Many accomplished women still hesitate to talk openly about finances, often due to fear or uncertainty. I focus on helping women let go of this fear by sharing clear and simple ways to manage their finances and recognize their self-worth, especially in professional settings.
One key issue I see is that women often don’t ask for what they deserve—whether it’s a better salary, a fair opportunity, or the financial tools they need to succeed. There is a misconception that keeping quiet maintains harmony, but in reality, it can lead to feelings of resentment over time. Advocating for ourselves and negotiating what we’re worth benefits not only us but also sets an example for others.
In this episode, I’m speaking with Jennifer Justice, a renowned attorney and executive who has worked with industry icons and has dedicated her career to supporting women in navigating their financial and professional journeys. Together, we discuss the realities women face in the workplace and business, and the importance of standing up for your true worth and building sustainable ownership and wealth.
About Jennifer Justice: Advancing Equality and Advocacy
Forging My Path in Entertainment Law
Jennifer Justice launched her career representing emerging artists such as Jay-Z, Outkast, and Mark Ronson. These early experiences taught her to negotiate top-tier deals and build strong relationships with clients who would go on to become industry icons.
Later, she took on the role of general counsel and Executive Vice President to help launch Roc Nation, where she played a key role in shaping legal strategy for one of the most influential entertainment companies. She then served as President of Corporate Development at Superfly, focusing on increasing both revenue and investments.
Leading the Mission for Fair Pay and Greater Opportunity
Her commitment to equity led her to found the Justice Department, an advisory and legal firm designed to help women and underrepresented leaders create wealth, secure power, and build ownership in their fields. She focuses on educating women about their worth, especially in the workforce or as founders.
Women often face invisible barriers, from being discouraged to negotiate for what they deserve, to not knowing that compensation packages can be improved by using an attorney. She helps women recognize what’s available to them and how to confidently advocate for themselves.
And here’s a few things she learned from that:
- You can negotiate compensation, even as an executive.
- Hiring the right team and advisors is essential for founders.
- Advocating for yourself is not just personal—it uplifts others and challenges the status quo.
Through her board work and speaking, she continues to support and drive initiatives that promote gender equity and access to opportunity in every industry.
Advancing Equity Across Sectors
Jennifer Justice is dedicated to driving real progress for women and underrepresented leaders by actively challenging the outdated systems that persist across industries. She understands that meaningful change must come from every direction—through finance, legal advocacy, and bold leadership.
To her, it’s not enough for women to simply have a seat at the table. They must have true access to opportunity, equitable compensation, and the support necessary to lead. Jennifer champions the importance of self-advocacy, recognizing value, and leveraging the right advisors to negotiate better contracts and build long-term wealth. When one woman secures what she rightfully deserves, it creates a ripple effect that empowers others.
Key strategies she promotes include:
- Educating founders and professionals about their rights
- Encouraging the use of legal support during negotiations
- Building strong, supportive professional networks
- Refusing to accept compensation that doesn’t reflect true value
Reshaping How We View Women in Finance
Jennifer is passionate about reshaping the narratives around women and money—narratives that have historically been limiting, discouraging, and rooted in silence. Through her work, she helps women reclaim power over their financial lives and rewrite their personal and professional money stories.
She believes it all starts with honest, informed conversations. Whether through her firm or public speaking, Jennifer shares both expert insights and lived experiences to show that financial leadership isn’t just possible for women—it’s essential.
She helps reframe the conversation by:
- Challenging outdated stereotypes and clichés
- Empowering women to ask for more—and know they deserve it
- Highlighting real-world success stories of women leading financially
- Encouraging open dialogue around worth, negotiation, and ownership
Rather than stay silent, Jennifer urges women to use their voices—to advocate not only for themselves, but also for future generations of women who deserve better.
Identifying and Asserting Your Real Value
Seeing Your Contribution in the Professional World
Understanding your value starts with recognizing what you bring to the table, no matter your role or industry. In my experience, women are often told not to ask for more or to stay silent for the sake of “keeping the peace,” but that only leads to resentment over time. It’s essential to understand that your work, ideas, and presence are just as significant as anyone else’s.
Remember:
- Your position, whether as a founder, executive, or employee, deserves fair recognition
- Silence does not maintain peace; advocating for yourself strengthens everyone
- Being aware of the hidden opportunities—like negotiating for benefits—is key
Practical Approaches to Asking for What You Deserve
Negotiation is not just about the number on your paycheck. It’s about understanding what you should be getting and having the confidence to ask for it. Many women at high levels don’t realize they can use legal help to negotiate their roles and packages, so they miss out on significant value.
- Get educated about negotiation tools, including using attorneys to review offers.
- Ask for advice and surround yourself with people who can help you advocate for your worth.
- Don’t shy away from requesting the resources and support necessary for your success.
Key tips for more effective negotiation:
- Research market standards for your position and industry.
- Use a professional (like an attorney) when possible.
- Practice stating your value clearly and directly, without apology.
- Be prepared to walk away if your needs aren’t met.
Embracing the Importance of Self-Advocacy and Knowing Your Worth
It’s crucial to speak up—not just for yourself, but for other women who may follow in your footsteps. Waiting or hoping to be noticed doesn’t work; you have to vocalize your needs and pursue them deliberately. I learned this both from my background and from working with women who had to unlearn the habit of staying quiet. When you advocate for yourself, you break the cycle of being underpaid, set an example for peers and future generations, and contribute to shifting workplace expectations. Recognizing your worth and expressing it boldly is a powerful step toward creating lasting change—for yourself and for others.
Checklist for advocating effectively:
- Acknowledge your achievements and communicate them confidently
- Seek mentorship or guidance if you’re unsure how to start
- Recognize that pushing for your own fair treatment lifts the whole community
Key Takeaways
- Women must recognize their true value in all areas of business and life.
- Demanding fair compensation and equity is essential for lasting change.
- Personal and professional growth comes from learning, advocating, and leading by example.
ABOUT LISA CHASTAIN:
Lisa also uses many tools that she used throughout her money journey and invites you to try them as well. As a first step, she recommends reading her book, Girl, Get Your $hit Together in which she helps women tackle their financial story and shares her entire story. After reading the book, she invites listeners to join the Stop Budgeting System– the very method she used to gain financial freedom and clarity.
ABOUT MY UPCOMING BOOK:
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you! My new book, “Stop Budgeting Start Living,” will be released this summer. This project has been a labor of love and represents years of working with women to transform their relationship with money.
In this book, I explore how our financial history shapes our beliefs about money. I’ve found that many women today are still operating under mindsets that were formed generations ago, when our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had little financial power or autonomy.
The book offers practical strategies for:
- Moving from financial dependence to financial power
- Identifying the roots of your money mindset
- Breaking free from restrictive financial patterns
- Creating new pathways for financial success
I believe that understanding where our money beliefs come from is the first step toward changing them. When we recognize that many of our limitations aren’t external “blocks” but rather pathways that haven’t yet been created, we can begin to build new financial futures for ourselves.
This summer release feels particularly meaningful during Women’s History Month, as we reflect on how far women have come financially and how much further we can go. I can’t wait to share this work with you and continue our journey toward financial confidence together.