Featured Founder: COO Tori Marra

In this series of posts, we’re diving into our Open Book to allow you a chance to become better acquainted with our co-founders through the eyes of each other. Each has written a post about one of the three founders of Outspoken so you may better understand who we are and why we think working together is SO FETCH. (Whatever, I’m getting cheese fries.)

Written by Tara

I’ve worked at quite a few agencies, and there are some really solid people working in this industry.  But, I’ve never met anyone with the moral compass that Tori has. I’ve seen people at agencies bend, break and discard rules. With Tori—it’s the high road 100% of the time. She’s like Michelle Obama. I co-founded a company with Michelle Obama.  

As my father has described Tori “that one isn’t asleep at the wheel!”. Tori is just one of those people that you instantly trust. She was that kid that you told your parents that you were going out with so they’d let you leave the house in the first place. And seeing as I was the kid that you never told your parents you were going out with…it’s very lucky that I met Tori.

It’s fun getting to start a business with someone who you are truly friends with. Because of work visas and timelines of starting our business, I had to give up my apartment at one point and stay with Tori for an extended amount of time. I just can’t imagine that experience if we weren’t friends (for either side!). She was so welcoming, and really made me feel at home. But also, if you ever stay with Tori — don’t talk to her in the morning until after she’s had a coffee. Just trust me.  

Tori is the eldest of three siblings (two of which are her twin brothers!). She’s incredibly family-oriented, and loves to go home to West Virginia.  Caitie and I got to visit with her family and attend her father’s 60th birthday party that Tori took the lead on planning. It was a blasty-blast, and so beautiful to see Tori amongst all of her loved ones. It was not a small affair with lots of moving pieces, but she handled it without breaking a sweat. 

Anyone loved by Tori knows that she gets things done, she is beyond thoughtful, and she anchors all our lives.  She’s responsible, she keeps us on track, she always does the right thing, and she makes us all better people. 

Founder 411: Q&A with Tori

1) If you could rename your job title of COO to more closely encompass the work you do, what would it be?

World’s Longest Acronym would ensue, but who needs labels? I love the fact that I get to bounce around many parts of the company and have the freedom (and support of my colleagues) to do so. Keeps me from getting bored and always on my toes! Don’t sleep on my bedtime routine tips for managing stress levels ;).

2) Who is the groolest (that’s when you mean to say coolest and start saying great) speaker you’ve ever seen live?

Kate Hudson was super fun for a fireside chat. But the most inspiring live performance was watching Luvvie Ajayi guide volunteers through a privilege walk onstage. What a humbling experience and I could really feel the buzz in the room!

3) What Halloween costume in your past best reflects your personality?

I’ve probably dressed up as a cat too many times and maybe that does reflect my personality (I do love sleep, I’m pretty predictable and I like to cuddle when I get to choose). BUT my favorite was a look from Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” video with aluminum can rollers in my hair and bedazzled top and bottoms. I went full out with creating the costume from scratch, with a more modest approach, obvi. It allowed me to be creative, obsess over it and still have fun. I think that’s basically me at work.

4) What class superlative would you most likely be now and why?

“Most Organized” or “Most Likely to Boss You Around” (which would be reflective of my entire life as a first-born). This will surprise no one who knows me well, but I was on a mission in high school to get a superlative. Somehow I managed two: Most Talented (theatre nerd, student council-obsessed, and yearbook photographer, what up) and Miss Eagle, an ode to our mascot, the Flying Eagles, and a very kind honor voted on by classmates. An embarrassing engagement-style photo with Mr. Eagle remains under lock & key (or in my high school yearbook if you can get access).

5) If the limit does not exist as they say in “Mean Girls”, where do you see your company in year 10?

We’ll be hustling just as hard, continuing to make a name for ourselves in the industry, with a little additional work-life balance attained by then! Adding a few colleagues to the fam (maybe some men for Dave’s sake!), continuing to diversify the industry, and feeling very grateful for what we’ve accomplished. Just like right now. Couldn’t have done it without everyone who has crossed our path these last 5+ years!

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Outspoken Agency is a women-owned speaking agency representing leaders, founders, public intellectuals, authors and entertainers for paid keynotes, workshops and panels at in-person and virtual events. Learn more about our female founders here.