NATALIE SUM - Photographer & Content Creator

Natalie is a food and travel lover based in Sydney. She loves exploring foreign places, sampling exotic cuisines and documenting her journeys through photography.

What's your job title & how did you get where you are today? 

I'm actually a full-time pharmacist and only do photography and content creation as a side hustle. I started off posting on Instagram purely for fun and brands/ agencies just started to approach me to create content for them. I have been very grateful for the crazy opportunities that have brought me over the years! 

Tell us about a day at work you'll never forget! 

I assume by work you mean my side job! It will probably be the day I got asked by Apple to capture photos for a photo walk they did, coincidentally it was hosted by a friend of mine. I had so much fun on the day I couldn't believe I got to call that work! Plus Apple is a brand that I've been personally using for years so it was just very cool to think that, wow, they could have picked anyone for the job but they picked me because they liked my work.

What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand? 

Be authentic. Develop your own style and be proud of it. Networking is also very important - be social (both in-person and on social media). Another thing I've found to be helpful is to collaborate with other creators!

“Don’t be afraid to ask for what you think is fair. ”

How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?

Know your own worth. Don't settle for anything less than what you think your work is worth, but don't be greedy. If a brand values your work, they will be more than happy to work with your price. If it doesn't work out, stay professional and just move on.  

Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing? 

Probably when I was starting out! I used to agree to create content for free in exchange for products that weren't worth much or I didn't care for. I now know that my time and my work is worth more than a free watch. I still work "for free" now sometimes but only if it's a brand I really want to work with, if what's on offer is a cool experience (eg. travel) or if I think I will learn something from the job.

What one tip would you tell your younger self about negotiating? 

Don't be afraid to ask for what you think is fair. The worst that could happen is that they say no.

You can check out Natalie’s awesome work here on Instagram & her website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

BECCA TEN - Full-Time Wanderer + Babe Boss

Get to know Becca, the creative and curious wanderer.

What's your job title & how did you get where you are today? 

My first job was as an art school teacher for kids! I have always loved creating at a young age and my curious pursuit for creating through static and motion visuals while traveling got me to where I am today! :)

Tell us about a day at work you'll never forget! 

As of the current day, I was hosting my first styling session when two girls came up to me with a handwritten note and a story I'd never forget. One of the girl's dad passed away two weeks back and it was her first time leaving her house since his passing to attend my styling session as she has always looked up to me as an inspiration and hustler of my own dreams. That reminded me how much of a gift it is to bless others and it's all the little things and encouragements that really impact lives. 

What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand? 

Be curious, always. Show up every day and never quit your daydream.

“You can achieve what you thought you couldn’t as long as you put your heart and mind to it.”

How do you prepare for negotiation conversations? 

I think it's important to know what your USP (unique selling point) is! Everyone has their strength and flairs so it's key to bring that to the table when negotiating for a brand partnership! And, just be yourself. Know yourself and know you've got what it takes to nail a campaign.

Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing? 

Nope, never!

What one tip would you tell your younger self about negotiating? 

You can achieve what you thought you couldn't as long as you put your heart and mind to it.

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You can check out Becca’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

CAMIE JUAN - Content Creator

She a typical Pisces sun, Aquarius moon, and Leo rising millennial. Meet Camie!

What's your job title & how did you get where you are today? 

I'm a lifestyle, beauty, and travel content creator... but back in the day we just called ourselves bloggers. I got started with blogging at 12 years old and found documenting my life online to be a really fun hobby, but eventually turned it into my bread & butter. I didn't ever think I'd end up working full-time as a content creator, it just sort of happened naturally. I'm one of the lucky people who can say they turned a passion into a successful business.

What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand? 

I think it's so important to have honesty & integrity when building a personal brand. In this day and age when social media can be full of noise, be that voice with substance. Be real and raw, and don't shy away from your flaws or mistakes. People appreciate the honesty when everything else can feel so curated.

“I just have to constantly remind myself that asking for “too much” isn’t actually too much, it’s just simply what I deserve for what I can bring to the table.”

