How to get better at trusting your gut? Skims CEO Jens Grede offers valuable tips
It’s a common saying that it’s important to trust your instincts. But Jens Grede, co-founder and CEO of Skims, says, “If you think your intuition is something you’re born with, think again. It’s a muscle you can exercise and strengthen.” He opposed this idea by saying.
Speaking on his wife Emma’s ‘Aspire’ podcast, the founder of one of the most popular shapewear brands explained that a strong intuition can only be developed effectively if people are not afraid to put themselves in uncomfortable positions.
“Your instinct is actually your collective memory, your collective experience and what you have learned… Every book you read, every article, every conversation, every wrong or right decision you make, these become your gut.”
Overcoming decision hesitation
For people who are risk averse or tend to procrastinate when making decisions, trusting their intuition may feel unnatural. Grede observed that people sometimes use self-descriptions such as: “This is who I am. I overthink. I procrastinate.” He added that this is how people find excuses not to get things done.
Grede shared that she has committed to reading the newspaper for an hour every morning to actively strengthen her own intuition. He also regularly listens to podcasts hosted by people he disagrees with and constantly asks questions to gather different perspectives.
“I’m not a fast runner… But if I dedicate myself to it, maybe I can run a little faster… You can build those muscles and be a quicker decision maker. You can be more of a risk taker. You can be more in tune with what your instincts are telling you,” he said.
Intuition as a basic professional skill
The ability to make high-quality decisions quickly is considered an essential skill for all professionals; because it signals confidence, courage, and one’s capacity to do things efficiently. CNBC the report said earlier.
This skill is likely to become even more important as AI reshapes the workplace. “Artificial intelligence will literally change every business,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told The Wall Street Journal in an interview, adding that human skills like critical thinking, decision-making and intuitiveness may be what differentiates the best workers.
As a result, Grede advises people to learn to trust their instincts, especially in situations where they might regret ignoring that voice in their head.
Skims is a US-based shapewear and apparel brand co-founded in 2018 by Kim Kardashian, Emma Grede and Jens Greds. The company’s value last reached $4 billion after its fundraising round in July 2023.
