“It might be as simple as framing it as, ‘I want to make sure I’m the most productive, that I’m feeling valued, and when I’m feeling valued I’m giving it my all and you’re getting a lot more out of me.’ ”

— Fotini Iconomopoulos

Now may not seem like the best time to ask for what you want at work, whether that's more money, a new title, or more time off. Everyone's under stress and putting in extra hours, right? But this situation isn't ending any time soon. And you may be about to burn out.

So why NOT ask for what you want and need?

In this episode we meet negotiation coach Fotini Iconomopoulos. We talk about her background as a child of Greek immigrants and what that taught her about advocating for herself. And we discuss how women in particular can stop their empathy getting in the way of reaching their goals during difficult times, when so many of us will tell ourselves not to be a nuisance, not to ask.

You can improve your situation, even at a time like this.

You can also read a transcript of the show.

Further listening: You’re Worth It - the Power of Negotiation (part 1)

Will They Still Like Me? The Power of Negotiation (part 2)