How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?

I've suffered (and sometimes continue to) from the imposter syndrome. For years I had no idea I was completely undervaluing myself as a creator. Nowadays I just have to constantly remind myself that asking for "too much" isn't actually too much, it's just simply what I deserve for what I can bring to the table. I try to keep in mind that I should always strive for as high as I deserve because it's better to overshoot and negotiate with a brand than undervalue my work completely.

Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing? 

Yes. One too many times!

What one tip would you tell your younger self about negotiating? 

"Know your worth. Then add tax."

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You can check out Camie’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like us to feature you, please reach out here.

JAZMIN ALVAREZ - The New Face of Clean Beauty!

Jazmin is a 14 year veteran of the fashion and beauty industry. She founded Pretty Well Beauty, the answer to functional and approachable clean and sustainable beauty.  For the past 9 years, Jazmin has been a leading and trusted clean beauty advocate having experienced herself that using products with fewer and non-toxic ingredients creates a happier, holistic relationship with your skin that radiates from the inside out. Get ready to know her more.

WHAT'S YOUR JOB TITLE & HOW DID YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Founder + Chief Curator.  I am the HBIC of Pretty Well Beauty.  I got here by self-funding and building my brand from scratch which launched 1 year ago

TELL US ABOUT A DAY AT WORK YOU'LL NEVER FORGET!

Gosh there's so many, but one of the most memorable was when I finally made the decision with no desire to look back and start my own company.  It was really scary and I had no idea what I was doing but I just knew it needed to happen. Also when I chopped my hair off but that's a whole other story!

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE ABOUT GROWING A BRAND OR A PERSONAL BRAND?

Make sure it's something you're truly committed to for the long term and that it's something you would do for free because most likely you will be in the very beginning.  Also, network your butt off and plant a lot of seeds. Seek out mentors and advisors who are experts in areas you aren't. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR NEGOTIATION CONVERSATIONS?

In terms of brand partnership, I try to leverage my network and expertise in lieu of cash.  I always try to offer something that will provide value to a brand that's usually more traffic to their store or a story in a blog post which can boost their web traffic. I'm also not afraid to just ask for what I need because I know the worst reply is no which is never permanent.  I look for brands that share a similar mission or philosophy so they will know that my audience will be interested in their brand too.

“Never take the first offer.  Ask more questions.”

DID YOU EVER AGREE TO SOMETHING IN A NEGOTIATION YOU NOW REGRET DOING?

Yes of course.  I've agreed to a salary and the found out later I could have gotten more

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A TIME YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IMPOSTER SYNDROME, OR NOT FEELING GOOD ENOUGH? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THIS?

All the time!  The only way to overcome for me is by remembering everything I've accomplished in such a short amount of time and with limited resources.  Also finding out that people who are more successful also feels this way is comforting. So I don't feel like the only one.

WHAT’S ONE TIP WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF ABOUT NEGOTIATING?

Never take the first offer.  Ask more questions. If they won't give you the cash you want, ask for other perks like more time off, work from home 1x a week, etc

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE?

The service we render others is the rent we pay for our space here on earth

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You can check out Jazmin’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

ALIYA AMERSHI - Tech Coach & Startup Founder @ Codefree App Launch

Meet the superwoman who is on a mission to help entrepreneurs break into tech with a startup or their business by coaching them on how to quickly launch their app idea without any code or costly developers. Get to know Aliya.

Tech Coach & Startup Founder @ Codefree App Launch, As Seen on Forbes & Inc., Engineer Turned Entrepreneur, Helping Women Entrepreneurs Break Into Tech by Coaching Them on How to Quickly Launch Their App Idea Without Any Code or Costly Developers

WHAT'S YOUR JOB TITLE & HOW DID YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Tech Coach & Startup Founder @ Codefree App Launch. My mission is to educate and empower aspiring  women entrepreneurs to breakthrough their tech barriers and break into tech by coaching them on how to confidently launch their app idea with success and without the struggle.

