Michelle Nguyen - Boston, MA - User Researcher - Negotiated a 55% pay increase + $10,000 signing bonus

(Special note: The written testimonial below are results while Michelle was in the Badass WOC Negotiators Cohort that ended February 2020. The video above is an update of how she negotiated again for her new position in March 2020, and totally rocked it!)

 Why did you choose to work with Nadia and the BWN group program?

I am the only woman of color on a team of 40 at a mid-sized tech company. What really draw me to Nadia was that her messaging really spoke to me and I felt really represented. In our initial call, she validated that a lot of my concerns had to do with being a woman of color and that really pushed me to take a leap and invest in myself. I was also looking for a community with like-minded individuals to feel heard about my concerns.

What goals did you want to achieve during the group coaching program?

I really wanted to activate my voice during the group. Once Nadia helped identify how important it was to do so, I tried to find those opportunities.

What results have you achieved since you started working together? (If from your work you received a promotion or increase in pay, please list before and after roles, $ amounts and/or % amounts)

I've received a written confirmation of a promotion to Senior User Researcher (prior role was User Researcher).

What do you like best about working with Nadia and the group?

I love how Nadia listens and is your ultimate hype woman. Everytime she does hot-seat coaching, all the words she says are so spot on and are somehow the words you really needed to hear in that moment. I also loved the support of the group and how encouraging everyone was!

What was the impact of working with a coach that specialized in working with self-identified WOCs?

It's honestly made me feel less crazy. Before this experience, I really thought that I was overreacting to different interactions and dynamics at work. This experience really validated my perceptions and given me the confidence to speak my true self and challenge existing dynamics.

How else have you benefited from working together?

Nadia is like the tiny voice in my head that says I'm great. Through this, she's helped amplify that voice to a point where that's the first voice I turn to in a challenge!

Would you recommend Nadia and her services? If so, why and to whom?

Yes, absolutely. I think it's just a powerful experience having someone who knows her sh*t and focuses on the emotional and personal side of negotiation instead of just the stuff you can Google! I'd recommend it to other women of color, even when they're not going through a review/promotion cycle. These skills are useful all the time in any situation.

How was the experience different than when you were doing/trying to achieve your goals on your own?

I think if you're trying to do this alone, you're isolated with the intimidation of negotiation. It's just super helpful having someone saying that negotiation can be fun. Also, you don't realize who negotiation skills are so closely tied to your confidence and your upbringing and identity.

What was a pleasant surprise during our coaching, or as a result of our coaching?

I'm surprised by my desire to want to explore more (not just focusing on the next step on the career ladder). I started to pick up other hobbies and try new things.

What's the most important thing people should know about working with Nadia?

Nadia is simply the best because she not only really talks to you like she's your best friend, but she helps you talk to yourself like you're your own best friend. She also acknowledges your feelings and that you're human with a complex upbringing.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

It was a really great experience and I hope to stay connected with Nadia!