Aspire for More: How to be an Everyday Negotiator – Details, episodes & analysis

Have you ever wondered how far you can push for what you need at work without burning bridges—or how your negotiation can create lasting change for everyone in your organization?

In this episode, our caller Naeha, a manager at a small U.S. nonprofit, shares the continuation of her negotiation journey for parental leave. After discovering a major leadership transition that gave her unexpected leverage, Naeha details how she navigated a complex, months-long conversation with her organization to secure nearly a year of leave for herself while also shaping an official company-wide policy. 

This episode is a masterclass in strategic negotiation, patience, and advocacy. Whether you’re negotiating your own leave, navigating a promotion, or looking to create structural change in your workplace, Naeha’s story shows that careful planning, allies, and thoughtful communication can lead to outcomes that benefit both you and your colleagues. 

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

⚉ [Podcast] #15 Why negotiating with family is difficult? - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2323468/episodes/16181030 
⚉ [Podcast] #6 Negotiating Paid Maternity Leave | What if they ask for salary expectations in the job application? - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2323468/episodes/15140435 
⚉ [Blog Post] Why Negotiating with Family is Difficult - https://www.moonnegotiation.com/blog/why-negotiating-with-family-is-difficult 


—
This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode. 


JOIN THE PRIORITY LIST FOR JOAN’S NEXT COHORT OF THE ADVANCED NEGOTIATION INTENSIVE
https://course.moonnegotiation.com/Join-the-Priority-List


CONNECT WITH JOAN:
⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/ 
⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/ 
⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation
⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation


JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:
https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.

What would you do if your workplace didn’t have a maternity leave policy—and you were about to need one?

Would you risk asking for something that’s never been done before? Or walk away from a job you’ve helped build?

In this episode, our caller, Naeha, a manager at a small nonprofit, returns with a powerful update. When we first met her, she had just lost a valued team member who quit over the organization’s lack of maternity leave. 

Now, a year and a half later, Naeha shares how she turned that frustration into action—and successfully negotiated her own paid leave package.

In our conversation, Naeha reflects on the emotional turning point that pushed her to speak up, the subtle signaling that kept her ask collaborative rather than confrontational, and how she built internal allies to transform a simple “what if” into an actual company policy.

If you’ve ever wondered when to advocate for yourself—or how to balance what’s fair for you versus what’s good for the organization—this story is a must-listen. You’ll walk away with practical insights on timing, anchoring, and the power of allies—lessons that could help you or someone you love the next time a workplace negotiation feels out of reach.


MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

⚉ [Podcast] #15 Why negotiating with family is difficult? - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2323468/episodes/16181030 
⚉ [Podcast] #6 Negotiating Paid Maternity Leave | What if they ask for salary expectations in the job application? - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2323468/episodes/15140435 
⚉ [Blog Post] Why Negotiating with Family is Difficult - https://www.moonnegotiation.com/blog/why-negotiating-with-family-is-difficult 


—
This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode. 


JOIN THE PRIORITY LIST FOR JOAN’S NEXT COHORT OF THE ADVANCED NEGOTIATION INTENSIVE
https://course.moonnegotiation.com/Join-the-Priority-List


CONNECT WITH JOAN:
⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/ 
⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/ 
⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation
⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation


JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:
https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.

What happens when you're doing everything right at work—exceeding expectations, holding down the fort, and driving results—yet your career still feels stuck in neutral?

Sylvia’s situation is one many will relate to: a key team member seeking recognition, stability,  and clarity in a workplace that hasn’t quite delivered.

This is part 3 of a 3-part series, and in this episode, we go through the process of using powerful negotiation tools, including the concept of a BATNA, emotional preparation, and subtle signaling.


In the second part of this episode, our listener question is: Negotiate?! In this economy? How do you negotiate during uncertain and chaotic times? Shouldn’t I just be grateful to have a job?

—
This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode.


JOIN THE PRIORITY LIST FOR JOAN’S NEXT COHORT OF THE ADVANCED NEGOTIATION INTENSIVE
https://course.moonnegotiation.com/Join-the-Waitlist

CONNECT WITH JOAN:
⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/
⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/
⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation
⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation

JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:
https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter 

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.

Performance evaluations can be a stressful and uncertain process, especially when unclear expectations and shifting company policies come into play.

Many employees find themselves in situations where new workplace rules—such as in-office attendance requirements—suddenly become factors in their evaluations, leaving them unsure of how to advocate for themselves.

What do you do when the criteria for promotions and raises seem ambiguous or unfair?

This is part 2 of a 3-part series, and in this episode, we break down key aspects of Sylvia’s case and explore negotiation strategies to ensure her hard work and contributions are recognized.


In the second part of this episode, our listener question is: How do I navigate the complex process of requesting reasonable accommodations at work, especially when dealing with unclear legal territory, back-and-forth negotiations, and a hesitant HR department? Should I approach the situation collaboratively or take a firmer stance on my needs?


—
This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode.


JOIN THE PRIORITY LIST FOR JOAN’S NEXT COHORT OF THE ADVANCED NEGOTIATION INTENSIVE
https://course.moonnegotiation.com/Join-the-Waitlist


CONNECT WITH JOAN:
⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/
⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/
⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation
⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation


JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:
https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter 

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.

Have you ever walked into a performance evaluation hoping for a raise or promotion but left feeling unsure of where you stand?

How do you make sure that your hard work is recognized, especially when new leadership doesn’t know you as well?

These are the challenges that Sylvia is facing as she prepares for her annual performance review—one that could determine her salary, career trajectory, and future opportunities at her company.

