Fri May 09 11:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Work-Life Balance is Your Problem, Not Your Boss’s: Skims Co-Founder Emma Grede
**Los Angeles, CA** – Emma Grede, co-founder of the hugely successful brands Skims and Good American, has sparked debate after claiming work-life balance is solely the employee’s responsibility, not the employer’s. In a recent appearance on the *Diary of a CEO* podcast, Grede stated that discussing work-life balance during a job interview is a “red flag.”
Grede, a mother of four, argues that achieving success requires dedication and often involves working beyond traditional hours. While acknowledging flexibility within her companies to accommodate personal appointments, she firmly believes that individuals should prioritize finding their own equilibrium between work and personal life. She contends that prioritizing higher pay, bonuses, and a positive work environment should outweigh expectations of employer-provided work-life balance.
This stance aligns with that of other prominent CEOs like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, who have also publicly expressed skepticism towards the concept of work-life balance. However, workplace psychologist Katina Sawyer challenges this view, arguing that framing work-life balance as an individual skill allows employers to evade responsibility for employee burnout and unfairly shift blame when performance falters.
Grede’s comments have ignited a discussion surrounding employer responsibilities and the pressures faced by employees in high-demand industries. While Grede emphasizes personal responsibility and the potential rewards of a demanding career, critics point to the potential for exploitation and the importance of creating supportive work environments that don’t contribute to burnout. Representatives for Skims and Good American have yet to comment on the ensuing controversy.
First Piper 