Tara Desai | CEO of Iris&Romeo
A conversation with Iris&Romeo CEO Tara Desai about navigating the challenges of motherhood and career, the importance of support networks, and creating inclusive workplaces that humanize our lived experience.
Can you describe a situation where you encountered barriers as a working parent?
Back when I was pregnant with my first child, I worked for a small company run by men. I was the first employee to get pregnant and therefore had to pioneer a maternity policy. In some cases, this would be an exciting opportunity to lay the groundwork for fair and appropriate time off for other women at the company. Unfortunately, the lack of support became evident quickly, and it was a battle ensuring I was protected, and had the recovery and bonding time I so desperately needed. It really opened my eyes to the lack of protections and equality for women embarking on one of the most exciting times of their lives.
On top of the work challenges, I was dealing with the news of my son having a birth defect. It was a very difficult time for me emotionally, and feeling unsupported at work (where I spent the vast majority of my time) really took a toll on my mental health.
How did you navigate these challenges and advocate for your needs?
I was fortunate to have a very supportive husband at home, who helped me navigate both the personal and professional struggles. I also leaned into the healthcare system who at the time offered professional mental health services for expectant mothers facing the birth defects I was about to embark on.
In the end, I pushed through and got that maternity policy done. I returned to work and even got a pumping room in the office – what a feat! As unfortunate and difficult as it was to go through this experience, I will carry it with me and ensure none of the women who work for me have to experience anything similar. In a way, I will use it to shape the type of leader and support system I want to be for my own employees.
How have mentorship and support networks contributed to your professional and personal growth?
Without a doubt. I think it is very important to have mentors, and colleague support in any position, from your first job to the executive level. Especially as women, we are up against the odds in most cases. When it comes to compensation, title, opportunity and even funding. Mentors who have been through it always offer the best advice and know how to advocate.
In my current role, I have found a group of women who all share similar struggles and challenges as it relates to entrepreneurship. In my experience, I find that it always helps to feel seen and that what you're going through is not unique. More than anything, this group makes me laugh! Sometimes, you just need to have smart, hilarious women around the table to make things a bit lighter.
I tell my team to lean on each other, and that my door, or virtual door, is always open. I have been very fortunate to have some amazing mentors and colleagues in my life, especially women. It has been exciting to watch my community grow together, and I still find comfort reaching out to find guidance.
How can companies foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture for women?
Communication is always key for any challenging work environment. I believe it is the responsibility of the leadership team to foster inclusive conversations within the staff. At Iris&Romeo, a female-founded and run company, we start every Monday morning by asking the entire team to share a high and low from the last week, both professionally and personally. Breaking down barriers between work and home life have helped the team bond. It humanizes what we are doing. If one of us is going through something personal, the rest of the team and be there in support. It starts at the top.
How can companies cultivate stronger bonds and collaboration among employees?
I hope I can use my voice to tell women that the best way to get through life is to live by the motto “women supporting women”. My biggest life unlock was when I realized that the best career experiences I have had, in terms of growth, support and just overall happiness, is when I’ve had female managers who were supportive.
Not just in the workplace, but actually care about your well-being, your family, and everything in between. I hope that the way I manage the company and my team instills a notion that when women work together, I mean really work together, the sky's the limit.
“Breaking down barriers between work and home life have helped the team bond. It humanizes what we are doing. ”
About Tara
Tara Desai is a brand and growth strategist who partners with executives and entrepreneurs to grow consumer brands. Tara has spent two decades working with global, billion dollar companies including The Estee Lauder Companies and Marc Jacobs International, where she delivered consistent annual growth. Tara Desai is currently the Chief Executive Officer of clean hybrid beauty brand Iris&Romeo, where she led the company’s Series A raise and a nation wide Sephora launch, positioning the company for a high growth trajectory in 2024 and beyond.