Shows
Gentle Power47. A personal brand is a negotiation assetThis week on Gentle Power, we sat down with Morgan Snyder for a candid conversation about executive content, personal brand, and the quiet factors that contribute to negotiation outcomes before a call even starts. We also get into what’s actually working on LinkedIn right now, why long-form still matters, and how to build relationships in a way that doesn’t feel like performance art, even though Morgan himself will post over-the-top content that mocks the status signalers.We covered:Why Morgan thinks long-form content is where real trust gets built, which is a ke...
2026-02-2038 min
Gentle Power46. Preparation is overrated in negotiationsThis week on Gentle Power, we sat down with Mark Mirra, CEO and co-founder of Aligned Negotiation, for a deep (and very practical) conversation on how to make negotiation feel less like “combat” and more like a normal life skill you can build over time. We covered:Why Mark thinks negotiation should be treated like a lifestyle activity, not a scary, high-stakes “event”Why internal negotiations (inside your company) often feel harder than external onesThe 4 negotiation types Mark teaches, and what each one demands from youThe 4 phases of a negotiation, and how your mindset s...
2026-02-1450 min
Gentle Power45. A Japanese negotiation tactic we highly recommendIn this episode of Gentle Power, we sat down with Kenko Ueyama, cofounder of Tsubasa AI, an AI advisory agency that helps enterprise teams define their AI strategy and then actually build it. Kenko is also a senior advisor at Harvard Applied AI Institute, where he helps design AI coursework and leads executive workshops on navigating AI-driven change.We covered: How underpricing yourself lowers not just your margins, but how seriously your work is takenA deep dive into your “resentment number,” where if a price makes you resent the work later, it was too...
2026-02-0853 min
Gentle Power45. A Japanese negotiation tactic we highly recommendIn this episode of Gentle Power, we sat down with Kenko Ueyama, cofounder of Tsubasa AI, an AI advisory agency that helps enterprise teams define their AI strategy and then actually build it. Kenko is also a senior advisor at Harvard Applied AI Institute, where he helps design AI coursework and leads executive workshops on navigating AI-driven change.We covered: How underpricing yourself lowers not just your margins, but how seriously your work is takenA deep dive into your “resentment number,” where if a price makes you resent the work...
2026-02-0756 min
Gentle Power44. When a “no deal” is the best dealIn this episode of Gentle Power, we talk about “no deal” scenarios. Not as failures, but as real and often necessary outcomes that people tend to misunderstand, resist, or personalize.Most negotiation advice focuses on how to get to a deal. But a big part of negotiating well is knowing when there isn’t one. We explore why no deal happens, how to think about it strategically, and how zooming out can turn a disappointing outcome into the right one.We cover:Why no deal usually comes down to misaligned prioritiesWhy a strong...
2026-01-3011 min
Gentle Power43. When they treat you disrespectfullyIn this episode of Gentle Power, we unpack a situation that comes up often in our client work: navigating moments where you feel undervalued, dismissed, or treated aggressively by the other side. We talk about how to respond without escalating the situation, how to protect your leverage, and how to distinguish between a one-off bad interaction and a real red flag about the company.Our conversation covers:Why feeling disrespected during a job search is common, and why it hits harder than people expectThe case for assuming best intent...
2026-01-2313 min
Gentle Power42. Negotiation Lessons from a Minister of Finance (Part 2)We’re back this week with Part 2 of our conversation with Arben Malaj, former Minister of Finance of Albania, and also Gerta’s father.Quick recap: In his early 30s, Arben was tasked with stabilizing Albania’s economy during its 1997 financial crisis and civil war. His work put him across the table from institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and EU Commission, in negotiations where the power imbalance seemed insurmountable and the consequences of getting it wrong were enormous.In Part 2, we zoom in on a few concrete moments that s...
