What If Asking the Right Questions Changed Everything?

Big shifts in business, leadership, and career growth don’t start with having all the answers—they start with asking the right questions. The most successful people and organizations don’t just accept things as they are; they challenge assumptions and rethink possibilities. That’s exactly what this ‘What If?’ series is all about.

By asking What If?, we open the door to new ways of thinking, working, and leading. For example:

What If We Negotiated Like We Advocated for Others?

As women, we are powerful advocates—for our teams, our families, and our communities. We fight for fairness, champion others' successes, and ensure those around us get what they deserve. But when it comes to negotiating for ourselves, many of us hesitate. What if we approached our own salaries, promotions, and opportunities with the same confidence and conviction we bring when advocating for others?

The Problem: The Negotiation Gap

Studies show that women negotiate less frequently than men when it comes to salaries and career advancement. Why? Because of social conditioning, fear of being perceived as too aggressive, and the reality that negotiations don’t always yield the same results for us as they do for men.

This hesitation can lead to:

• Lost Earnings Over a Lifetime – A single missed negotiation can compound over time, affecting long-term wealth.
• Slower Career Progression – Promotions often go to those who speak up, not just those who work hard.
• Unmet Potential – Without advocating for ourselves, we may stay in roles that don’t fully leverage our skills and ambitions.

The Shift: Negotiating with Confidence

What if we negotiated with the same energy and determination we bring when fighting for others? What if we:

1. Reframed Negotiation as Advocacy – We’re not asking for a favor; we’re advocating for our value and the impact we bring.
2. Leveraged Data – Researching industry benchmarks and highlighting measurable results can make our case stronger.
3. Practiced the Ask – Confidence comes from preparation. Rehearsing our negotiation like we would for an important presentation can change the outcome.
4. Embraced the Discomfort – Growth happens outside of what feels easy. The more we negotiate, the stronger we become.

The Takeaway

We already excel at advocating for others. Now it’s time to use that same skill to advocate for ourselves.

So, what if we negotiated like we were fighting for our best friend? The answer: More pay, more opportunities, and more seats at the table.

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This is just the beginning. Throughout this conversation, we’ll ask bold questions that challenge the status quo and open the door to new possibilities. If you’re ready to think differently about leadership, success, and growth, follow along.

Let’s shape the future—together.