She's So Suite: The Fashion Designer turned Founder at Down to a T ft. Talya Heller G
- Kristi Faltorusso
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
LISTEN TO THE LATEST SHE'S SO SUITE PODCAST
IN THIS EPISODE KRISTI AND TALYA DISCUSS:
1. You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan
Some of the biggest life and career shifts aren't the result of a meticulously crafted five-year plan. Talya's most pivotal moves—like relocating internationally for her MBA or switching from program management to product marketing—were sometimes unplanned opportunities that she decided not to immediately dismiss.
2. Embrace Confidence (Even if You Have to Fake It at First)
Talya talks candidly about not always knowing what she was getting herself into, but trusting that if others had succeeded, she could too. Sometimes, a little bit of unawareness or overconfidence actually helps you move forward rather than hold yourself back.
3. Representation Matters
Seeing family members or other women in roles you aspire to makes it more conceivable. Talya notes that having engineers in her family made it easier to choose engineering, while later, seeing unapologetic women leaders gave her "permission" to show up authentically.
4. Your Unique Path is Valuable
There’s no one textbook definition for success, being a good mom, or the right way to be a professional. Don’t feel pressured to conform to any particular model—it’s up to you to define it for yourself.
5. Accept That You Can't Please Everyone
No matter how hard you try, you can’t make everyone happy—at work or elsewhere. Letting go of that need is liberating and helps you be your best, most genuine self.
6. Lean on the Confidence Others Have in You
When others believe in you, sometimes you need to borrow their confidence until you can build your own. Talya credits mentors and supportive colleagues as crucial to her development.
7. Don’t Hide Who You Are—It’s Your Strength
Talya almost toned down her fashion sense and personality to fit into a more “serious” role but realized that authenticity resonated more and inspired greater respect.
8. Celebrating Wins is Important (Even When You Feel Like You’re Not "There" Yet)
Women often jump from one accomplishment to the next without stopping to reflect. Taking the time to appreciate your progress and successes—whether it’s professional milestones or being a role model for your kids—is crucial.
9. Growth Comes From Challenge and Discomfort
Nothing ever came easy, Talya says, especially as a young woman in male-dominated tech environments. Learning to navigate uncertainty, face challenges, and still push forward is what creates lasting growth.
10. Mindfulness and Compassion Go a Long Way
Practicing intentionality, gratitude, and self-compassion helps you slow down and recognize what truly matters, for yourself and for those around you. It’s not about meeting arbitrary standards, but about building a life that’s meaningful to you and your family.
Sponsored by: ClientSuccess and WednesdayWomen
Produced by: Manali Bhat
Listen to the She's So Suite Podcast:
Podcast Episode Overview:
In this episode of the She's So Suite podcast, host Kristi Faltorusso sits down with Talya Heller G, a competitive positioning consultant and founder of Down to a T. Talya shares her unconventional journey from aspiring fashion designer and would-be architect to leading product marketing expert and entrepreneur. Listeners are taken through Talya’s career pivots—from early aspirations, engineering school, and program management at HP, to embracing product marketing and ultimately founding her own consultancy.
The conversation delves deep into Talya’s mindset around risk-taking, the influence of family and environment, and the importance of embracing opportunities (even when they’re not on your “five year plan”). She candidly discusses challenges she faced as the youngest woman in male-dominated environments and the power of seeing women leaders be authentically themselves. The episode also explores how embracing a blend of creativity, analytics, and empathy shaped Talya’s unique approach to business.
Talya and Kristi openly reflect on the pressures women face to please others, the importance of representation, and the value of practicing mindfulness and gratitude. Talya’s proudest moments—growing her brand from scratch, inspiring her daughter, and forging her own path—are both relatable and inspiring.
The episode wraps up with Talya’s heartfelt advice: There’s no single blueprint for success, womanhood, or motherhood. She urges listeners to define happiness and achievement for themselves, approach life with compassion and intention, and celebrate progress over perfection.
Whether you’re rethinking your career, looking for a confidence boost, or want a real-world view into the highs and lows of female leadership, this episode delivers openness, wisdom, and encouragement to embrace your own unique story.
About Talya Heller G.:
Talya Heller is a seasoned product marketer, believes competitive research should drive strategy and positioning—not get buried in battlecards. As the founder of Down to a T GTM Consulting, Talya partners with B2B marketing leaders to create compelling narratives that help companies stand out in crowded markets and speak to the entire buying committee. Recognized as top 100 PMMs, Exit Five’s top 25 marketers to know, and SalesIntel’s women in revenue, Talya’s work has been featured on PMM Camp, Klue’s Compete Week, and more.
Timestamps:
00:00 Competitive Positioning Consultancy Focus
05:54 Choosing Industrial Engineering: A Versatile Path
08:41 Path from Childhood Dreams to Career
12:40 Unplanned Career Path Transition
16:23 Adjusting to Change Takes Time
17:22 Language Barrier Challenges
23:56 Navigating Career and Self-Expression
26:37 Inescapable Criticism of Women Leaders
30:05 Success Through Unplanned Ventures
31:45 Celebrating Modern Role Models
36:40 "Elevating Executive Women Weekly"
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