Meet Jen Ransholt, the curious purpose-seeking advocate for change. She is the Director at The Uncommon Project & Collaborator with Equality Check. She is working towards having change happen quicker by empowering both the individual and organizations within equality and inclusion.
Tell us about a day at work you'll never forget!
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 need to build a new system. I was interviewing for another job, 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.
I felt really guilty 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 or mistakes on equal pay is not a reflection of our worth. You build a prosperous relationship with colleagues and leaders that operate with transparency and equality.
What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand?
Start with building a strong foundation by aligning yourself with what you believe in and what makes you 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.
How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?
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 or ethnicity.
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 bonuses, 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 or 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.
“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.”
Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing?
Yes and no, anything I have regretted has always been valuable learning for the future.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve experienced imposter syndrome? How did you overcome this?
I've experienced this many times. In Scandinavian leadership, they often put you in these scenarios to foster growth, accountability, and the feeling of ownership. It might feel scary at first but it does make you rise to the occasion and accomplish more than you thought was possible.
To have someone you respect believing in you is a powerful tool. I have been put in these situations by leaders I trust and those scenarios are what have shaped me into the person I am today. I overcame these situations by knowing that it’s not always about being prepared but really about being present. If you make the wrong move, then all you have to do is make another move until you get it right.
What’s one tip would you tell your younger self about negotiating?
Be confident and always aim for what you really want.
Do you have a routine or habit that you practice that allows you to do what you do?
The benefit of living in sunny Australia has turned me into a morning person instead of an evening person. I have recently started to do a yoga session for 30 min before breakfast with the Glo app, then I do a 5-minute gratitude practice in the sun on my balcony. I’m noticing such a difference in my energy levels so this is a routine that will try to keep as long as possible.
What's the worst piece of advice you've been given and why was it so awful/useful?
To always stick things out and never give up. I have realized that time is too valuable. Although I find it important to always follow through on commitments, I have learned that it is as vital to understand when to cut ties if the commitment is holding you back.
Has there been one person instrumental to your growth and success? How did they impact you?
There hasn’t been one person in particular, but I have had the pleasure to work with a lot of different great leaders that have inspired me and supported my development in many different ways and directions. Hardship has also been instrumental in my growth and development. Having to rise from difficult times is an underestimated way to effectively learn how to push yourself and take control of your own success and destiny.
Who has taught you the most about knowing your value in the workplace?
The ones that have taught me most about my value are the leaders who have set time aside on a regular basis to talk through my development sessions. One of my favorite managers throughout my career would never postpone or move the meeting for something else as he said that he wanted to make sure that I, as an employee, always knew I was his priority. It was his team that was his most valuable asset and he wanted us to always feel important to him.
Who do you draw inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from a wide range of people and interests such as Michelle Obama, Tony Robbins and Arianna Huffington.
What has been your biggest or best failure and what did you take from it?
My best failure was to accept a role with someone that had a leadership style I felt extremely uncomfortable with, as it was the opposite of all my training and experience. I knew after only 2 days that this was not going to be a success but I ignored all my instincts and thought the right thing was to stick it out. I just couldn't get comfortable or be myself. I learned a valuable lesson to always listen to my inner instincts and only commit my time to people and roles that match my own values.
How would you describe how you got to this point in your life and career?
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 an organization called The Uncommon Project, which is a boutique advisory specializing within communication and diversity across multiple disciplines. We undertake 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.
What would you be doing if you weren't on your current path?
I think that no matter what path I was on, it would take me to where I am today. I have had a few detours in my career, but they all make sense and have turned out to be instrumental.
What's your personal quirk that has helped you to excel in your field?
If something is impossible then I want to make it happen by doing it in an unexpected way.
What’s your favorite quote?
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world"
Are you reading or listening to anything at the moment?
I’m currently reading: Thinking, Fast and Slow By Daniel Kahneman.
“Remember that your previous employer’s view on equality or mistakes on equal pay is not a reflection of your worth, and you should not be punished for it throughout your whole career. ”