Welcome back to The Inclusive AF Podcast! This episode is lit 🔥 as we dive headfirst into workplace inclusivity, personal advocacy, and career growth with none other than the incredible Meggie Palmer. Hosted by me, Jackye Clayton (and yes, we missed Katie Van Horn this time), this convo is packed with fresh perspectives, practical advice, and some real talk that will leave you ready to take action.
Work Smarter, Not Just Harder
We’re always hearing about the grind, right? But let’s be real—it’s not just about clocking in hours. It’s about working smarter. I broke down the whole “hard work” myth versus doing impactful work that drives actual career growth (hello, bigger paychecks 💸). Working smart is about focusing on the moves that really matter and learning how to advocate for yourself in those all-important salary discussions.
Transparency and Communication Are Key
Let’s talk transparency. How often do salary decisions or promotions happen behind closed doors? Too often. Meggie Palmer’s team at PepTalkHer is changing the game by empowering employees to communicate their value to leadership. It’s not just about throwing your achievements out there—it's about keeping the conversation going so there are no surprises when review time rolls around.
The “FYI Only” Strategy
One of the coolest tips Meggie dropped is the “FYI only” email strategy. Imagine sending a quick email update to your boss, like, “Hey, just a heads up on this project,” without sounding like you’re bragging or begging for validation. It’s a sneaky-good way to keep yourself visible and make sure you’re on their radar before annual reviews.
Remote Work = Feedback On Fire 🔥
In this new world of remote work, feedback is everything. But it's trickier to get right when you're not in the office. Meggie and I both agree—you need strong feedback loops that keep everyone aligned with company goals and, most importantly, make employees feel heard and appreciated. Simple as that.
Role Models Are MIA (And That’s A Problem)
We had to talk about role models—especially for women. We don’t have enough role models who are vocal about setting boundaries and killing it at work. It’s like, where are the examples of women who set clear limits but still climb the ladder? It’s a tough one, and it’s something we need to fix.
Networking: It's Not Always a Strategy (And That’s OK)
Pro-tip: Networking isn’t always a planned thing. I shared a story about an accidental elevator chat with my CEO that turned into an awesome connection. Meggie and I laughed about how opportunities can come from the most unexpected places—you just have to be open to them.
Keep Receipts: Track Your Achievements
Meggie also had some straight-up gold advice: track your wins. Like, all of them. This is a huge hack when you’re negotiating salary or promotion because you’ll have concrete evidence to back you up. Plus, it’s a way to fight that pesky brain negativity bias that makes you forget all the amazing stuff you’ve accomplished. Keep your receipts!
Time to Break the Taboo: Salary Transparency
Why is it still so taboo to talk about salaries? Meggie and I both agree that being open about compensation—knowing the industry standards and talking with your peers—can help close pay gaps. Through PepTalkHer, Meggie is leading the charge for salary transparency, and it’s about time we all got on board.
Inclusive Tools for Inclusive Workplaces
At the end of the day, we need tools that cater to everyone. Meggie and I talked about the power of inclusive tech, like how Textio creates unbiased job descriptions that help level the playing field for candidates from all walks of life. The future of hiring is inclusive AF, and it’s happening right now.
Community Matters More Than Ever
Post-COVID, we’re all feeling a little isolated. But here’s the thing—building your community is so important. Whether it’s in person or online, find your people, lift each other up, and remember that your success is never a solo journey.
Stars of the Show
This episode is packed with gems. From Meggie Palmer’s journey from journalism to founding PepTalkHer to practical strategies for navigating the gender pay gap, this is must-listen content for anyone looking to level up in their career while making the workplace a better, more inclusive space.
Let’s Keep It Going
We’re just getting started, folks! Take these tips, run with them, and start making moves in your own career. Whether it’s adopting the “FYI only” strategy or having honest conversations about pay, your journey to being Inclusive AF starts right now.
Catch us on The Inclusive AF Podcast for more real talk, and drop your feedback—we want to hear how you’re making waves! Let’s keep the momentum going and make our workplaces truly inclusive. 💥