Former Software Engineer w/20+ Years of Technology Experience. 10 Years International Professional Experience Working @ Fortune 500 Enterprises - EA Sports & Viacom Networks.

Helped Build & Launched Multiple Apps & Games, including Emmy Award-Winning Nick App.

Built First Successful Tech Startup as a Bootstrapped Solo Female Founder, Featured in Women 2.0.

Former Local Director @ Silicon Valley-based Incubator. Expert Technology & Entrepreneurship Contributor @ Forbes & Inc.

Coached, Consulted, & Mentored Multiple Clients & Entrepreneurs and Found My True Calling to Become a Tech Coach.

TELL US ABOUT A DAY AT WORK YOU'LL NEVER FORGET!

The day was when I got my first glowing testimonial with for my new tech coaching business that gave me the confidence and inspiration that I was actually on to something amazing and that people actually loved and were willing to pay for something that I created all on my own.

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE ABOUT GROWING A BRAND OR A PERSONAL BRAND?

My advice is that you should FIRST have done something incredible that serves others with proof of concept before you can start brand building. This includes solving a real problem that truly helps people, actually creating a product of value that people want, launching your amazing idea that people love, etc. Only then do you have some legit credibility to start working on and growing your brand.

“NEVER settle for anybody or anything that is less than my actual worth and to set clear expectations right from the start.”

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR NEGOTIATION CONVERSATIONS?

Negotiation for me comes in the form of sales. FIRST and foremost you have to 1000% believe in what you are selling will, in fact, serve others and improve their lives. Then next it's all about practice, practice, practice. You need to have at least 30 to 100 conversations to even start becoming a pro.

DID YOU EVER AGREE TO SOMETHING IN A NEGOTIATION YOU NOW REGRET DOING?

Yes, in the very early days when I would offer my service for free or for less than my worth and setting zero boundaries. That was a surefire way to disaster as I was totally undervalued and taken advantage of.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A TIME YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IMPOSTER SYNDROME, OR NOT FEELING GOOD ENOUGH? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THIS?

Yes, it's a very real feeling, but it happens because you haven't put in the real work and effort that gets shit done. Once I committed to putting the real work and right effort in on a daily consistent basis without a fail and started getting results than those negative feelings just got squashed. It's all about daily atomic habits, mindset training, and subconscious reprogramming to help you overcome your fears and develop the confidence to be a bad-ass boss babe.

WHAT’S ONE TIP WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF ABOUT NEGOTIATING?

To NEVER settle for anybody or anything that is less than my actual worth and to set clear expectations right from the start. As you get what you BELIEVE you deserve.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE? 

There are literally 100 to choose from but, I will go with this... "Behind every successful woman is HERSELF."

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You can check out Aliya’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

MARIA GILFOYLE - Founder of The Power Thread

Get to know this adventure-loving and creative person that loves style and innovation. She founded The Power Thread to humanize social media while connecting women and style together. 

WHAT'S YOUR JOB TITLE & HOW DID YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

I am an Assistant Merchant at Gap Inc. and founder of The Power Thread. I founded The Power Thread as a fun project in college, and now run it with an incredible team on the side of my day job! The Power Thread is a media company that celebrates what it means for women to be powerful. We share stories focused on confidence, mental health, activism, sustainability, and more. At Gap Inc, I went through the Rotational Management Program and became an Assistant Merchant. The program was incredible!

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE ABOUT GROWING A BRAND OR A PERSONAL BRAND?

To build a brand you need to have a clear vision, but be patient. Get started on your vision right away, but give time to let it change. Have a clear vision and goal, but listen to your customer and allow it to adapt as needed.

“Trust your gut if something isn’t right, call it out in a professional way.”

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR NEGOTIATION CONVERSATIONS?

I would recommend having a very clear ask, reason for your ask, and 2-3 reasons to that the person you are talking to should support your ask. If the answer is known, as them what you need to do for them to say yes. Ask that person to set up an action plan with you to get to that raise or promotion.