2026-01-1624 min
Gentle Power41. Negotiation lessons from a Minister of Finance (Part 1)In this week’s episode, Gerta sits down with her father, Arben Malaj, for a candid conversation about leadership under pressure, values-based negotiation, and what it looks like to take responsibility when everything is on the line. Arben is a prominent public figure in Albania and served as Minister of Finance during the country’s 1997 economic collapse, when pyramid schemes wiped out roughly half of Albania’s GDP and pushed the country into chaos.This is part one of the interview, focusing on Arben’s background, the crisis years, and the negotiation principles that guided him through some of...
2026-01-0917 min
Gentle Power40. What does being creative in negotiations look like?This week, we talk about a type of negotiation most people deal with far more often than job offers: negotiating with hotels, airlines, and everyday services. The conversation was sparked by a real hotel booking situation that arose from Gerta’s upcoming MIT masterclass.Our conversation covers:Why everyday negotiations still benefit from a clear askHow light preparation works better than rigid scriptsHow human connection plays a role in low-stakes negotiationsWhat creativity looks like when you are not extracting valueWhy small acts of generosity can go a long wayThis week’s conv...
2026-01-0219 min
Gentle Power39. What can negotiators learn from decision science and poker?This week, we’re sharing Gerta’s interview with Meredith Baker of the Powerful Stuff Podcast, a podcast for cheeky self-development. Their conversation is a refreshing reminder that negotiation doesn’t have to feel like a cage match. Gerta breaks down the mindset that makes negotiation work better (collaboration, goodwill, and even playfulness), plus a handful of tactics you can use immediately, whether you’re navigating comp, co-founder equity, rent, or just everyday life.Our conversation covers:What can negotiators learn from decision science and poker?How to decide whether to negot...
2025-12-261h 17
Gentle Power38. Negotiating in love and datingMost weeks on Gentle Power, we talk about power dynamics in professional settings like job offers and negotiations. In this episode, we focus on negotiations in none other than… love and dating! We explore how vulnerability, power dynamics, and behavioral psychology shape connection and influence, often in ways people misunderstand.Our conversation covers:Vulnerability feels like weakness but it’s actually a strong marker of power People will like you more if you ask them for a favor - the Ben Franklin effectHow to tell if someone likes...
2025-12-1636 min
Gentle Power37. Real estate negotiations: making offers is how you get intelThis week we sat down with our friend Victor Hsu, a New York - based real estate broker who works with global families, primarily Chinese, navigating the U.S. housing market. Victor’s perspective blends cultural nuance, decades of on-the-ground experience, and a front-row view into how real people behave when the stakes feel high. The overlap between real estate and hiring negotiations turned out to be even greater than we expected.Our conversation covers:How Victor’s client negotiated over $3M off the asking price of a Manhattan townhouseWhy...
2025-12-1541 min
Gentle Power37. Real estate negotiations: making offers is how you get intelThis week we sat down with our friend Victor Hsu, a New York–based real estate broker who works with global families, primarily Chinese, navigating the U.S. housing market. Victor’s perspective blends cultural nuance, decades of on-the-ground experience, and a front-row view into how real people behave when the stakes feel high. The overlap between real estate and hiring negotiations turned out to be even greater than we expected.Our conversation covers:How Victor’s client negotiated over $3M off the asking price of a Manhattan townhouseWhy showin...
2025-12-0941 min
Gentle Power36. Why execs don’t win at negotiationsThere’s one insight in our client work that many people would find surprising: mid-career professionals often land stronger increases, both in percentage terms and in absolute dollars, than do senior executives.At first glance, it feels counterintuitive. Senior leaders negotiate business deals, oversee large teams and budgets, and carry higher titles that signal experience and competence. But job offer negotiations draw on a different set of muscles, and the instincts that help people succeed at the executive level don’t always translate cleanly.Our conversation covers:How...
2025-12-0219 min
Gentle Power35. Turning a job posting into a new client, and BTS on B2B negotiationsThis week we spoke with our friend Matt LeBaron, cofounder and CEO of Pocketbook. Matt helps large companies evaluate their software vendors, renegotiate contracts, and make smarter decisions about their tech stack. He also works as a part-time consultant with Adobe’s software procurement team.Our conversation covers:How Matt creatively turned a full-time job posting from Adobe into part-time client work for his businessWhy negotiations are more flexible than they appear, and how stated policies or pricing often function more as starting points than strict rulesHo...
