ACTSHEON™: Negotiate Like You Control the Board

Let’s kill this myth right now—you don’t need to know it all to advocate for yourself. 

Whether negotiating a promotion, asking for more flexibility, pitching yourself for a new role, or quoting your fee for a speaking gig—you don’t need to be perfect. 

The most important thing you bring into the room is the belief that you belong there. 

You need to be prepared. Grounded. Clear. 

Negotiation is not about ego or arrogance. It’s about advocating for the value you’ve already created, the experience you’ve already earned, and the results you know how to deliver. 

It’s about walking into negotiations like you didn’t just build the board—you drew the blueprints. You crafted it, sanded the edges, and made it strong enough to play on. 

So why do so many brilliant, high-performing women still hesitate when it’s time to ask for what they deserve? 

Because too many of us were taught to be grateful for the opportunity, not to ask for more. 

But here’s the truth: gratitude and negotiation can coexist.
You can be new and still charge like a pro.
You can be nervous and still negotiate like you're on the board. 

Let’s talk about how. 

Start with What You Know 

Confidence in negotiation doesn’t come from personality—it comes from clarity. 

Before you even send the email or walk into the meeting, you’ve got to own your story. And that starts with preparation. 

You’re not asking for a favor. 

You’re making an informed request based on merit, data, and impact. 

Before you even send the email or walk into the meeting, you’ve got to own your story. And that starts with preparation. This ensures you’re not winging your worth. 

Therefore, you must always walk into a negotiation: 

• Knowing what you want
• Knowing why you deserve it
• Knowing what happens if you don’t get it 

Whether you’re in a 1-on-1 with your supervisor or sitting across from a potential client, the ability to clearly articulate your value sets the tone. And that value? It’s not just about what you’ve done—it’s about the problems you solve, the results you create, and the unique leadership you offer. 

10 Things You Must Be Able to Say, Show, or Defend in Any Negotiation 

These aren’t just “nice to haves.” These are essentials that position you as a woman leader who isn’t just deserving, but undeniable: 

1. Know the impact of your work.

Skip the fluff. Show the facts. 

Don’t just remind the other negotiating party that you work hard. Show receipts. Show the data. Not feelings. Not hunches. Results. 

Talk about measurable outcomes. 

Examples: 

• “I led a product redesign that cut customer churn by 18%.”
• “My mentorship program increased team retention by 25% over six months.”
• “In the past six months, I led a team-wide efficiency review that cut onboarding time for new hires by 40% and improved workforce continuity by 22%.” 

2. Be clear about what you want.

If you’re unclear, the other party will be too. 

Detailed asks create actionable outcomes. Specificity is power. Saying “I’d like to grow” is vague. 

Examples: 

• “Considering my strong performance record and the significant contributions I’ve made and anticipate making in the future, I’m formally requesting a promotion to the position of Director of Operations.” 

Or 

• “I’m requesting a promotion to Senior Program Manager, based on my expanded responsibilities, and I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment that’s commensurate.”

3. Explain why now is the right time.

Timing matters. Give context that positions your ask as timely and strategic, not random or emotional. Frame your ask around results you’ve recently achieved or an inflection point in your growth. 

Examples: 

• “Since our Q1 launch, I’ve taken on project lead duties that fall outside my current role. I want to align my title and compensation with the work I’m already doing.” 

• In a business context: 

“Your summit focuses on leadership for women—my exact area of impact. That’s why I’m proposing this custom talk and collaborative opportunity. Let’s discuss a partnership that brings transformation to your audience and results to your organization.

4. Know your unique advantage.

If you don’t name your edge, don’t expect them to figure it out. 

What do you bring to the role, project, or opportunity that no one else does? Maybe it’s your ability to lead diverse teams, navigate change, or coach others into higher performance. 

Don’t be modest. Be memorable. Make it easy for them to choose you. 

Examples: 

• “While other candidates may have experience in operations, I bring both strategy and execution—I’ve led two enterprise-level change initiatives that delivered under budget and ahead of schedule, while building high trust across several diverse teams.” 

• In a business context: 

“My clients often say I translate leadership theory into action that teams actually want to implement. That’s a value many consultants miss, and it’s why my programs sustain impact past the first 90 days.” 

5. Show that you understand the business.

Make your value their solution. 

Negotiations are easier when they’re not just about you. Tie your request to company or client outcomes. 

Examples: 

• “Here’s how my proposed initiative aligns with our strategic goals for Q3.” 

Or 

• “I know the team is being tasked with increasing client retention. I want to lead a pilot initiative focused on onboarding experience, since we’ve seen early drop-off rates are highest in that first 60 days.”

6. Anticipate objections.

Plan for pushback—and stay grounded, not defensive. 

Prepare for questions like “Why now?” or “Why you?” without getting defensive. Instead, regain focus on the negotiation using data, results, and/or testimonials. 

Examples: 

• “I understand this may be a stretch ask, but I’ve mapped my current scope to the next-level competencies—and I’m already performing at [or surpassing] that standard. Thus, I want to revisit the numbers in the context of my current impact over the last two quarters.” 

• In a business context: 

“I get that budgets are tight. I’d happily walk you through the ROI I’ve helped other clients generate. If it helps, I can share a scaled-down option as well.”

7. Know your number.

Don’t freeze when they ask, “What’s your rate?” 

Set it. Say it. Stick to it. 

