For Women Who Are Unapologetically Ambitious and Fiercely Informed

Do NOT do this in a negotiation

Author

Jennifer Justice
May 15, 2025

If I had a dollar for everytime someone offered me or my super smart friends a $400MM plane I would be short a dollar. What it shows? How far men will go to keep themselves and each other in power - ie, and women out of it. Gross misconduct, bribery and conflict aside, one point is clear, it works. What if we did that? Daisy Auger-Dominguez talked about just that in a recent episode of Takin' Care of Lady Business.  She doesn’t sugarcoat it: the systems weren’t built for us, so why are we still trying to squeeze ourselves into them? Studies show women who collaborate instead of compete rise higher, faster, and stronger. Support networks don’t just boost careers, they build cultures where inclusion isn’t performative, it's the norm. When we amplify the truth that when women show up for each other, we don’t just change the workplace, we change the game. One where there isn't an option to trade a $400MM plane for our democracy. So listen to Daisy and rememeber - female solidarity isn’t a feel-good moment, it’s a business strategy.

With Love & Lady Business,
JJ

In today’s edition:
— Daisy Auger-Domínguez on how women can change the game 
— All’s Fair declaring a new best friend for women
— What Not To Do In A Negotiation

“We tell women all the time to silence ourselves, to quiet ourselves, to shrink ourselves. And I’m done with that”

Key Takeaways:
 — Challenge the status quo in your workplace
— Create environments where everyone feels respected and has space to thrive
— Push for change, even when it feels uncomfortable
— Prioritize your well-being to prevent burnout
— Set clear boundaries to protect your energy

All’s Fair

The Justice Dept was built on one simple truth. Women get better results when they are represented by other women. We’ve seen it firsthand. Female clients open up more to female attorneys, leading to stronger cases, better strategies, and bigger wins. Studies back it up. Women lawyers are more prepared, more collaborative, and more outcome driven. Now, others are finally catching on. Hulu’s new series All’s Fair, starring Kim Kardashian, Niecey Nash, Naomi Watts, Glenn Close and more, it is  centered around a women only law firm, with women only clients. Women representing women. Sound familiar? It should be commonplace. It is more than a show. It’s a cultural shift. It's a lifestyle.  

Never Do This In A Negotiation

Whether or not you are confident in your negotiation skills, rule number one is simple. Never make the first offer. Have you ever been offered a job and the hiring manager hits you with, “So what are you looking to make?” Or you're on a call about a new deal and they casually ask, “What’s your budget?”.  These questions seem innocent but they’re strategic traps. The moment you throw out a number, especially if you’re underestimating your worth, you’ve anchored the entire negotiation to your disadvantage. As former FBI negotiator Chris Voss in #1 selling book, Never Split the Difference says, “Whoever names the price first loses.” That first number shapes the rest of the conversation and if you start low, there's almost no way to claw your way up.  

This applies in your career too - it is almost impossible to make up for lost income.  Women are constantly undervaluing themselves. Let them go first. You’ll learn what they’re really willing to pay before you even show your cards. That’s the move. If you’re not a seasoned negotiator, don’t play offense. Play defense with strategy. Let them make the first offer. It gives you insight into their budget, how much they value you, and what kind of deal they’re hoping to make. Ask smart questions, stay quiet longer than feels comfortable, and resist the urge to fill the silence. In negotiation, information is power and the more they reveal, the stronger your position becomes.  

Lady Bits:

Watch:  Minnie Driver talking about being a Nice Girl
https://www.tiktok.com/@letterslive/video/7483826542137675030

Respect: Total respect for this woman sitting in a courtroom across from the man that beat and abused her.  Cassie's testimony - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/arts/music/cassie-sean-combs-diddy-trial-takeaways.html

See:  SZA in real life loving bugs - Went to this concert and it was so good! 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bdxsaj8UD0rlSMu851AVHxc1s88qdYSh/view?usp=sharing

Congrats:  Cate Luzio on 6 years of Luminary - You are the ultimate Luminary!

Hi, I’m JJ.

Since starting the Justice Dept, I have increased women's wealth by over $100MM in just over 5 years. Want to know what inspires me to do this work? My clients' surprised reaction when I manage to get them much better terms for themselves and their companies, whether talent agreements, employment, severance, partnerships, asset sales or investments. They often admit that they never thought they could get that result. Not even hoped. This blows my mind

“Taking Care of Lady Busine$$” sponsor!  Welcome Medjet, the top-rated air medical transport and security response membership for travelers. If you’re hospitalized or your safety is threatened while traveling, they can get you moved home…if you’re a member.