2025-11-2548 min
Gentle Power34. Practicing saying no & smiling with your voiceThis week on Gentle Power, we’re joined by Shawna Samuel, an executive consultant who focuses on supporting executive-working mothers in demanding roles. Shawna began her career in global finance, where she spent two decades shaping partnerships across the US and Europe. When she became a mother, the structure that had supported her career started to feel less stable. Her responsibilities grew while the available support didn’t grow with them, and she began questioning the default assumption that people should simply adapt without help. That turning point led Shawna to create The Mental Offlo...
2025-11-2145 min
Gentle Power33. Have you tried IFS therapy? It can make you a stronger negotiatorThis week on Gentle Power, we explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy has changed the way we think about negotiations. The IFS school of thought is based on the idea that we all have different “parts” within us that try to protect us in different ways, and this framework offers surprising lessons for how we show up in high-stakes conversations.Our conversation covers:Why curiosity works better than confrontation when someone gets pushy or defensiveHow to stay grounded when you feel triggered or under pressureWhy advocating for your younger self (or for some...
2025-11-1411 min
Gentle Power32. When you think you’re strengthening your position, but you’re giving it awayIn this episode, we break down one of the most overlooked negotiation traps: how people give away their leverage when they think they’re actually helping their case. From revealing salary history to competing offers to personal disclosures, even senior leaders can unintentionally anchor themselves low and limit their earning power.Our conversation covers:How one of our high performing, executive clients made a fatal mistake in their negotiations thinking they were actually helping their caseWhy sharing salary history instantly anchors the negotiation and erases options you didn’t know...
2025-11-0716 min
Gentle Power31. How to negotiate when you were referred by someone in the companyIn this episode, we discuss a common dilemma: how to negotiate when the job opportunity came through a referral. Many people hesitate to negotiate in these situations out of fear of seeming ungrateful or straining the relationship that helped them get in the door. We share how to approach these conversations without creating awkwardness or risking the relationship.Our conversation covers:Why a warm intro doesn't mean you can’t advocate for yourselfWhy keeping a pulse on your market value now will help you negotiate roles later that came through warm introsThe mindset of...
2025-11-0125 min
Gentle Power30. An ex-Google corporate attorney on negotiationsThis week we’re joined by Alex Daniels, founder of Decrypted Law and a JD-MBA who is ex-Google, has advised startups and investors during his time at Cooley, and now through his own practice. Alex helps founders and employees navigate legal complexity and drive equitable outcomes through intentional legal design. We explore the structures that keep negotiations ethical, equitable, and grounded in real leverage.Our conversation covers:What founders and employees should know about clawback clauses, non-competes, non-solicits, and NDAs, and why the language matters more than the labelHow to...
2025-10-231h 03
Gentle Power29. A corporate attorney’s take on business deal negotiationsIn this episode, we’re joined by corporate attorney and SaaS dealmaker, Omeed Tabiei, whose career spans Hyperloop’s moonshot years, two startups of his own, and now a boutique legal firm that helps software founders from incorporation to exit. We dig into how negotiation really works across the startup lifecycle: pricing your services, converting cold outreach into warm relationships, and protecting leverage when buyers come knocking.We cover:Why everything is a negotiation, from scoping legal work to structuring M&AsHow Omeed turns cold leads warm: identify motivations, give...
2025-10-1747 min
Gentle Power28. Inside a hiring manager’s mind during negotiationsIn this episode, we’re joined by Mariane Bekker: engineering leader through six exits, former Director of Engineering at Mindbody, and founder of the 80k-member tech community, Founders Bay. Our conversation explores pay and negotiations from the hiring side, how bias actually shows up in offers, and how women (and allies) can ensure fair offers from both sides of the table.We cover:How to avoid anchoring traps that disadvantage women in offersWhy motivation and scope often matter more than “market data”Practical phrases that reframe the conver...
