“They’re increasing my salary by 48%.”
“Hi Andrea,
I wanted to update you on my promotion. We finally discussed salary details and they are increasing my salary by 48%.”
That was the opening of a longer email.
A thoughtful, humble update from a client who had worked hard, led well, and stayed committed through a long stretch of unmet promises.
But that one sentence—"they are increasing my salary by 48%"—said everything.
Not because of the number.
Because of what it took to get there.
This wasn’t the outcome of being noticed.
It was the outcome of advocating for yourself.
The Promotion Was Never a Given
This client had been promised opportunity for years. Recognition was always “coming soon.” Raises were “under review.” Nothing ever landed.
When we started working together, they were stuck in a loop that’s all too common—doing the work, delivering the results, and getting none of the movement they were told to expect.
So we built a two-part strategy: move up or move out.
We were clear on value.
Clear on goals.
And clear on what would happen if the next conversation didn’t lead to change.
That’s the part no one sees.
It wasn’t confidence that showed up in the room that day. It was preparation. It was the result of months of clarity-building, scripting, decision-making, and truth-telling.
What the Raise Actually Represents
48% is a great number.
But what it represents matters more.
It’s not just about the pay. It’s about the shift that happens when you stop waiting.
This client didn’t walk into that meeting hoping someone would finally validate their worth.
They walked in already knowing it.
That’s what coaching helped build.
The Role Coaching Played
We didn’t obsess over outcome.
We focused on alignment.
On developing language for the value they bring.
On rehearsing conversations they’d never dared to initiate before.
Coaching didn’t deliver the raise.
But it made sure the client was ready no matter which way it went.
Because not every employer does the right thing. This one did.
But even if they hadn’t, the client was already in motion.
If You’re at a Tipping Point
If you’ve been waiting for the role, the raise, or the recognition you’re not alone.
But waiting isn’t a strategy.
Advocating for yourself is.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
2025