What if you could confidently ask for the raise or promotion you deserve? What if you truly understood your worth and used that knowledge to propel your career forward?
In a recent episode of my podcast, From a Woman to a Leader, I had the pleasure of speaking with Claudia Bruce-Quartey, a tech industry leader passionate about helping women do just that.
Claudia’s journey from a political scientist to a key player in tech is nothing short of inspiring. She’s on a mission to empower women in male-dominated fields to recognize their value, master the art of negotiation, and achieve the career growth they deserve. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the key insights and actionable advice Claudia provided during our conversation.
Understanding Your Worth:
One of the most important topics we discussed was the idea of truly understanding your worth. Claudia emphasized that many women, especially in tech, often underestimate the value they bring to the table. This is a mindset that needs to change if we’re to see more women thrive in leadership roles.
Claudia shared her own experience of entering the tech industry without negotiating her first salary—a mistake that taught her a valuable lesson. She explained how this initial oversight had long-term implications on her earnings and how it fueled her passion to ensure other women don’t make the same mistake.
Key Insight:
“Negotiation isn’t just about asking for more—it’s an act of self-love and respect for your future.” – Claudia Bruce-Quartey
This quote from Claudia really resonated with me, and I believe it will resonate with many of you as well. It’s a reminder that negotiating is not just about the immediate gain but about setting yourself up for long-term success and financial security.
Actionable Strategies for Negotiation:
Claudia didn’t just talk about the importance of negotiation—she provided actionable strategies that anyone can implement right away. One of the techniques we discussed was the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. This framework is particularly useful in interviews and salary negotiations because it allows you to clearly articulate your achievements and the value you bring to an organization.
Another strategy Claudia recommends is keeping a “brag book.” This is essentially a record of your accomplishments, certifications, and successes that you can refer to when preparing for a negotiation or performance review. By documenting your achievements regularly, you’ll be better equipped to advocate for yourself when the time comes.
Handling Rejection with Grace:
Negotiation isn’t always smooth sailing, and sometimes you’ll hear a ‘no.’ Claudia shared her insights on how to handle rejection and use it as a learning experience rather than a setback. She encourages women to ask for feedback when they receive a rejection, so they can understand what they might improve and turn that ‘no’ into a ‘yes’ next time.
Claudia’s approach to rejection is empowering and practical. She views it as an opportunity to refine her approach and strengthen her case for the next negotiation.
Conclusion:
My conversation with Claudia Bruce-Quartey was filled with powerful insights and practical advice that can help you take control of your career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance to the next level, understanding your worth and mastering negotiation are key to achieving the success you deserve.
I encourage you to listen to the full episode here to get all of Claudia’s wisdom and actionable tips. And remember, negotiating is not just about getting more—it’s about valuing yourself and setting yourself up for a successful future.
If you found this post helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from these insights. And don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast, From a Woman to a Leader, for more empowering conversations with women who are leading the way in tech and beyond.
About Claudia Bruce-Quartey
Claudia Bruce-Quartey is a dynamic leader and career coach passionate about empowering women in tech to break through barriers and achieve their full potential.
With a background in political science and over seven years of experience working with large software and Fortune 500 companies, Claudia has become a powerful advocate for fair pay and career advancement.
As a Key Account Manager at Red Hat, she has helped hundreds of women master negotiation skills, overcome insecurities, and secure the promotions and salaries they deserve. Claudia is dedicated to helping women in male-dominated fields know their worth and negotiate with confidence.
Follow Claudia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-bruce-quartey/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiamireku
Subscribe to her newsletter: https://claudia-bruce-quartey-youniq-careers.ck.page/profile/links
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