2025-10-0945 min
Gentle Power27. Negotiations for founders & startupsThis week we’re sharing a live workshop we hosted with Marianne Bekker (Managing Partner, Founders Bay) on how founders can negotiate across every phase of the startup journey, from co-founder splits to investor terms, design partners, vendors, and early hires. Gerta walks through a practical framework for keeping leverage, avoiding common traps (like giving numbers/ranges), and aligning deals to the right priorities rather than the loudest ones.Our presentation covers:The founder negotiation map: co-founders, investors, early employees/contractors, advisors, vendors, design partners, customers, and M&AHow to preserve leverage (and wh...
2025-10-0333 min
Gentle Power26. Negotiating a $800K DJ contract & robot combatIn our first in-person interview, we sat down with David Carvalho: entrepreneur, veteran DJ, and the man behind some of San Francisco’s most iconic tech and music events. For more than two decades, David has booked talent for Dreamforce, the Super Bowl, and private gatherings for Silicon Valley’s most influential leaders, while also performing at Coachella, Ultra, Outside Lands, Giants, Warriors, and Raiders games, Google and Facebook’s IPO parties, and even Christina Aguilera’s wedding.In our conversation, David shares how he has built long-lasting partnerships and a storied career by balancing integrity, creativity, and nego...
2025-09-261h 02
Gentle Power0. What it's like working with usWe often get asked, "What does a negotiation service look like?" In this video, we go into detail on exactly what our clients experience when they work with us to negotiate their compensation.If you're in the job search or expecting upcoming negotiations, book a free call with us to get free negotiation tips for your situation and to explore if we're a good fit to work together! Find a time here: https://calendly.com/alexhapki/call
2025-09-2438 min
Gentle Power25. Don’t say “fair” or “generous” in negotiationsIn this episode, we unpack the exact words and phrases that quietly tank negotiations, and what to say instead. A recent study conducted by Neil Rackham shows skilled negotiators use far fewer “irritator words” like “fair,” “reasonable,” and “generous,” because those labels backfire.We cover:The “irritator words” to avoid based on the study (“fair offer,” “reasonable,” “generous”) and simple, better substitutesIrritator words that we have observed from our experience and what to say insteadA kinder, stronger deflection than “I’m not comfortable sharing that” (for salary questions, competing offers, et...
2025-09-1830 min
Gentle Power24. How AI can jeopardize your negotiationsIn this episode, we tested AI against some of our most common negotiation questions to find out where it helps, and where it confidently steers you wrong. On paper it looked helpful, but the devil was in the details; the results were a mix of good reminders and dangerously misleading shortcuts. We covered topics like:Why “market data” (Glassdoor, Levels, Blind) rarely moves real offers, and what to use insteadHow to ask for a written offer the right way (and why a signable letter beats a summary email)Better scri...
2025-09-1337 min
Gentle Power23. How companies hide comp details in plain sightIn this episode, we cover:A real-life example of an offer letter from a major company that seemed to grant $50K/year in equity, but turned out to be far lessSimple ways to ask for clarity without sounding combativeWhy assuming best intent helps you keep leverage and relationships intactWe also share:A Burning Man story that raised the question: do we negotiate with friends?The classic “splitting an orange” example that shows how creative problem-solving beats compromiseTune in for practical strategies to catch misleading phrasing and protect your...
2025-09-0417 min
Gentle Power22. Even the best negotiators need helpIn this episode, we cover:Why even world-class professionals with top MBAs and deal-making experience can still mishandle their own salary negotiationsThe stigma around hiring a coach, and how it’s no different from hiring a trainer, therapist, or MBA consultant to help you level upThe gap between knowing good advice and executing it well when the stakes feel high and context mattersWhy AI is unable to replace a negotiations consultantWe also share:A candid story from a friend who wa...
2025-08-2827 min
Gentle Power21. We interview an HR leader & employment attorneyThis week, we spoke with Kevin Houng, an HR/people business partner, former employment attorney, and one of Alex’s longest friends, who’s helped launch dozens of venture-backed teams and guided executives through complex compensation decisions.In our conversation, we covered:How companies actually decide budgets for open roles, from scrappy startups to Fortune 500 giantsWhy larger organizations lean on rigid salary bands (and algorithms) while smaller teams often make exceptions for the right candidateThe truth about “we don’t negotiate” policies, and why there’s almost always more room than recruiters admitTactics fo...
