Inside a Startup: From Interview Process to Product Launch in Women’s Health
How do you go from tech marketing to launching a product in women’s health? Maya Ayed, Chief of Staff at Amira Health, did exactly that. She shares how she broke into startups, helped bring a product to market, and learned the real skills that matter.
Key Takeaways
Relationships First: Before accepting the Chief of Staff role, Maya did a two-week trial to see if there was a fit — not just for the role, but with the founder.
Know the Customer: Maya focused early on user research — learning how real women experience menopause and what they need most.
Keep It Lean and Aligned: The small Amira team uses clear OKRs (objectives and key results) to stay focused and measure progress.
Notable Quotes
“You first have to ask — is this someone I can actually work well with every day?”
“Never assume your team understands a process just because you do.”
“How you say it matters. People connect to stories — not specs.”
Real-World Applications
Career Pivots
Example: Don’t wait for perfect credentials. Maya built her network by hosting events and showing up — that’s how she got the job.Market Research that Matters
Example: Maya’s first week was all about talking to potential users and reading everything she could about menopause — not building, but understanding.Better OKRs
Example: Instead of just listing goals, Maya helped the team understand why they matter — and adjusted them based on real data and feedback.
Building something meaningful starts with people — the people you work with and the people you serve. Maya Ayed’s story is a real look at what it takes behind the scenes: curiosity, clear communication, and staying close to what users actually want.
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.