For Women Who Are Unapologetically Ambitious and Fiercely Informed

I am amazing.  I have accomplished some incredible shit in my life.  Why is that so hard for me to write? I want to delete it even as I continue to write. But it's true - and it's true of you too. So why is it so hard to brag about our accomplishments? In a recent Takin’ Care of Lady Business® episode, Emily Heintz of Sèchey said: “If men had my résumé, they’d be screaming it from the rooftops.” But instead? Women apologize for their success. Downplay it. Hide it under a cloak of humility so we don’t make anyone uncomfortable. Let’s be clear. This isn’t about arrogance. It’s about equity. Visibility. Power. We’ve been conditioned to believe that confidence makes us "too much" - and I have been called "too much".  Self-promotion is unladylike. That accomplishments are best whispered, if at all. Meanwhile, men are rewarded for loudly taking up space they haven’t even earned. Enough. Your résumé? Brag about it. Your wins? Post them. Your goals? Declare them. (see advice how from Cindy Gallop in Lady Bits below). Bragging isn’t bragging when it’s backed by receipts. It’s leadership. It's impact. It’s what moves the needle. Not just for you, but for every woman watching. In fact, my daughter came home last week after telling her friends about an accomplishment and said they accused her of bragging. What did I say?  Good - as we don't do it often enough.  Here’s your homework this week. Pick one win and share it publicly, then tell someone else to do the same. Because when we speak up about what we’ve done, we remind the world and ourselves who the fuck we are.

With Love & Lady Business,
JJ

In today’s edition:
— Emily Heintz on How You Can Build A New Category From Scratch 
— The FEW (very few) instances when making the first offer makes sense
— Nicole Kidman Gives Some Advice to Hollywood

“I am a solo female founder, which the numbers for that are abysmal. Some brands raise money saying they have a female founder on the leadership team, but they're surrounded by men”

Key Takeaways:
 — Why alcohol flexibility—not sobriety—is the future of drinking culture
— The real challenges of breaking into retail as a solo female founder
— What it takes to build trust in a brand-new category
— How Sèchey proves you can disrupt without being disruptive

The FEW (very few) Instances When Making The First Offer Makes Sense

Last week, I said to never make the first offer - and I whole-heartedly stand by it.  But as with any rule, there are a few exceptions. One of my amazing readers, Erin, actually pointed this out to me last week and I thank you for it!  You are right, Erin, there are times you can make the first offer - it's rare, but when you can, see #1 above and brag about it.  Here are the three times you can make the first offer:  

1. You have all the leverage - ie, I tell Taylor Swift I want her to perform at my wedding and I'll do anything for it, she says I don't perform at weddings but I will if you pay me $20MM.  

2. You are fine walking away from the deal - see above - I say I can only pay $10MM - she walks away.  

3. You are confident in your offer and very experienced in negotiating (or have hired someone very experienced to negotiate for you - preferred method always).

These instances are rare but if you follow the original advice, eventually you will get here and it will feel soooooo good.  

Nicole Kidman Gives Some Advice to Hollywood

Nicole Kidman’s call for gender equality at Cannes, backed by her work with 27 female directors in 8 years, was powerful, but Hollywood’s response remains painfully slow. The percentage of women directing top grossing films has barely moved in a decade. When will the industry actually listen? Celebrating women on stage is easy. Hiring them in real numbers is what counts. 

Lady Bits:

Listen: Cindy Gallop urges women to bullshit
https://www.tiktok.com/@takincareofladybusiness/video/7395236945095380266

Applaud: Salt N Pepa sue UMG
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/may/21/salt-n-pepa-sue-universal-over-ownership-of-master-recordings

See: Hypatia Nation is a passionate, growing community of investors who believe in the power, performance and potential of women-led companies. Join Now!
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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

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