At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and to understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We sat down with Jen Ransholt of The Uncommon Project to discuss all things negotiation and career! Jen is the creative director for The Uncommon Project and has a passion for achieving gender equality in the workplace. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Meggie: Hey Jen, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us today! Let’s dive right in with our first question - How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Jen: Hi Meggie, I’d describe myself as a curious, purpose seeking advocate for change.
Meggie: Love that description! Next question - What's your job title & how did you get where you are today?
Jen: I´m originally from Scandinavia, I´m born and raised in Sweden but then studied and worked in Norway, New York and am now living in Australia. To complement my degree in Communication from Queensland University of Technology, I also undertook studies in how to foster purpose driven change with Harvard Business School. I have always enjoyed exploring new places and cultures, and changing countries has allowed me to gain a wide range of international and industry experience. After completing a Scandinavian Leadership Program through work, I discovered that my passion lay in working towards creating greater good for employees, organizations and society. The differences that I´ve seen in our cultures inspired me to help work towards having change happen quicker within equality. I now run a company called The Uncommon Project, which is a boutique advisory specializing within communication and diversity across multiple disciplines. We undertake a research and evidence based first approach to curate impactful change. At the start of the year I had the pleasure to partner with the leading Scandinavian diversity platform, Equality Check, to further drive the equality agenda in Australia.
“ I discovered that my passion lay in working towards creating greater good for employees, organizations and society”
Meggie: Very impressive! Next question - What is a very memorable moment from your career journey?
Jen: I had an equality experience that made me understand quite quickly that our generation can´t wait and hope for the system to change, we have to realize that we are the system! I was interviewing for another job, the exact same position and industry but with a different firm. A male friend of mine told me beforehand what salary the male colleagues were on and gave me some insights into what I could negotiate for. It was a significantly higher amount than what I was currently on (hello new lifestyle!) I felt really guilty or greedy after the interview as I knew I had asked for a salary that was nowhere near my current one. Turns out they offered me the role and the salary with extra benefits on top without any problems. If I wouldn’t have had the knowledge of my male colleagues´ salaries or what was possible to negotiate for, it would have been a completely different outcome. We often get asked about the salary in our previous job and then the new company bases the starting salary on this amount. But if women are paid less than men from the beginning, the gender pay gap will only follow us around for the rest of our careers. We have to remember that our previous employers´ view/mistakes on equal pay is not a reflection of our worth.
“Our generation can´t wait and hope for the system to change, we have to realize that we are the system!”
Meggie: Some very good points! Shifting gears a bit, what advice do you have for those looking to build their own brands?
Jen: Start with building a strong foundation by creating a brand about something that makes you extremely passionate. It takes longevity to succeed and it helps if you can clearly visualize your desired outcome. Make sure you approach your relationships with integrity and consistency. To gain trust, long-term growth and success it is important that a brand is authentic and really lives up to what it claims to be. Choose communication styles and aesthetics that will foster brand recognition to allow your audience to get used to you and get to know you. Remember as well that the essence of a brand can be conveyed in the form of storytelling, and this is your chance to stand out as we all have unique stories to tell.
“To gain trust, long-term growth and success it is important that a brand is authentic ”
Meggie: How do you prepare for negotiation conversations? We'd love to hear all your hacks & top tips or awesome advice you've received!
Jen: I always do my research first. I believe that to be able to have a successful negotiation session, you need to come from a place of understanding and knowledge. If you are negotiating a salary at an interview my top tips from an equal pay perspective would be: Always research the company, salary level for the role, and if possible get an insight to male colleagues´ salaries as well to make sure you don't get paid less because of your gender. A lot of recruitment companies do salary surveys on a yearly basis and this is information you can use to your advantage. Make sure you are aware of the negotiation frames. Maybe it is not only the base salary that you can negotiate. Have a look at bonus, extra paid holiday, company car etc. This is unfortunately where many women miss out as it`s been suggested in research that men are more confident or aware of what else they can negotiate for. If the recruiter or hiring manager asks you the question: what was your salary in your previous role? My advice is to answer the question by saying that your expectation for this position/role is XXX. Remember that your previous employer´s view on equality/ mistakes on equal pay is not a reflection of your worth, and you should not be punished for it throughout your whole career. If the person who interviews you keeps insisting on knowing your previous salary, you should consider it as a major red flag. It is a sign that they may not operate with transparency and equal pay. They should be hiring you based on the current industry/ position rate.
Meggie: I agree, coming from a place of knowledge is super helpful! Ok- Last question: What book or podcast are you currently reading or listening to?
Jen: I´m currently reading: Thinking, Fast and Slow By Daniel Kahneman.
Meggie: Jen, thank you again for chatting with us today! We appreciate you taking the time.
To see more from Jen, check her out on Instagram at @jennyransholt , and for more information about her company, The Uncommon Project, visit their website.