DID YOU EVER AGREE TO SOMETHING IN A NEGOTIATION YOU NOW REGRET DOING?

Many times. Even in day to day tasks. I have regretted not standing up for myself, or not asking for help. Trust your gut if something isn't right, call it out in a professional way.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A TIME YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IMPOSTER SYNDROME, OR NOT FEELING GOOD ENOUGH? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THIS?

I had lots of imposter syndrome when I first launched The Power Thread. At times, I was so nervous to post on Instagram. I still experience this at times, but I get over it, but just thinking about what I want to be doing and ignoring the surrounding noise.

WHAT’S ONE TIP WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF ABOUT NEGOTIATING?

Have a clear ask and reasons it is good for the other person to say yes.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE?

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

You can check out Maria’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

SHIRA ATKINS - Co-Founder, WMN

Meet the co-founder of Wonder Media Network, a podcasting company dedicated to the amplification of underrepresented voices. Because Shira’s company is 1.5 years in, all else is eclipsed by dedication to building the team and their success! Prepare to get to know this totally rad legend.

WHAT'S YOUR JOB TITLE & HOW DID YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

I started WMN with one of my dearest friends from college. At the time Jenny, my co-founder, was working as a reporter at Bloomberg News when her mom decided to run for Congress in North Carolina. Jenny noticed the way mainstream media glossed over the stories of the women who were running for office that year, with cheap headlines and non-substantial stories, and saw that it was part of a larger epidemic that we could change. She asked me to join her, and so I said yes! We're now more than 1.5 years in to the business and it's been amazing. :)

TELL US ABOUT A DAY AT WORK YOU'LL NEVER FORGET!

I'll never forget the day we made our first big sale. We got the email saying "YES WE'RE IN!" and Jenny and I literally leaped up from our seats and started dancing.

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE ABOUT GROWING A BRAND OR A PERSONAL BRAND?

Nothing means more than hard work.

“the key to all things, truly, is just confidence. If you exude it, if you really feel it, then everyone will be attracted to you.”

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR NEGOTIATION CONVERSATIONS?

I never want to be jittery in these conversations, and I certainly don't want to seem anything other than totally confident. So I listen to pump up songs, take very deep breaths, and make sure that wherever I am, my feet are either firmly planted on the floor or I'm in a position where my chest can be totally open, shoulders relaxed.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A TIME YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IMPOSTER SYNDROME, OR NOT FEELING GOOD ENOUGH? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THIS?

There are a few times I've been asked to speak on panels or have shown up at dinner parties and have felt inadequate, or unimpressive. But the key to all things, truly, is just confidence. If you exude it, if you really feel it, then everyone will be attracted to you.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE?

Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion. (Rumi)

You can check out Shira’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

ROSE REID - Podcast Host

Meet Rose. She is the host and executive producer of a new podcast called "The Women," from iHeartRadio. Every week, Rose interviews a change-maker about her personal journey. Get ready to learn about her own journey.

WHAT'S YOUR JOB TITLE & HOW DID YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

I'm a podcast host and executive producer. I started out by showing up to a radio station in LA and saying, "I'm here for the internship." It didn't exist. But I learned how to cut tape the next day. I prepped interviews. And more than a decade later, I have produced podcasts for legacy brands like Coca-Cola, Ernst & Young and IBM. I've honed my skills at Ogilvy & Mather, Gimlet Media, and running my own company, Arc.

TELL US ABOUT A DAY AT WORK YOU'LL NEVER FORGET!

Last year, I was asked to host a series of interviews at the Nairobi Summit in Kenya. It was the 25th anniversary of the women's bill of rights ratified by over 170 countries (Cairo 1994). I had the chance to interview the Executive Director of UN Women, Phmuzile Mlambo-Ngucka. 

She has been Executive Director of UN Women since 2013. Prior to being one of the highest-ranking women in the UN, she was deputy President of South Africa. One of the most touching moments she shared with me was when I asked her, "Phumzile, how did you became a minister in Nelson Mandela's cabinet?"  She told me that he invited her to his office, and when she walked in, he said, "I want you to be a minister," and she immediately said, "Why me? There are so many qualified people, I'm not ready." And he told her, "I've been a prisoner most of my life; no one trained me to be the President. You learn on the job, and I believe in you." 

She was only supposed to chat with me for half an hour, but we spent an hour talking about her activism ending apartheid, how she and her then-fiance, now husband, would communicate for years via letters while he was imprisoned. She spoke about how supporting women cuts across every major vertical that is pressing for the 21st century. She spoke from the heart, and full of humor, ending the interview by saying how important is to laugh at yourself, not take yourself so seriously.  She was a-mazing.

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE ABOUT GROWING A BRAND OR A PERSONAL BRAND?

What is your focus? Stay close to that dream, that goal, and let that guide how you spend or liberate, your time.

“I realize now how important it is to have clarity around the number, the commitment, and the details. ”

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR NEGOTIATION CONVERSATIONS?

I have many steps! Market research. Ask a man. Get a figure that I can believe. Start a little higher. Walkthrough the steps and practice with multiple people. Then I get HYPED! And I speak in MY WAY. I like to chat. I like to be excited, I like to talk t through it. When I negotiate, I am still myself. I say the number. Then I STAY SILENT. I sit. I tell myself, "Can I have an uncomfortable conversation for 10K? Yes. Sit in it." And I make sure I can wear something I can sweat in. And those are my personal tricks.

DID YOU EVER AGREE TO SOMETHING IN A NEGOTIATION YOU NOW REGRET DOING?

YES. SO MANY TIMES. I realize now how important it is to have clarity around the number, the commitment, and the details. How many months? How many rounds of reviews? How many interviews? Who will pay for studios? Who will be in charge of other pieces of the project? What happens when the deadlines shift? I put in all these things in the contract now. That way, I don't always negotiate, I can say, "Let's look a the contract."

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A TIME YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IMPOSTER SYNDROME, OR NOT FEELING GOOD ENOUGH? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THIS?

EVERY DAY. But then I know I'm working hard. And I get hyped by friends and colleagues. The trick is to chip away at it, and focus on the work. When I focus on the work, I feel good, I feel productive. The finished product is proof in itself.

WHAT’S ONE TIP WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF ABOUT NEGOTIATING?

Just ask. And ask in your own way, stay true to your own style. Put the number out there. And then, STAY SILENT. Don't be afraid to quit a job.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE?

“If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

You can check out Rose’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

LEX MONSON - Founder & CEO of Punkpost

Punkpost sends beautifully handwritten cards, mailed by artists for you. Each card is uniquely handwritten to bring maximum delight to both the sender and the recipient. Meet the superwoman who's working on and building Punkpost all day, everyday.

WHAT'S YOUR JOB TITLE & HOW DID YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Founder & CEO. I basically gave it to myself. (LOL, but realtalk). Before founding Punkpost, I was the managing community editor at Brit + Co and prior to that I worked at Yelp, creating content for local markets around the world. I've always worked with distributed creative communities to make memorable moments, which all kind of translated over to what we're doing at Punkpost.

TELL US ABOUT A DAY AT WORK YOU'LL NEVER FORGET!

Oh god. Probably the day we launched it was a nightmare. The app was crashing left and right. I wanted to hide under a rock. But I couldn't do that. So instead. I personally emailed each and every person who downloaded Punkpost. Thanked them for trying us out. Apologized for the bugs, let them know we were working on it and I would follow up as soon as we had fixes for them. I had such a great response from this. People are actually very kind when they see the human in your product. Also... it's so easy to remember the hard days and not as easy to remember the great days. That's why an app like PepTalkHer is so important and useful. It helps you focus on the positive and be grateful for those good moments, which, that sort of gratitude and positivity just leads to better, more authentic and more productive work.  

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE ABOUT GROWING A BRAND OR A PERSONAL BRAND?

Be authentic. For Punkpost, it's been easy because the product is something that all of legit use and so we are really just marketing it to ourselves and what we like to see in a product. But I know not everyone who is creating a brand is marketing to themselves or people like them, and in that case, just know your customer so well that you can empathize and identify with them to the point that you feel like you are them. And the only way to do that is to continually talk to your customer (and I mean in real life) and ask them questions.

“ it’s so easy to remember the hard days and not as easy to remember the great days. That’s why an app like PepTalkHer is so important and useful. It helps you focus on the positive and be grateful for those good moments, which, that sort of gratitude and positivity just leads to better, more authentic and more productive work.  ”

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR NEGOTIATION CONVERSATIONS?

Practice. Practice in front of people who you trust and who have been there. Get their feedback. Incorporate their tips. But don't go too wild with it. There does get to a point when you're trying to perfect your pitch... and if you get too caught in that loop it can be detrimental. So I would say get two rounds of feedback... and then just go for it. 

DID YOU EVER AGREE TO SOMETHING IN A NEGOTIATION YOU NOW REGRET DOING?

Definitely. There was one partnership in particular where things felt like a really good fit initially, but by the end of it, I felt really taken advantage of. It happens. No need to dwell on it. Learn and move on. 

WHAT’S ONE TIP WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF ABOUT NEGOTIATING?

Ask for what you want. Your requests are not ridiculous. And you're more likely to get them than you think. All you have to do is ask.

You can check out Lex’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

HANNAH BETH - Influencer & Designer

Hanna Beth is a beauty and fashion influencer, designer, author, and winner of House of DVF Season 2. She believes that a powerful woman is someone who isn't afraid to take her pain and use it as motivation to conquer anything in life. She doesn't take no for an answer and believes anything is possible.

I’m creative, eccentric, shy, glitter obsessed & addicted to sushi.

What's your job title & how did you get where you are today?

My main title would be influencer & designer. I started working in social media when I was in high school & had no idea I could make a career out of it. A company called buzz media reached out for me & gave me my first job as a paid blogger when I was 18.

Tell us about a day at work you'll never forget!

Shooting a billboard for Forever 21. It was seriously a dream come true because being 5’2 I was always told I could never model.

“I know my worth & you shouldn’t settle if you feel like you are worth more.”

What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand?

Be consistent. Stay true to who you are, being authentic is key. Hard work pays off, nothing comes easy.

How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?

I am just confident. I know my worth & you shouldn’t settle if you feel like you are worth more.

Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing?

When I was younger I would do deals without contracts. Obviously a HUGE mistake. Make sure everything is written in a contract before you start a project with someone. I had to learn the hard way... a few times. Ha!

What’s one tip would you tell your younger self about negotiating?

Don’t trust anyone when it comes to business. Even if it’s your friend when it comes to money, people are ruthless.

You can check out Hannah’s awesome work here on Instagram & her website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

NICOLE CANOVAS - Founder of Husmus Social Circle

This superwoman is an entrepreneur and a mental health advocate. Get to know Nicole and her journey.

Tell us a bit about your role & how you got where you are today?

I'm the Founder of the Husmus Social Circle. I've dealt with anxiety my whole life, and never really saw or heard it being discussed anywhere in mainstream media. Through my work in audio engineering, I would edit podcasts by these strong, confident entrepreneurial women. Hearing their stories ignited a spark in me to help empower others that are also trying to be strong, confident entrepreneurial women... but, like me, can't always go to events, or get nervous about phone calls, or could just use a little extra support in general.

Tell us about a day at work you'll never forget!

Every time somebody reaches out to tell me "I thought I was the only one that felt this way." That's the ultimate payoff- hearing that I helped make someone feel less alone.

“If you don’t feel aligned with a certain aspect of your brand anymore- change it! You don’t have to feel locked in.”

What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand?

If you don't feel aligned with a certain aspect of your brand anymore- change it! You don't have to feel locked in. As people, we're constantly growing and changing, so it's only natural that our brands would reflect that.

How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?

I act out the possible conversations out loud beforehand. I'll have a friend or family member act as whoever I'll be speaking to, and let them ask me questions on the spot. This has come in handy so many times when I end up being asked my practice questions! I also always keep a list of notes/bullet points nearby to make sure I don't forget to address anything. When I'm in the moment, (especially a high-pressure moment,) I tend to forget things.

Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing?

I used to do this all the time- just say yes to everything and then really go over the details later and realize it didn't actually work for me. Don't be afraid to take your time or to ask for clarification on things. It's better than giving a fast yes but only half understanding what you've agreed to.

What one tip would you tell your younger self about negotiating?

Don't always expect the worst! Be prepared, but also be prepared for it to be a great experience!

“Don’t be afraid to take your time or to ask for clarification on things. It’s better than giving a fast yes but only half understanding what you’ve agreed to.”

You can check out Nicole’s awesome work here on Instagram & her website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

ROSIE LUIK - All Round Superwoman

Meet the superwoman who is doing it all. Rosie is a mum of four, author of equally as many books, wife, model and surrogate mother. On top of all this, she is the founder of Mum Network, a business dedicated to empowering mums to follow their dreams. Talk about inspirational! 

Mum of 4, Model, Author Wife, Surrogate, Business Owner

What's your job title & how did you get where you are today?

I don't really have one job title, I am the founder of a new agency in Australia, dedicated to representing only Mum's called Mum Network. I am a model, I've authored 4 books, I have four kids and was a surrogate for a friend and had twins for her. I started my career in my 30's and worked hard to pave my way.

Tell us about a day at work you'll never forget!

There are so many, the days are usually really busy and packed to the absolute max. 

“Be honest, be kind and above stay true to your word. Your word and reliability go a long way, especially when it comes to asking the above. ”

What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand?

Be true to yourself, work hard and be kind.

How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?

Be honest, be kind and above stay true to your word. Your word and reliability go a long way, especially when it comes to asking the above.

Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing?

I try not to have regrets, I believe everything happens for a reason and there is always a way around things. Nothing is as bad as it seems.

What one tip would you tell your younger self about negotiating?

Stay true to yourself.

You can check out Rosie’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.

ERIN PAPWORTH - Founder of Nav.it

Meet the amazing woman who launched Nav.it. Erin and her team are on a mission to elevate the way women live. They believe it is high time women start talking about money, life experiences, and all their unique perspectives.

On a mission to shake things up.

What's your job title & how did you get where you are today?

CEO/Founder - Worked in sub-Saharan Africa for ten+ years and came back to the U.S. in 2015. Realized women in this country have an amazing opportunity to change the world. The next step in balancing our society is for women to understand their worth and economic value. So, I found an investor and started Nav.it.

Tell us about a day at work you'll never forget!

The day I pushed the 'red' button for our app to go live will live with me forever!

What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand?

I've been on a journey to find the perspective I want to share. I have a million thoughts and ideas and opinions but honing the ones that are most relevant and push my company forward has been a good journey of self-discovery.

How do you prepare for negotiation conversations? (pay raise/promotion/brand partnership, etc) We'd love to hear all your hacks & top tips!

For team members, I always try and set up expectations prior to the meeting so that if we have to have a hard conversation the information is not new. If it's an investor, I try and assess my range of acceptable terms. What I'm willing to give and what I'm not willing to compromise on. I'm also still learning and telling myself that I am not the sum of one experience but all the experiences I've had in my life helps me reduce my fear about individual situations.

“I have a million thoughts and ideas and opinions but honing the ones that are most relevant and push my company forward has been a good journey of self-discovery. ”

Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing?

I am generally a doer and historically was determined to get the job done no matter what. I have had to learn over the years that I am not a one-woman show and finding ways to push the project forward, with the talent and team members available, is a much more sustainable approach as well as a better skill set to develop for a leader. Bulldozing and doing it yourself don't work in team environments.

You can check out Erin’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.

Got a story to share or a PepTalk to give? If you'd like to us to feature you, please reach out here.