2025-08-2156 min
Gentle Power20. We met with a divorce mediatorFor this week’s episode of Gentle Power, we welcome our very first guest: Joe Dillon, founder of Equitable Mediation. Joe has spent nearly two decades helping couples navigate the high-stakes, emotionally-charged negotiations of divorce without lawyers, achieving outcomes that protect both their finances and their future relationships.In our conversation, we explore the surprising overlap between divorce mediation and salary or job offer negotiations, including:Why “don’t decide before discovery” can save your leverageCommon mistakes that derail negotiations, from unrealistic comparisons to letting emotions leadHow to normalize feelings without letting them control...
2025-08-141h 05
Gentle Power19. How to get your offer rescindedIn this episode, we cover:Five real reasons offers get rescinded (and how to avoid each)Cordial scripts and mindset shifts to push back safely without burning bridgesWe also share:Why one client held onto her “Company A” offer - and how it saved her from a late‑stage fallback at “Company B”The “equity‑info blackout” that led to Company B falling through, and the upfront questions she now asksOur favorite Gentle Power negotiation script to keep your offer intact and relationships strongTune in to master the art of getting t...
2025-08-0723 min
Gentle Power18. Being selfless is hurting your salaryFor this week’s episode, we are sharing Gerta’s recent interview with Brendan Aronson on the Milvet Podcast, where we discussed actionable negotiation tactics tailored for military veterans transitioning into the civilian job market; insights are just as relevant for people from other backgrounds.In this conversation, we cover:How military service shapes your mindset - and why “service before self” must shift to “advocate for yourself” in the civilian job marketThe single biggest leverage point: waiting for, and negotiating on, a written offer, not a verbal handshakeWhy lying about...
2025-07-3153 min
Gentle Power17. Avoiding awkward negotiation moments & how to easily reconnect with old friendsIn this episode, we cover:How to lock in clear price limits with hairstylists, plumbers and other contractors - so you never get surprised by unexpected add‑onsWhy spelling out the real problem you need to solve (“I keep getting unexpected invoices”) and your intent (“I run a business and need full visibility”) makes pushback feel naturalTactful scripts for deflecting vague scope creep, communicating your budget, and keeping relationships positiveThe power of a simple “here’s why it matters to me” explanation to transform awkward interactions into win–winsW...
2025-07-2633 min
Gentle Power16. Six tips to increase your next offer by 5-6 figuresFor this week’s episode, we are sharing our recent interview with Lauren McGoodwin from Career Contessa, where we focused on practical tips to improve your next job offer by 5-6 figures. We covered topics and strategies including:Why oversharing destroys your leverage, and how to tactfully deflect “What’s your number?” questionsThe surprising power of genuine enthusiasm in negotiationsHow to ask multiple open-ended questions, embrace strategic silence, and keep the dance goingLetting employers know you’re interviewing elsewhere without giving away your leverageClarifying your true priorities (cash, equity, flexibility) and using non-negotiables to guide every ask
2025-07-1727 min
Gentle Power15. The negotiator’s state of mind & euro adventuresIn this episode, we cover: Focusing on fairness can sabotage the negotiation Sometimes the best move is to just settle and spend your energy elsewhere Your job offer isn’t something you’re lucky to receive; it’s a mutual value exchange Do what’s best for you, not just what benefits the company Don’t take what an employer says at face value Negotiation is a game, and you’re allowed to play itWe also share: Gerta’s Sandbox retreat in rural Spain: tribal percussion, spider-ridden tent nights, and lakeside sunrise raves Alex’s s...
2025-07-1051 min
Gentle Power14. How to master high-stakes negotiations & create win-win opportunitiesFor this week’s episode, we’re sharing Gerta’s recent conversation on the “Glasp Talk” YouTube series with Glasp cofounders, Kazuki Nakayashiki and Kei Watanabe. Glasp is a social web-highlighting tool that helps readers capture, organize, and share knowledge, empowering users to amplify their human insights with AI-driven intelligence.This talk dives into Gerta’s journey from MIT-trained engineer to negotiation coach, why she and Alex focus on “gentle power,” and exactly how to grow the pie so that both sides leave the table happier.Topics including:Stop over-sharing: how revealing your “other offer” (or persona...