For promotions or new roles, have a salary range based on market research. Do your research using sites like Payscale or Glassdoor. 

As for speaking gigs, workshops, consulting, or business contracts, don’t just have a number—understand it. The worst time to figure out your worth is mid-negotiation. The best time? Right now. 

Before the email comes, the call is booked, or an opportunity presents itself. You need to know: 

• What you charge
• Why you charge it
• What’s included
• What value the client or organization will receive 

Here’s what I hear from women all the time:

“I’m just getting started.”

“I don’t want to scare potential clients off.”

“I want to be affordable.” 

Sis—affordable for who? 

I assure you. You don’t want everyone to be your client. Trust. Me. 

Avoid the headache and charge what you’re worth. Your fee must always reflect your experience, preparation, outcomes, and transformation—not merely your time. 

Example: 

“My keynote fee is $5,000, which includes prep, a fully customized presentation for your audience, and a post-event summary with actionable next steps.”

8. Practice your ask.

Write it. Say it. Repeat. 

Rehearse your ask before you’re in the room so you sound clear. Doing so will reduce anxiety and help even your hardest critic—you, believe it. 

Record yourself. Say it while walking. Say it while folding laundry. 

Examples: (Practice aloud)

• If negotiating for a promotion: 

“Over the past year, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities—leading key initiatives, managing a cross-functional team, and the onboarding process, where we’ve reduced ramp-up time by 30%. Given this expanded scope and my consistent results, I’m requesting a promotion to Director of People Operations and an adjusted salary of $115,000 to reflect my readiness and current contribution level.” 

• In a business context: 

“I’m thrilled about the chance to partner on your upcoming leadership summit. My fee for a 60-minute keynote is $5,000, and that includes a strategy call, tailored curriculum, and post-event coaching prompts.”

 Practice your ask in a mirror. Record yourself and then replay it. Do what you need to do to walk in ready.

9. Know what you’re not willing to compromise.

Clear boundaries will sustain your career—and business. 

Whether it's compensation, autonomy, or scope of work—know your boundaries. You don’t have to accept less just to be “easy to work with.” 

Examples: 

• “I’d be excited to take on this new leadership role. I want to be transparent, though. I’m unavailable for relocation, but I’d thrive in a hybrid setup and can deliver results in that structure.” 

• In a business context:

“I no longer offer unpaid speaking for for-profit events. I’m happy to discuss a budget-conscious format [or if your budget shifts in the future, I’d love to revisit the opportunity].” 

Protect your yes by honoring your no.

10. Be ready to walk away (when necessary).

Sometimes the power move is not saying yes, even when it’s hard. 

This is bold, but essential. Sometimes you won’t get what you’re asking for. And you must decide in advance: is it a dealbreaker or a detour? 

Examples: 

• “I appreciate the offer. At this time, I’m seeking opportunities that are aligned in both scope and salary. If things change, I’d be happy to revisit the conversation.” 

• In a business context: 

“I’m grateful for the interest. Unfortunately, I’m unable to participate in this event at the current rate. I wish you a successful event.” 

If something's a dealbreaker, it must always be non-negotiable. 

Let’s be done with “pick me” energy in rooms you were born to command. 

It tells the world you don’t undervalue yourself for access. 

The Numbers Don’t Lie 

According to a Forbes report, women are still less likely to negotiate than men, and when they do, they often ask for less or settle. But those who do negotiate, with clarity and confidence, presenting clear, data-backed arguments, usually experience better outcomes and faster upward movement than those who don’t. 

That tells us two things: 

1. The bar is still uneven.
2. But when women do negotiate well, they win big. 

Whether You’re a Mid-Level Leader or an Aspiring Entrepreneur 

If you’re in a mid-level position, you might be leading without the title. You’re mentoring, managing up, training others—but you’re still waiting for formal recognition. 

Stop waiting. 

Use that as leverage. Don’t say, “I think I’m ready.” 

Say: 

• “I’ve already been leading in this capacity. I want to align my title and compensation accordingly.” 

For new entrepreneurs? The same principle applies. 

Being newer to entrepreneurship doesn’t mean you work for exposure forever.

Set a starter rate. Offer an entry-level package. Keep it lean if needed—but name your number. 

Don’t price your services or products based on how nervous you feel. 

Girl. Bump. That.

Set your price based on your outcome—and then scale. 

Clients aren’t paying for your time. They’re paying for your expertise, results, and clarity. If you waver, they’ll wonder if you can deliver. 

Prepared Doesn’t Mean Perfect 

Being prepared isn’t about never stumbling over a word or anticipating every question. It’s about coming in anchored. Grounded. Clear. 

To achieve this, you must know: 

• Your value
• Your goal
• Your boundaries
• Your evidence 

When you do that, the energy shifts. People listen. 

Your Call to ACTSHEON™ 

This week, take one step to strengthen your negotiation voice. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s for a promotion, a client contract, or a clearer boundary around your time. 

Here’s how: 

• Draft your ask—write down 3 solid reasons you deserve it.
• Name your number.
• Record yourself saying it out loud, until it sounds authentic.
• Decide what you won’t compromise.
• Own it. Schedule it. Walk in and claim what’s already yours. 

You don’t need to wait for the stars to align before negotiating an ask. 

You must show up to the board with what you know and lead the conversation like you deserve to win. 

You've put in the work, so go get what you’ve earned.