THE CONSCIOUS
Woman Podcast
#18: Negotiation Strategies for Women with Dr. Ruchi Sinha
Listen on…
What if the key to closing the gender pay gap lies in mastering negotiation skills? Join us as we welcome Dr. Ruchi Sinha, an esteemed organizational psychologist, to demystify negotiation for women. Dr. Sinha redefines negotiation as any discussion aimed at mutual goals, making the concept both accessible and essential. In this episode, we explore how strong negotiation skills can help avoid buyer’s remorse, secure better career opportunities, and build confidence across all areas of life.
Facing gender bias in negotiation is a reality for many women, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to success. Dr. Sinha sheds light on the social penalties women often encounter for displaying assertiveness and ambition—penalties like likability deficits that can stall career progression. This conversation goes beyond the outdated advice of simply “leaning in” and highlights the systemic barriers that contribute to the gender pay gap. So listen in for practical insights and transformative strategies!
In this episode, we discuss:
- (00:00) Introduction to negotiation and its importance for women
- (02:03) Redefining negotiation as a conversation, not a battle
- (04:52) Why women need to negotiate and the benefits it brings
- (07:25) Women’s strengths in negotiations: empathy and perspective-taking
- (10:01) The challenges women face: agentic traits vs. communal expectations
- (12:27) Overcoming social penalties and navigating the double bind
- (18:06) Structural barriers in negotiations and how to navigate them
- (42:18) Advice for entrepreneurs: understanding value, trust, and knowing when to walk away
About Our Guest
Dr. Ruchi Sinha is an organizational psychologist and Associate Professor (Practice) in the Leadership, Management, and Organization (LMO) Department at Nanyang Business School. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from Michigan State University (USA), she brings a unique blend of rigorous scientific methodology and practical insight to both academia and the professional realm.
Her expertise spans critical areas in organizational behavior and leadership, including team dynamics, well-being, workplace conflict resolution, and negotiation skills. Dr. Sinha has developed specialized proficiency in teaching negotiation and trust-building strategies, particularly in remote and cross-cultural contexts. As a thought leader, her TED talk on negotiation skills has garnered over 3.8 million views, and she frequently contributes to discussions through media appearances, conference presentations, and publications in outlets such as the Harvard Business Review. Recognized for her work in diversity and inclusion, career development, and workplace well-being, Dr. Sinha continues to bridge theory and practice, influencing both scholarly discourse and executive decision-making.
Connect with Dr. Ruchi Sinha: LinkedIn: /ruchi-sinha-6496489
Connect with the Host:
Bhavna Toor, Founder & CEO of Shenomics LinkedIn
Learn more about Shenomics’ leadership programs visit website
🎧 Listen now and discover how to navigate ambition with clarity and confidence!
The Conscious Woman Podcast
Expert interviews and intimate conversations with me, your host, Bhavna Toor, all tied together by our mutual passion for living and leading with awareness, purpose, and FUN!
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The Conscious Woman Podcast
Expert interviews, and initimate conversation with me, your host, Bhavna Toor, all tied together by our mutual passion for living and leading with awareness, purpose and FUN!
