple Truths   Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 144: How to Handle Societal Crisis as a Blogger & Influencer Episode 375: Protecting Your Peace as an Influencer  

If you've ever sat down to plan your content and felt completely stuck or overwhelmed, you're not alone. I have a simple concept to help you plan your content for the next 12 months! In this episode, I walk you through a framework that guides you through brainstorming and mapping out content for your entire year—without pressure, perfection, or burnout. I know how good it feels to take an idea and turn it into a system, so that's exactly what we're doing together today. We'll break down your year into manageable steps, so you don't walk into the next month without a plan. Make sure you snag our Holiday Calendar >>   Find It Quickly: 01:47 - The Importance of Planning 05:41 - Step-by-Step Content Planning 07:59 - Holiday and Special Days Content 13:11 - Quarterly Planning and Core Content   Mentioned in this Episode: Holiday Calendar: thrivetogether.blog/holiday Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence

Think blog traffic is dead? Think again. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to get eyes on your blog in 2026 without burning out or depending on one algorithm to rule them all. If you've been putting in the work to write valuable content but no one's reading it, this one's for you. We're continuing our blog series (catch up on Episodes 381 and 386 if you missed them!) with a full traffic game plan: five key sources to help you bring consistent, diversified traffic to your blog. From SEO to Pinterest to strategic collaborations, I'll walk you through what works, what to expect, and how to stay consistent. ✨ Want to ask me a question on the podcast? Leave me a message >> ✨   Find It Quickly 02:34 - The Reality of Blog Traffic 04:56 - Diversifying Traffic Sources 05:32 - SEO: The Long-Term Traffic Driver 09:30 - Pinterest: The Visual Search Engine 13:08 - Leveraging Social Media 15:27 - Email Lists: Your Most Engaged Readers 18:42 - Collaborations and Guest Posts 22:47 - Creating a Traffic Plan   Mentioned in this Episode 381: How to Pick the Right Blog Platform Based on Your Goals 386: What to Write on Your Blog as an Influencer: Your Guide to Content Pillars, Keywords, & Calendars Ask a Question: thrivetogether.blog/askbree Boldfluence Tailwind Canva Templates Why Flodesk is the Best Email Marketing Tool for Influencers Flodesk ManyChat