Emma Grede’s “10 Principles”

Dear Friends -

What if the principles that built billion-dollar brands could transform your Third Act?

As someone who devours content about entrepreneurship and business growth, I’m always hunting for insights that can elevate not just my practice, but how I approach life itself. It’s this obsession with continuous learning and evolution that keeps me inspired—and keeps me sharp.

Recently, I discovered Emma Grede’s podcast “Aspire,” and I’m completely hooked. You might recognize Emma as the first Black woman investor on Shark Tank, or from her powerhouse partnerships with the Kardashians that transformed SKIMS and Good American into cultural phenomena. Her drive, grit, and strategic brilliance are undeniable.

But here’s what caught my attention: Last weekend, while listening to her episode on “10 Principles That Can Change Your Life,” I realized these weren’t just business strategies. They were life blueprints—especially for those of us designing our Third Act.

Think about it: If aging is truly an upgrade (and I believe it is), then our Third Act isn’t about slowing down. It’s about strategic acceleration. It’s about being fiercely intentional with our time, energy, and choices. It’s about finally having the wisdom and freedom to CHOOSE exactly how we want to live.

Today, let’s dive into Emma’s transformative principles and discover how they can revolutionize not just your business mindset, but your entire approach to this next chapter.

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Here are Emma’s transformational principles and how they can revolutionize the way you approach this next chapter of your life:

Emma’s first principle cuts straight to the heart of authentic leadership: “You don’t have to be an expert in everything—hire people better than you in your weak areas and get out of their way”. For those designing their Third Act, this translates into profound self-awareness about your limitations and the courage to seek support where you need it.

In your Third Act, this might mean acknowledging that you don’t know everything about financial planning, health optimization, or even how to pursue that passion project you’ve been dreaming about. The key is embracing this uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a weakness. Just as Emma built billion-dollar brands by surrounding herself with experts, you can design your ideal Third Act by building a team of professionals, mentors, and guides who complement your strengths.

Consider areas where you might need guidance: financial advisors for investment strategies, wellness coaches for health optimization, or even consultants who specialize in Third Act transitions. The willingness to admit what you don’t know is actually a sign of wisdom—and it’s what separates those who thrive from those who merely survive their later years.

“Leverage your relationships, reputation, and current opportunities to take your next step”. This principle is particularly powerful for Third Act individuals who have spent decades building networks, expertise, and credibility.

Think about the incredible assets you’ve accumulated over your career and life: deep industry knowledge, extensive professional networks, hard-earned credibility, and decades of experience solving complex problems. These aren’t just memories—they’re leverageable assets for creating whatever comes next.

Perhaps your decades in corporate leadership position you perfectly to mentor emerging entrepreneurs. Maybe your industry expertise makes you an ideal consultant or board member. Your relationships could open doors to volunteer opportunities, investment possibilities, or collaborative ventures you never considered. The key is viewing your past not as something you’re leaving behind, but as the foundation for what you’re building next.

“Embrace your uniqueness—it is your superpower”. After decades of navigating corporate expectations and societal pressures, your Third Act offers the ultimate freedom: the chance to be completely, authentically yourself.

Emma emphasizes that authenticity isn’t just about being genuine—it’s about recognizing that your unique perspective, experiences, and approach are your greatest competitive advantages. In your Third Act, this means having the confidence to pursue what truly matters to you, not what others expect.

This might mean finally writing that novel, starting the nonprofit you’ve always envisioned, or choosing to spend your time in ways that align with your values rather than external expectations. Your Third Act is your opportunity to show up as your most authentic self, leveraging all the wisdom and self-knowledge you’ve gained over the years.

“You can only move forward when you face your demons”. This principle requires perhaps the most courage, but offers the greatest liberation for Third Act design.

Emma’s insight here is profound: unresolved issues from your past don’t disappear—they follow you into every new chapter. For those entering their Third Act, this might mean addressing career disappointments, relationship regrets, or dreams you abandoned along the way.

Facing your past doesn’t mean dwelling on regrets; it means processing experiences so they can inform rather than limit your future choices. Consider working with a therapist, counselor, or coach to help you navigate this process. The goal isn’t to eliminate your past, but to integrate it in a way that empowers rather than constrains your Third Act vision.

“Own your story, failures and all”. Personal responsibility becomes even more critical in your Third Act because you finally have the freedom to make choices based entirely on your own priorities and values.

