Negotiation is not just about money. It’s about knowing your value — and being able to say it out loud.
In this episode of Loud & Lifted, Betsy talks with Bhavana Smith, founder of Until There Are Nine, about the real reasons women leave money on the table and what it takes to change that. From raises and promotions to pay transparency and self-advocacy, this conversation breaks down the patterns that keep women underpaid — and the practical shifts that can help close that gap.
Bhavana shares how one pivotal salary conversation transformed her own career and led her to create tools, language, and support for women navigating compensation conversations with more confidence. Betsy brings the leadership lens too, including what these conversations look like from the other side of the table and why strong employees can still hurt their credibility if they ignore timing and business reality.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-The story behind Bhavana’s almost 70% salary jump
-Why women are often uncomfortable asking for more
-How to approach raises and promotions like a business case, not an emotional ple
-Why visibility outside your manager matters so much
-What managers should say when employees advocate for themselves
-How to focus on goals that actually move your career forward
Chapters:
01:03 The Moment Bhavana Realized She’d Been Underpaid
04:41 What Really Drives the Gender Pay Gap
06:26 Why Women Hesitate to Ask for More
08:22 How to Ask for a Raise When Your Role Has Grown
10:04 The Best Timing for Raises and Promotions
14:22 What to Do All Year to Be Ready for the Ask
16:48 Why Self-Promotion Isn’t Bragging
18:31 Why Your Boss Can’t Be Your Only Advocate
20:09 What Managers Should Say When Employees Ask for More
23:08 How to Negotiate Salary in a New Job
24:43 When New Hires Make More Than Loyal Employees
29:30 Bhavana’s Top Advice for Women at Work
33:18 The Most Powerful Negotiation Tactic
Links:
Until There Are Nine: https://www.untiltherearenine.com/
Loud & Lifted: https://www.loudandliftedpodcast.com/
