---
title: "Leadership philosophy"
description: "Seven tenets Grede uses to run her companies."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/leadership-philosophy/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Leadership philosophy

> Seven tenets Grede uses to run her companies.

Emma Grede's framework, from Start With Yourself, pp. 49 to 237.

Framework 10 of 14 from [Start With Yourself](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/index.md) by Emma Grede. Category: Exits.

## The steps

1. **Paint and reinforce the vision.** Explain how everyone will achieve it and uphold the values.
2. **Personal humility and professional ambition.** Go like hell for the company's goals and put long-term success ahead of ego.
3. **Culture of truth.** Give and receive direct feedback, with no exit interviews needed.
4. **Know what you don't know.** Surround yourself with talent who do.
5. **Hire disciplined, autonomous people.** Let them do their thing and shine.
6. **Make tough decisions.** Including letting people go who are not effective.
7. **Show up consistently.** Be the same person every day so people can predict you.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Part Three: Old Thoughts, pp. 49–237

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/leadership-philosophy.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/leadership-philosophy-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/leadership-philosophy.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/leadership-philosophy-dark.png