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 Jennifer Hammock, the founder of the Dream Chaseher Conference. Jenn is a keynote speaker, confidence coach, and an all around inspiring individual. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Meggie: Hey Jennifer, thanks so much for chatting with us today! First question, how would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Jennifer: I help black women entrepreneurs find clarity and confidence to follow their dreams.
Meggie: Amazing! For our next question, can you tell us a bit about a day from your career journey that has been super memorable for you?
Jennifer: This day wasn’t just any day at the office. This day occurred after months and months of planning, 1,543 emails, and countless conference calls. It was during the closing session of my annual conference. At the end of my keynote, I asked the crowd to grab a hand of the woman standing next to them and to repeat after me “Your dreams aren’t fake, they are real!” “You can do anything but fail!” “Your talents will bless others!” “Keep moving forward and don’t look back!” It was such a special moment because after the women released hands, tears began to crawl down cheekbones and without prompting bear hugs were exchanged. I love to empower women to live lives that are beyond anything they thought possible and in that moment I was changed forever to know that I’m making a difference in the lives of others.
“I was changed forever to know that I’m making a difference in the lives of others”
Meggie: Wow, even just hearing you talk about it feels super powerful, I can’t imagine how awesome it must have been to see it in person! Shifting gears a bit, what advice would you give to anyone looking to build their own brand?
Jennifer: Your brand will never grow further than your commitment to personal development. So read what you must, invest the money to attend that ridiculously expensive conference, and reach down to mentor others.
“Your brand will never grow further than your commitment to personal development”
Meggie: Speaking of investing in yourself, how do you prepare for negotiation conversations? We'd love to hear all your hacks & top tips or awesome advice you've received!
Jennifer: It’s all about value proposition. When you can identify the value you bring to the organization and quantify it as much as possible it gives you the confidence to make the ask. The second is to normalize rejection. Most people don’t take the chance and ask in fear of hearing “No”. When you understand that no is a part of the process the punch doesn’t hurt as bad. But don’t stop at the no. In negotiations I’ve learned, the one who wins is the one who didn’t get sold on the other’s smallness.
“When you understand that no is a part of the process the punch doesn’t hurt as bad”
Meggie: Thank you again, Jennifer, for chatting with us today. We appreciate your time and your insights!
To hear more from Jenn, check her out on Instagram @jenn_hammock or on her website.