Melanie Lockert is the co-founder of the Lola Retreat, which helps bold women face their fears, own their dreams and figure out a plan to be in control of their finances. She is passionate about empowering women, helping others get out of debt, and focuses on the intersection of debt and mental health. Every September she organizes a Suicide Prevention Awareness Blog Tour, to help share resources for those struggling with debt and suicide.
What's your job title & how did you get where you are today?
I write financial content for banks and run a women's retreat all about money. It all started with my blog Dear Debt, where I chronicled my journey out of $81,000 in student loan debt.
Tell us about a day at work you'll never forget!
Running my first Lola Retreat in Portland, Oregon in August 2017! Seeing something I helped create come to life was a wonderful experience.
“Just ask! ”
What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand?
Be authentic to yourself and voice. Know your value proposition. Always think about your customers and clients.
How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?
Sometimes I ask, "Do you have a budget in mind?" and the client quotes a number way higher than I would have asked for. So that's been eye-opening.
Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing?
In my early days, I definitely took low paying work that maybe I shouldn't have.
What one tip would you tell your younger self about negotiating?
Just ask!
