Stop Playing Small, Darling w/ Emma Grede

In this powerful episode of *Woman Evolve with Sarah Jakes Roberts*, the conversation centers on self-acceptance, ambition, and the courage to be honest about one's desires. Sarah opens with a deeply personal reflection on forgiving oneself, especially in youth, emphasizing that time alone does not bring forgiveness—compassion and intentional self-work do. She shares how God’s perspective on her past mistakes transformed her shame into empathy. The episode then shifts to an electrifying interview with Emma Grede, co-founder of Skims and Good American, whose book *Start With Yourself* challenges women to embrace their ambition without apology. Emma reveals her journey from East London’s gritty streets to global entrepreneurship, highlighting how her default emotion of anger was a survival mechanism that she had to confront through therapy. She advocates for self-leadership, emotional honesty, and the radical idea that caring for oneself isn’t selfish—it’s essential for being present and effective in all roles, especially as a mother and leader. Emma dismantles the myth of the 'overnight success,' stresses the importance of financial responsibility, and calls for women to stop hiding behind purpose and start demanding profitability and power. The conversation culminates in a call to action: own your dreams, no matter how small they seem, and lead with excellence, gratitude, and intention. Sarah closes with a prayer for divine urgency, urging listeners to step boldly into their God-given destinies.