In this 3-part series episode, follow Sylvia's journey as she navigates the complexities of advocating and negotiating for herself in a high-stakes performance evaluation.

—
This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode.


JOIN THE PRIORITY WAITLIST FOR JOAN’S NEXT COHORT OF THE ADVANCED NEGOTIATION INTENSIVE
https://course.moonnegotiation.com/Join-the-Waitlist


MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
⚉ [Article] Ace Your Performance Evaluation & Make Sure Gender Bias Doesn’t Come Into Play - https://www.moonnegotiation.com/blog/ace-your-performance-evaluation


CONNECT WITH JOAN:
⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/
⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/
⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation
⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation


JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:
https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter 

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.

Have you ever hesitated to advocate for yourself because you feared being seen as selfish or ungrateful? 

Do you struggle to make explicit asks at work? 

What steps can you take to overcome the fear of negotiating for what you truly deserve? 

These are the challenges that Natalie faced head-on during a high-stakes career negotiation, ultimately securing her dream job along with a $75,000 bonus payout. 

In this part 3 episode, let's unpack the lessons and strategies that made her negotiation a success. 

—

This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode. 

JOIN THE PRIORITY WAITLIST FOR JOAN’S NEW PROGRAM COMING SOON:

https://course.moonnegotiation.com/Join-the-Waitlist

CONNECT WITH JOAN: 

⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/ 

⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/ 

⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation

⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation

JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:

https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter 

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.

Are you maximizing the power of relationships in your career negotiations?

Do you know how to strategically leverage allies to advocate on your behalf?

Is it difficult for you to make explicit requests for your own benefit?

What role do context and timing play in getting others to say yes?

Negotiation can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially in high-stakes environments like big law.

In this part 2 episode, find out how Natalie navigated a complex negotiation for an early bonus payout before leaving her job, and learn powerful lessons on leveraging relationships, strategic communication, and timing to get results.


—
This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode.


JOIN THE PRIORITY WAITLIST FOR JOAN’S NEW PROGRAM COMING SOON:
https://course.moonnegotiation.com/Join-the-Waitlist


CONNECT WITH JOAN:
⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/
⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/
⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation
⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation


JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:
https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter 

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.

Have you ever faced a dilemma where you had to choose between two incredible opportunities, both of which felt impossible to give up?

Would you walk away from a $75,000 bonus from your present job, for a dream job offer?

Would you risk losing it all by negotiating, or would you choose one over the other?

In this episode, you'll get a glimpse of what a high-stakes negotiation looks like, uncover how a few well-timed conversations and bold decisions paved the way to achieving both goals, and learn how strategic thinking and the right support network can lead to outcomes that initially seem unattainable.


—
This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode.

JOIN THE PRIORITY WAITLIST FOR JOAN’S NEW PROGRAM COMING SOON:
https://course.moonnegotiation.com/Join-the-Waitlist

CONNECT WITH JOAN:
⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/
⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/
⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation
⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation

JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:
https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter 

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.

How can you navigate difficult conversations with your family during the holidays while maintaining your peace of mind?

What strategies can help turn potentially contentious family discussions into moments of understanding and collaboration?


Holidays are a time for family, celebration, and connection, but they can also bring challenges, particularly when it comes to negotiating family dynamics. 

This topic resonated deeply with audiences when initially shared as a blog post, generating unprecedented feedback and engagement. I bring it to you in podcast form with actionable insights into navigating these complex conversations, just in time for the holiday season.

So join me and let’s explore the various facets of family negotiations — common scenarios, challenges, and strategies for success — while gaining practical advice on managing emotions, setting boundaries, and fostering healthier relationships.

—
This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode.


MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
⚉ The New Yorker Article, “Why So Many People are Going ‘No Contact’ With Their Parents” - in the episode Joan mistakenly referenced it as a New York Times article - https://www.newyorker.com/culture/annals-of-inquiry/why-so-many-people-are-going-no-contact-with-their-parents
⚉ Pyschology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com


JOIN THE PRIORITY WAITLIST FOR JOAN’S NEW PROGRAM COMING SOON:
https://course.moonnegotiation.com/priority-waitlist-beta-2024


CONNECT WITH JOAN:
⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/
⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/
⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation
⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation


JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:
https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter 

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.

In the world of job offers, there's much more to negotiation than simply pushing for a higher salary. Sometimes, asking for specific terms — like a four-day workweek — can introduce new layers of complexity.

In this episode, let's break down the lessons and strategies from Naeha's job offer negotiation in Episode 13. Naeha successfully navigated her negotiation, maintained positive relationships, and ultimately walked away with peace of mind.

There are 5 important takeaways we can all learn from Naeha's experience and I highly recommend sticking around until the end of the episode.


—
This podcast is a call-in show, so if you or a woman you know needs help in this area, feel free to contact me at joan@moonnegotiation.com to submit your questions or join me in our next episode.


JOIN THE PRIORITY WAITLIST FOR JOAN’S NEW PROGRAM COMING SOON:
https://course.moonnegotiation.com/priority-waitlist-beta-2024


CONNECT WITH JOAN:

⚉ Website: https://www.moonnegotiation.com/
⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmoon413/
⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonnegotiation
⚉ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moonnegotiation


JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NEWS AND NEGOTIATION TIPS:
https://www.moonnegotiation.com/newsletter 

Send us a text

The Aspire For More podcast and all related content are presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. While Joan strives to provide incisively strategic and research-based content, your listenership does not create a coach-client relationship.

Negotiation involves inherent risks. Joan and her guests are not attorneys, financial advisors, or mental health professionals. No part of this show should be taken as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on the information in this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and Moon Negotiation LLC is not liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of this content.