On this week’s episode of Woman Inc., I sat down with Tala Akhavan, COO of Pietra, a platform that makes it possible to launch the brand you've always dreamt of. Tala, a former Uber executive, joined the creator economy platform with the mission to democratize access for female entrepreneurship via the platform’s capabilities.  

As a first time mother, Tala talked about the struggle of wanting to give her all to motherhood as well as her professional trajectory. While giving birth in the height of the pandemic, she made the uncharacteristic choice to not return to her secure job at Uber when her maternity leave ended. Leaving to become a full-time, stay-at-home mom, Tala experienced first hand that current workplace models and policies are not structured to support women who seek fulfillment in both areas. 

There has been a spike in female entrepreneurship coming out of the pandemic, but at present, there is little transparency across markets to launch a product in a financially feasible and time efficient manner. Tala discusses her role as a COO who followers a value-first philosophy and how she thinks through major decisions. 

After the recording stopped, Tala told me something that I believe is incredibly powerful. She told me that when she was offered the role at Pietra, she was actually offered the same role at a different company for double the salary. She turned it down because they weren’t as accommodating to her musts of being able to be a present mom. I share this, with her blessing, because I believe that is the definition of being in your worth, and as Tala mentions, holding the line.

Make sure to tune in to hear the full story and subscribe to Woman Inc. so that you never miss an episode. Now, let's get over to my conversation with Tala.

By: 

Jenna Todey, Host of Woman Inc.