our manifesto

designed by Valerie Caña

Each company has core values, and this manifesto is a visual representation of ours. We work with our clients to foster confidence and inspiration in leadership and life, and each statement here reinforces that key mission.

Here's some additional insight into the meaning behind each statement:

No... for now

When you face a rejection, "just think of it as no for now." It works in negotiation and in life. Getting a "no" doesn't mean the door is shut forever. Go back at it with a fresh perspective when you have new information or experience.

Equal pay, equal say

It's not just about the money. It's about impact and respect.

Show up, follow up

Our mantra for making it happen. If you want to achieve your goal, put in the effort. A complementary concept is to be "relentlessly friendly." If you're relentless without being friendly, well, you're a jerk. Too friendly without being relentless? You may not get very far.

Embrace the awkward

We're taught not to talk about money. But the reality is, the more information you have, the better. How much are you willing to pay to avoid an awkward conversation?

Fake it 'til you make it

You've heard it in yoga and it's true in negotiation also. Our expectations shape our reality - so psych yourself up and work it out!

Pay yourself first

Our money mantra, especially for anyone who faces a wage gap. Alas, this doesn't mean buy yourself a treat first, it means pay your future self. Meaning: savings. Boring? Maybe. You'll thank yourself later? 100 percent.

Speech is silver, silence is golden

Our favorite piece of negotiation advice. People feel a strong need to fill silence, so use that knowledge strategically.

Empathy matters

When you can imagine yourself in someone else's shoes, it not only makes you a stronger negotiator, it makes you a kinder person. Now more than ever, kindness matters, too.

The magic words are "I would like"

"I would like" - short but mighty. One seasoned executive we worked with used this phrase and got $11,000 more in a recent negotiation. You read that right: $11,000. Why does it work so well? For women in particular, it's softer than "I want" or "I deserve" but not as soft as "Um, maybe do you think this would be possible?"

Who else benefits from my success?

It's so important to think beyond yourself. Your fulfillment has ripple effects. It's not just about money. Your success could inspire a mentee, make it easier to care for a family member or create stability from an unstable foundation. It's not about greed, it's about thriving instead of merely surviving.

Special thanks

A big thank you to our fabulous graphic designer Valerie Caña, who made these concepts come to life, and to The Lady Project, whose manifesto was the inspiration for ours!