Emma’s emphasis on taking full ownership of your life story—including the failures—is liberating rather than burdensome. In your Third Act, this means acknowledging that you are the author of your next chapter. No one else is responsible for your happiness, fulfillment, or success.

This principle challenges you to stop waiting for the “right” time, the perfect opportunity, or someone else’s permission to create the life you want. Whether it’s improving your health, deepening relationships, pursuing new interests, or giving back to your community, the responsibility—and the power—lies entirely with you.

“The only thing you can control is you—focusing on the uncontrollable is unproductive. Always prioritize what you can change”. This stoic principle becomes particularly relevant as we age and face realities we cannot change.

You cannot control the aging process, economic conditions, or other people’s choices. But you can control your response to these realities. You can control how you care for your health, how you spend your time, who you surround yourself with, and what meaning you create from your experiences.

In practical terms, this means focusing your energy on actionable items: developing new skills, strengthening relationships, improving your physical fitness, or contributing to causes you care about, rather than worrying about factors beyond your influence. This shift in focus is both empowering and energizing.

“Take one bold step today—pitch, ask, launch, or just speak up”. Risk-taking in your Third Act looks different than it did in your twenties, but it’s equally important for growth and fulfillment.

The risks worth taking in your Third Act might include: starting that business you’ve always dreamed about, moving to a location you’ve always wanted to try, volunteering for causes you’re passionate about, or even pursuing relationships and friendships that require vulnerability. The key is that these are calculated risks—informed by decades of experience and wisdom.

Remember, there’s also risk in not taking risks. The risk of regret, of wondering “what if,” of settling for a Third Act that feels safe but uninspiring. Your accumulated wisdom and resources actually position you well to take thoughtful risks that align with your values and goals.

“Do the work with a bigger picture in mind”. Even in your Third Act, meaningful achievement requires consistent effort and dedication.

This doesn’t mean returning to the grinding work culture of your earlier career. Instead, it means recognizing that anything worthwhile—whether it’s maintaining your health, building new relationships, mastering new skills, or contributing to meaningful causes—requires sustained effort.

The difference in your Third Act is that you get to choose what work feels meaningful to you. Maybe it’s the work of staying physically strong, the work of being an exceptional grandparent, or the work of making a difference in your community. The principle remains: meaningful results require meaningful effort.

“You decide what matters—own your trade-offs confidently”. This principle becomes especially relevant in your Third Act as you navigate competing priorities with finite time and energy.

Emma’s insight acknowledges that even with more freedom and flexibility, you still need to make choices. You might not be able to simultaneously travel extensively, care for aging parents, start a new business, and volunteer extensively. But you can sequence these priorities thoughtfully, focusing fully on what matters most in each season.

The key is making these trade-offs consciously and confidently, rather than trying to do everything and feeling frustrated when you can’t. Your Third Act offers the wisdom to know what matters most and the courage to say no to everything else.

“Apply what you learn—this is the gap between good and great”. Continuous learning isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about staying engaged, relevant, and energized throughout your Third Act.

Emma emphasizes that learning without application is merely intellectual entertainment. In your Third Act, this means actively seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences that enhance your life and contribute to your goals. This might include learning new technologies, exploring different cultures through travel, developing creative skills, or deepening your understanding of subjects that fascinate you.

The commitment to lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp, your perspectives fresh, and your possibilities expanding. It’s what transforms your Third Act from a period of decline into a chapter of continued growth and contribution.

If you want to watch Emma’s podcast:

Emma’s principles aren’t just business strategies—they’re life principles that can transform how you approach your Third Act. They challenge you to be authentic, take responsibility, focus on what you can control, and never stop growing.

The beauty of applying these principles to your Third Act is that you bring decades of experience, wisdom, and resources to the process. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re building on a foundation of knowledge and accomplishment that positions you for extraordinary success.

Your Third Act isn’t about slowing down—it’s about strategic acceleration toward what matters most. It’s about finally having the freedom to apply everything you’ve learned in service of a life that is uniquely and authentically yours.

As Emma reminds us, “The best pathway to your success is starting with yourself”. Your Third Act begins with the same principle: knowing yourself, owning your story, and having the courage to design a chapter that reflects your highest aspirations and deepest values.

The question isn’t whether you can create an extraordinary Third Act—it’s whether you’ll apply these timeless principles to make it happen.

Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️

P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara