Written by: Jillian Climie Many of us enter the workplace with the hope that our hard work will speak for itself. We want to believe that promotions will arrive the moment we are ready, that pay increases will appear as soon as our contributions warrant them, and that bonuses or equity grants will naturally reflect our performance. It feels fair. It feels reasonable. And it feels like how the workplace should function. But the reality is far more complex. These things do not always happen...

Written by: Jillian Climie Compensation negotiations can go in many directions. Sometimes they’re complex and stretch over weeks or even months. Other times, they end with a simple, on-the-spot “yes”. Through all these scenarios, there’s one tool I always like my clients to keep in their back pocket, a secret weapon that can make a big difference when it feels like there’s nothing left to negotiate. What is it? A sign-on award. It may not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most effective...

Written by: Jillian Climie Salary negotiations are challenging for anyone. There are power dynamics, nerves, and a lack of transparency and information to navigate. But for women, there are additional layers to contend with: social pressures, biases, and systemic factors that shape how we’re perceived and what we’re offered. Whether negotiating for more pay, a higher title, or better flexibility, women face a different playing field. We’re Offered Less New research ( Wang, Sterling, 2025)...