Skims’ Bosses Describe How They Work As a Couple and Avoid Arguments

The couple that’s helping run the Kardashian retail empire said it’s challenging to work with a spouse, but not impossible.

Skims CEO Jens Grede joined his wife and cofounder, Emma Grede, on a recent episode of her “Aspire” podcast. The pair discussed love and business and how they make the two work together.

Jens Grede said working with his wife brings him a “tremendous amount of joy and value,” but it’s not without its challenges.

“Our styles of work are entirely different… galaxies apart,” he said.

He described Emma as charming, personable, and emotional, while his business persona has been called stoic or impersonal at times. However, he said, their differences often lead to the same result, even if they disagree on how to get there.

They have one important rule in place that helps them avoid arguments, friction, and resentment: “Whichever of us cares the most gets to decide,” Emma Grede said.

Then, they support each other.

“If you’re passionate about it, it’s important for you to see that through,” Jens Grede said. “We’re going to get behind the way you want to do it 110%.”

As a founder, Jens Grede said you only have to make a couple of “really good decisions” to be successful. It doesn’t matter if you also make bad choices along the way.

When it comes to disagreements, the couple tries not to get stuck in their own point of view. If you find yourself in a disagreement, de-escalating is key, Jens Grede said.

For those who are deciding whether to become business partners with a significant other, Jens Grede said the choice should be clear. The best partners balance each other out and admire each other for what they bring to the table.

“If you have to have the conversation, maybe you shouldn’t be partners,” Jens Grede said. “You’re doomed.”