At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and to understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We sat down with Lisa Hamilton - podcast host, journalist and presenter. Lisa is a multi-talented individual and the host of the ever amazing Vaycay podcast. We are thrilled to be able to chat with her and to learn from her journey in the world of work. Without further ado, here’s the receipts from our conversation with Lisa Hamilton!
Meggie: Hi Lisa, thank you for chatting with us here at PepTalkHer! Why don’t we get started with a bit of an intro - how would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Lisa: An ambitious gal who’s just a tad eccentric.
Meggie: Well, we here at PepTalkHer are big fans of ambitious gals! Tell me, what's your current job title & how did you get where you are today?
Lisa: I'm a Presenter, Journalist and Podcaster. I started out with a degree in Journalism before entering into the wonderful world of television and digital media.
Meggie: Very impressive! Let’s jump right in: have you ever felt like an imposter in your career? If so, how did you move past this?
Lisa: So often! When I became the host of MTV Australia I felt like I didn't fit the mould of what a typical "MTV" personality should look/act like. After some good old therapy I worked through my reservations and learnt that I had every right to be exactly where I was.
Meggie: We love a good therapy session! As we know, having a great support system can be instrumental in overcoming challenges as well. Who is your cheer squad that lifts you up and cheers you on?
Lisa: I wouldn't be where I am today without my cheer squad - they're the ones who pick me up when I doubt myself and remind me that I have worked so hard to get to where I am. When I want to give up, they tell me, "NO HUN!"
“When I want to give up, they tell me, ‘NO HUN!’”
Meggie: Sounds like you’ve got a great squad cheering you on! As you know, at PepTalkHer, we’re all about empowering women to know their worth and their value, and a huge part of this is negotiating salary and promotions. How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?
Lisa: One of the best takeaways from PepTalkHer has been keeping a professional diary to note down my wins. This gives me all the factual evidence to bolster my requests when asking for remuneration for my worth! I'm still working on this but FEAR is the only thing getting in the way of getting what you deserve. Unlearning the fear is such a huge step towards gaining the confidence you need for these conversations.
“One of the best takeaways from PepTalkHer has been keeping a professional diary to note down my wins”
Meggie: Great to hear that PepTalkHer has been helpful to you in your journey! Speaking of fear and unlearning, did you ever agree to something in your career that you now regret doing?
Lisa: Yes! When I worked for a major media network I continuously agreed to work on projects with commercial partners without additional pay. My company was making a profit but I was not being paid for my work outside of my role. I wish I had spoken up and demanded my worth but I was afraid I would be seen as difficult and wouldn't be given other opportunities.
“ I wish I had spoken up and demanded my worth but I was afraid I would be seen as difficult and wouldn’t be given other opportunities”
Meggie: Ah, the age old struggle - knowing and demanding your worth. On the topic of worth, who has taught you the most about knowing your value in the workplace?
Lisa: Can I say you, Meggie?! You’ve been my mentor from the day dot and I always look up to you to give me advice. I respect your 'no bullsh*t' attitude and try to carry that vibe with me throughout my career.
Meggie: Thank you so much Lisa for the kind words and for taking the time to talk with us. It's been a pleasure to chat with you!
Make sure to check out Lisa’s podcast, Vacay, where she chats to a new celeb guest every week about their best (and worst!) travel stories. Out every Tuesday wherever you can consume podcasts.
Find Lisa on Instagram at @lisakham!