It’s International Women’s Day! Did You Know Outspoken's Founders Are All Women?
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Did you know Outspoken Agency was founded by a team of women? If not… now you do! (Also, where have you been?! Follow us on social media to keep up!) In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we asked our founders some hard-hitting (and a few not-so-serious #nosy) questions. Here’s what they had to say. 👇
What’s it like owning an agency that’s focused on highlighting gender and equity issues? What motivated that vision at the inception of Outspoken?
Caitie: Inspiring and exhausting! So, so much progress has been made in the name of leveling the equity playing field and we are so honored to be representing so many powerful voices that are dedicated to the overall cause. But, there’s still so much more room for improvement. It’s no doubt a marathon, not a sprint.
Tara: It feels fatalistic. Having worked as an agent for nearly twenty years, and working with several agencies, I have always found myself championing women on those rosters. It was both thrilling and fulfilling when I could contribute to their career in some small way. Now, having the opportunity to shape a roster (alongside two women that I admire deeply) just feels like a dream.
Tori: It continues to be an uphill battle, even with the recognition that DEIB topics are important and evergreen. Focusing on this heavier content doesn’t (yet) payout monetarily in the same way that the “easy” and “safe” speaker content does, but who said any of this was going to be easy AND prosperous? We’re playing the long game, not just for our and our speakers’ benefit, but for society as a whole. It just might take the general population longer to get with the program :). We were motivated by the clear underrepresentation we saw on event stages, plaguing our industry back in 2015 and prior. We knew we had to practice what we preach and, fortunately, we've booked more women than men over the last few years and continue to focus on diversifying our speaker roster to provide thoughtful, diverse options for our clients.
Name a woman (famous or not) who inspires you and explain why? What can we gain from their story or experiences?
Tara: My mother. When I think back to my childhood and everything that my mother did to prepare me for the world, she seems more like a superhero rather than a human being. She worked tirelessly to ensure that I always did my best. She would sit down at our dinner table, and despite my griping and complaining, she would study with me for every test. I showed zero appreciation; I was lazy and difficult. But she never gave up on me, and always insisted that education was the only way forward.
What’s your favorite (maybe famous) speech by a woman?
Caitie: It’s a quote: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
When reflecting on the most important issues women face today, what are you most passionate about and why?
Caitie: It may sound like old news (because it is as old as time) but when you look at the fact that among the top 100 highest-paid CEOs in New York City, only 9 are women, you cannot deny the statistical reality that pays equity and equal representation in leadership is still very much our reality.
What’s your favorite song or album by a woman artist?
Caitie: I will survive by Gloria Gaynor; Son of A Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield; Vogue by Madonna
Tara: Silent All These Years by Tori Amous. I love the lyric “Boy you best pray that I bleed real soon—how’s that thought for ya?” She’s singing about a relationship that’s recently ended and he’s ended up with someone else… and he better hope that Tori isn’t pregnant. In 1992, when this was recorded, discussing the topic of menstruation was risqué. Singing about it was bold and it felt like an important step in removing the filter on talking openly about our monthly periods.
What’s some advice you would give to other women entrepreneurs?
Caitie: Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help, favors, or advice. It is a strength, not a weakness.
Tori: Find people who support you no matter what and understand the emotional rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship. Sometimes you need someone to remind you that you are doing something of value. And sometimes you need someone to give you the hard advice when it’s time to evolve, pivot, or walk away.
What’s some advice you would give to your younger self?
Caitie: See above.
Tori: Worry less about what others think of you or your choices in life and take more risks when you have less to lose (in theory). You can always find a second job, move back home, or ask for forgiveness, but you can never get the time back when an opportunity presents itself and you let it pass you by.
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.