2025-06-271h 16
Gentle Power13. The one word that unlocks bigger offersIn this episode, we cover:Why you should insist on receiving a signable written offer before you start negotiating, and when to stop insisting if the company keeps stalling.How adding a simple “because” makes decision-makers say “yes” more often, and exactly how to use it in your comp ask. Don’t just take our word for it—read the study here.Building a “reason bank” before you negotiate: strong role-fit points, safe personal angles, and what reasons to avoid using.Our referral program: a flat $500 per referral who becomes a client (full details here).We also share...
2025-06-1924 min
Gentle Power12. How to negotiate to the best and final offerIn this episode, we cover:Why there’s no magic “round limit” in negotiations.How “this is our best and final offer” usually signals when to stop – and when to read between the lines.Why “first offer = best & final” is almost never true – and how one client added six figures to an allegedly unmovable package.Strategies for fixed pay-band roles (government, academia, teaching): what you can still negotiate when base pay is capped.Dealing with recruiter personalities: why both overly aggressive and super-friendly counterparts can trip you up – and the one mindset that keeps you in control.We also...
2025-06-1218 min
Gentle Power11. How to negotiate a raise and Chainsmokers show recapWe recorded this week’s show in the gorgeous GoSpread.ai podcast space in San Francisco – thank you, team! (Yes, we instantly wanted to crank out a dozen episodes in those vibes.)Here’s what we covered:Negotiation behind-the-scenes of a dream weekend: Alex recently performed an opening DJ set at The Chainsmokers show (nearly 10K attendees!) in San Francisco—LED screens, crowd-surfing friends, and even a robot DJ trying to steal the show. But getting there wasn’t straightforward: he was already offered to open for another major artist the same weekend, and chasin...
2025-06-0534 min
Gentle Power10. How Alex DJed for the Chainsmokers & what it’s like working with usIn this episode, we share about Alex’s most exciting performance to-date for his side hobby, DJing. We also share exactly how we work with you:DJing for The Chainsmokers: Alex is on deck as the opening DJ for The Chainsmokers’ SF block party, and the two of us are gearing up to join Titanic’s End for our first-ever Burning Man.What “negotiation coaching” really looks like:Free 15–30 min consult on Zoom to see if we’re a mutually good fit and share some negotiation tips.One-page Google-Doc contract to minimize friction—sign and we’re off.Onboar...
2025-05-3155 min
Gentle Power9. Expanding the pie: The art and science of business negotiation with Ben EasterFor this week’s episode, we are sharing an interview that Gerta did with the Shift to Freedom Podcast. Led by transformational life coach Ben Easter, this podcast helps business owners reduce overwhelm, beat imposter syndrome, and lead with confidence and clarity.In this conversation, Gerta and Ben dispel common negotiation myths, provide actionable insights, and share practical tips and strategies to transform negotiation outcomes from “dividing the pie” to “expanding the pie” – from identifying your priorities to learning the power of silence.We covered topics including:Creative Value-Adds...
2025-05-2344 min
Gentle Power8. Negotiation capital and our messaging app multiverseIn this episode, we cover:Our “Messaging App Multiverse” and why choosing the right channel matters for different communitiesWhether unstructured banter builds rapport or just eats into your negotiation capitalA deep-dive case study: how a new-mom’s breast-milk delivery ask morphed into a $40K base-salary winThree key tactics: strategic prioritization, timing your asks, and translating niche requests into straightforward dollarsWe also share behind-the-scenes moments, including:Gerta’s Viber family group chaos vs. Alex’s Slack-only business chatsOur ongoing debate: chit-chat first or cut straight to the chase?Alex’s early-career lesson: negotiating time off for...
