Her workshops and talks are hosted by corporations including Quartz, Salesforce, Google's X.team, and Dropbox. In global sport, she helped Rio de Janeiro secure the 2016 Summer Olympics. After attending auctioneering school for fun, she translated the techniques she learned into a program that prepares ambitious professionals and especially women, to ask for more and leave nothing on the table, called Ask Like an Auctioneer. She's been featured on CNBC Make It, Forbes and Fast Company. Her book, Ask Like an Auctioneer: How to Ask For More and Get It is available everywhere. A cornerstone of her program is a framework for effective asking which helps individuals make impactful requests. Below find the five key steps.
The first step is identifying a specific, measurable goal. This goal must be clear and actionable, such as leading a product launch within 18 months or securing $10 million in funding. A defined target provides focus and direction.
The second step is determining the “big move” needed to achieve the goal. This action should create meaningful progress, such as securing a literary agent for a book deal or networking with key decision-makers. The big move is pivotal and should drive momentum.
The third step involves brainstorming potential asks to enable the big move. These asks could include requesting introductions to influential leaders, proposing additional resources, or redefining job responsibilities. Creativity and openness are crucial during this phase to explore all possibilities.
The fourth step is making the ask bold enough to enter the “Zone of Freaking Out” (Zofo). This means stretching the ask by increasing its scale, bundling multiple elements, or challenging norms. For example, restructuring a role by removing unwanted responsibilities while adding significant new ones. The aim is to design an impactful ask that creates room for negotiation.
Preparation and framing are key to success. Articulating the value or opportunity within the request makes it compelling. Rejection should be viewed as part of the process, not a reflection of worth. This mindset allows for effective pivots and negotiations, turning bold asks into transformative opportunities.
