At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We sat down with Uli Beutter Cohen of the Subway Book Review for a quick chat about all things negotiation, tips and tactics. Uli is an amazing artist and author and is all around a very impressive human being. Without further ado, let’s take a look at our conversation with Uli!
Meggie: Uli, thank you so much for joining us here at PepTalkHer today. You’ve had an amazing career - from creating Subway Book Review to working with brands like Adidas and Warby Parker, you really have so much to offer! So let’s get started off with a quick intro - how would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Uli: I'm a New York City-based artist, documentarian and the creator of Subway Book Review.
Meggie: All very impressive! Relating to how you might be described, what's your job title and how did you get where you are today?
Uli: I'm a filmmaker by trade who founded a creative agency and ran it for 6 years (big clients, big dreams) until I moved to New York City and built my own storytelling platform: Subway Book Review which is all about storytelling by the people for the people.
Meggie: What a beautiful ethos for the company. As a founder of multiple businesses, have you ever felt like an imposter in your career? If so, How'd you move past this?
Uli: SURE. How does any woman move out of her own way? Therapy. Really good therapy and introspection (ie. living with the moon phases) and having a high-quality circle of advisors. Also by committing to making big moves for no reason other than to try it and see what happens.
“How does any woman move out of her own way? Therapy. Really good therapy and introspection ”
Meggie: Speaking about those big moves - did you ever agree to something in your career that you now regret doing?
Uli: Yes, but I try to keep in mind that people care a lot less about what we do than we think - unless it's really bad racism, capitalism, sexism, or another -ism which should always be cared about.
“ I try to keep in mind that people care a lot less about what we do than we think”
Meggie: That’s a great point, very important to keep things in perspective. As you know, we here at PepTalkHer are all about empowering women to know their worth and their value. A huge part of this is negotiating salary and promotions. How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?
Uli: Having a sky in the pie and low risk ask, making a "menu" of options for the person I negotiate with, staying level by not lowering myself in status, coming from a place of opportunity and expansion always. And always: LISTENING to what is ACTUALLY being said. There's more, but this is a good start I think.
Meggie: Wise words! Speaking of knowing your worth, who has taught you the most about knowing your value in the workplace?
Uli: The people who have undervalued and/or rejected me. By the nature of my work, I get rejected a lot (I might be the most rejected woman in New York). Every person who undervalues or rejects me gives me an opportunity to sink deeper into my own knowledge about my value.
“Every person who undervalues or rejects me gives me an opportunity to sink deeper into my own knowledge about my value”
Meggie: Very profound! I think we could all benefit from this mindset. Thank you so much, Uli, for taking the time out of your day to chat with us. It’s been a pleasure!
Check out Uli’s amazing work through @subwaybookreview and on her personal Instagram, @theubc.