Hoda Kotb’s Wellness Venture: Emma Grede’s Hiring Advice

Remember Hoda Kotb from the ‘Today’ show? After a long and successful career in television, she’s embarked on a new journey, diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship with her own wellness company, Joy 101. But building a business from the ground up is no small feat, and Hoda recently shared some invaluable advice she received from a true industry powerhouse: Emma Grede, the brilliant mind behind SKIMS and Good American.

Hoda, a Virginia Tech graduate, spent years as a beloved host on the ‘Today’ show, eventually becoming its co-anchor. However, after reaching what she described as a ‘peak’ in her television career and celebrating her 60th birthday, she made the surprising decision to step away. Her reason? To dedicate more time to her family and explore new passions.

Introducing Joy 101: A New Chapter in Wellness

This isn’t just a side project for Hoda; it’s a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture. Joy 101 is a wellness company focused on offering intimate retreats and engaging ‘happiness hours.’ These virtual sessions feature live Zoom conversations with Hoda herself, alongside special guests and experts. The company has also launched a dedicated app, providing users with a daily joy plan. This plan is backed by research and guided by experts, offering courses on crucial topics like self-love, mental health, reclaiming joy, and managing anxiety.

Hoda shared her feelings about this transition at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit, explaining, ‘Sometimes you leave something you love, and then you find something you love.’ It’s clear that Joy 101 is a true labor of love for her.

Learning from the Best: Emma Grede’s Wisdom

While passion fuels Joy 101, Hoda has been candid about the challenges of entrepreneurship, admitting she’s ‘learning how to be a boss.’ Fortunately, she has a seasoned mentor in her corner. Emma Grede, a co-founder of the massively successful SKIMS (valued at $4 billion) and Good American (valued at $3.2 billion), sits on Joy 101’s board.

During the Women’s Summit, Hoda revealed the single most impactful piece of advice Grede offered: ‘Hire thoughtfully.’ This isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about strategic team-building.

The Power of Thoughtful Hiring

Grede’s suggestion? Dedicate a significant portion of your day – around 25% – specifically to hiring. Why? Because when you bring the right people onto your team, you can trust them to do their jobs effectively. This reduces the need for constant oversight and micromanagement, freeing you up to focus on other critical aspects of the business.

Hoda elaborated on her hiring philosophy, which now prioritizes ‘unbridled enthusiasm’ above all else. She stated, ‘I don’t care where your degree’s from. If you come in saying, ‘I’ll do it.’ If I said, ‘Who can do it?’ ‘I’ll do it.’ If you’re the one with your hand up, you’re the one I’m choosing.’

This approach highlights a belief in potential and drive, alongside a commitment to hiring individuals who are genuinely passionate about the company’s mission. It’s a powerful strategy for building a dedicated and motivated team.

Hiring Based on Enthusiasm and Love

Hoda’s hiring criteria now center on two key elements: enthusiasm and love. This means looking for candidates who are eager to contribute and who genuinely connect with the company’s values and goals. It’s a refreshing perspective that emphasizes the human element in building a successful business.

This blend of expert guidance from Emma Grede and Hoda Kotb’s own passion and evolving leadership style is setting a strong foundation for Joy 101. It’s inspiring to see how established figures are leveraging their experience to build new ventures that aim to make a positive impact.