2025-05-1629 min
Gentle Power7. Tulum, coliving houses, and don't fall for "I don't want to play games"In this episode, we cover:How “I don’t want to play games, just give me your number” is itself a negotiation moveExact scripts to deflect that request and get them to share their total compensation budget firstWhy the salary range on a job post rarely equals the company’s true internal budgetThe rare times it’s okay to name your number (competing offers, true peer-to-peer deals)We also share stories from our week apart, including:One of us at a wild Tulum bachelor party, the other in a surprisingly serene co-living house in SFLesso...
2025-05-0838 min
Gentle Power6. The one trait that makes you a bad negotiatorIn this episode, we cover:Why over-communicating is a career asset but a negotiation liabilityExact scripts to deflect salary-history questions and ask for their budget firstA real client story: turning a lowball salary-history request into leverage for a higher offerCritical mistakes to avoid: from sharing your numbers too soon to skipping the written offerBehind-the-scenes SF community highlights that shape our negotiation philosophyWhether you’re navigating job offers, consulting contracts, or side-gig fees, this episode equips you with the mindset and language to negotiate like a pro.We also pu...
2025-05-0129 min
Gentle Power5. Our social lives in SF and negotiating side gigsIn this episode, we explore how the same mindset that helps you conquer FOMO in your social life can supercharge your negotiation power. We reveal how cultivating an “abundance mentality” lets you pause, ask smarter questions, and never undersell yourself.We also talk about our community in San Francisco and give you a peek into our vibrant social lives here, including attending events with top tech leaders and robot DJs, friends who want to recreate the animated movie Up in real life, Korean traditions, and real snakes at a Lunar New Year party.
2025-04-2558 min
Career ContessaThis One Trait Makes You a Good Employee— But a Bad Salary NegotiatorThe very trait that makes you a great employee might be holding you back when it comes to negotiating. In this episode, we’re joined by negotiation experts Gerta Malaj and Alex Choi from YourNegotiations.com to discuss why over-communication can hurt your negotiation power—and what to do instead.You’ll learn:Why over-communication weakens your position in a negotiationPractical strategies to use intentional silence to your advantageHow to confidently shift the conversation when faced with tricky salary questionsShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW...
2025-04-2230 min
Gentle Power4. How to ace your verbal offer negotiationIn this episode, we dive into one of the trickiest parts of the job offer process: the verbal offer. Many candidates mistakenly believe this stage means they’ve sealed the deal, but it’s actually where the stakes are highest. Learn why negotiating too early can backfire, and how to protect your leverage until a written offer is in hand.We also unpack how small comments can unintentionally weaken your position, and explore why sharing your competing offers (even proudly!) can hurt more than help. Plus, a candid behind-the-scenes look at our approach to pers...
2025-04-1618 min
Gentle Power3. Don’t name your price too soonThis episode has it all—quirky tales about discovering a newfound love for dogs, overcoming allergies, and the realization that sometimes we just need to “see it in writing” before saying yes. Tune in to hear how we moved from skeptical pet observers to full-on dog aficionados, peppered with fun stories about apartment living, unexpected pet-sitting experiences, and family pets that captured our hearts.On the professional side, we unpack the single biggest rule of salary negotiations: never name your price too early. We break down tactic...
2025-04-0924 min
Gentle Power2. Don't share a number or rangeEver feel like the first offer you get is never the best you can do?In this stitched-together episode of Gentle Power, we share some behind-the-scenes bloopers (hello, muted microphone!) and dive into the essentials of salary negotiations.You’ll hear how our scrappy startup life has taught us to “just ship it”—even if it’s not flawless—and why the universe seems to step in with helping hands (like a pro designer who unexpectedly revamped our entire website).We explore:Why the first of...
2025-04-0116 min
Gentle Power1. SF communities & crushing salary questionsReady to stop waiting for “perfect” and just start? That’s our vibe—and it begins right now.We dive into personal passions, community living, and key job-offer tips.Watch us tackle one big job-hunt headache: salary expectations.Never reveal your desired number too soon—here’s how to respond instead.You’ll also learn about GFF (“Gift Your F***s”) and the power of caring less.Stick around for an intro to Fami the llama! and to...
2025-03-2532 min