Most of us have probably accepted a job offer and later wondered if we could’ve asked for more. That’s the thing with negotiating salaries: it’s something we know we should do, but most of us don’t. That was one of the big takeaways I had when I spoke with Keri-Lynne Shaw, the founder and CEO of The Salary Bump, on my podcast. Her story is all about navigating the corporate ladder and then deciding to step off it to help people get what they deserve in the workplace. What struck me most about our conversation was how unprepared most people are when it comes to negotiating—whether it’s fear, uncertainty, or just not knowing they can even negotiate.
Keri-Lynne shared insights from her own journey, and there’s so much that listeners can take away, whether you’re an employee, an entrepreneur, or someone thinking about making a career change. Here are two key points that really stuck with me.
You’re Probably Worth More—Go Ask for It
One of the most eye-opening things Keri-Lynne said was how little people negotiate their salaries. From her time as Chief People Officer, she saw firsthand that less than 15% of people she made offers to ever tried to negotiate. It wasn’t that they didn’t want more; they just didn’t know how to ask. And I get it. We’re conditioned to think that the offer we get is the final offer. But here’s the reality: once they’ve made you that offer, they want you. You have leverage, so use it.
Keri-Lynne shared her own experience of making that mistake early in her career. “I would actually say in interviews, ‘It’s not about the money. It’s about growth and learning.’ And I believed it at the time.” It’s a familiar trap—thinking that if you do good work, the money will follow. And sure, that might happen, but why not ask for what you deserve from the start?
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Don’t let fear hold you back. Most people don’t negotiate because they’re scared. Scared of looking greedy or scared of the offer being pulled. But that fear is often unfounded—they made the offer because they want you.
- Do your homework. Know what your role is worth in the market. Don’t just assume you should ask for a little bump—find out what other companies are paying for your skills.
- Never be the first to mention a number. When you’re asked for salary expectations, always push for the employer to speak first. You’d be surprised how often that opens the door for a bigger offer than you expected.
From Corporate to Entrepreneurship: Passion and Grit Fuel the Journey
Keri-Lynne’s journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship was fascinating. She didn’t set out to start a business right away—she was comfortable in her role as Chief People Officer. But after years of informally helping people negotiate better deals, she realized she was sitting on something bigger.
“I had friends telling me, ‘Why aren’t you doing this full-time? You should be helping more people,’” She said. But like many of us, she wasn’t ready to make that leap—until life pushed her in that direction. The company she worked for pivoted, and she found herself out of a job. That was the moment everything changed.
“I woke up one night at 3 a.m., and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.” That’s when The Salary Bump was born. It was a combination of her passion for helping people and her experience in the corporate world. But making the switch to entrepreneurship wasn’t all smooth sailing.
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Your network is everything. Most of Keri-Lynne’s business comes from referrals, and it didn’t happen overnight. Building and maintaining a strong network is crucial, whether you’re in a corporate role or starting your own thing.
- Monetizing passion takes courage. It’s one thing to love helping people, but it’s another to turn that into a business. Keri-Lynne found herself navigating the challenges of charging for something she used to do for free.
- Follow the signs. Keri-Lynne realized she was coming in second place for job offers repeatedly, and it started to feel like the universe was nudging her toward something different. It’s a reminder that sometimes the signs are there—you just have to listen.
Reflections from the Interview
As we talked, it became clear that Keri-Lynne’s approach to life and business is rooted in authenticity. She’s not trying to fit into a mold or be someone she’s not. That authenticity has been a huge part of her success—both in helping others and in building her own business.
One thing that stood out was her emphasis on the emotional side of negotiations and business. “How you show up, how you feel about what you’re asking for—it’s all connected,” she explained. And she’s right. If you’re not aligned with your values, whether in a job or in business, it’s going to show.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Be authentic. Whether it’s negotiating your salary or building your brand, authenticity goes a long way. People can tell when you’re being genuine, and they respond to it.
- Financial security is freedom. Keri-Lynne’s advice to always negotiate severance in your job offers was a great reminder. Having that financial cushion gave her the freedom to explore entrepreneurship without panic.
- Know your worth. This goes beyond salary—it’s about knowing what you bring to the table in any situation and not settling for less.
- Fear is natural—don’t let it stop you. Everyone feels fear when negotiating or making a big career move. The key is to push through it.
- Invest in yourself. Whether it’s taking the time to do market research or working with a coach like Keri-Lynne, investing in your growth pays off in the long run.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, negotiating isn’t just about getting more money—it’s about recognizing your value and asking for what you deserve. Keri-Lynne’s journey is a testament to the power of knowing your worth and having the courage to ask for it.
If you’re at a point where you’re wondering whether you should negotiate a job offer or if it’s time to make a career move, take a page from Keri-Lynne’s book. Do your research, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to ask for more.
CONNECT WITH KERI-LYNNE SHAW:
Website (Company): https://thesalarybump.com/