10.Owning My Story

Most of us feel the weight of endless expectations — to lead with authenticity, inspire resilient hope, and serve as role models. But what happens when that fatigue turns into exhaustion? In this candid episode, Apa and Gitanjali reveal what it truly means to navigate leadership, societal progress, and the relentless pressure of being ‘role models’ — especially as women in a world that still asks for more.Join Apa and Gitanjali as they unpack the emotional toll behind societal change, the importance of authentic leadership, and how small acts of stewardship can create lasting impact.

Apa and I talk about something I think many of us experience but rarely discuss openly. How do you stay values-led while becoming more influential? How do you understand visibility, networks, sponsorship, and power dynamics without feeling like you are becoming someone you do not want to become?Politics already exist around us. The question is not whether we participate — the question is whether we participate consciously.

Explore the hidden financial impacts of motherhood and career choices. This episode reveals how early decisions and societal norms shape long-term economic power. Discover strategies to navigate the "child penalty," balance career and family, and engage in meaningful financial planning. Perfect for parents, partners, and anyone interested in understanding the intersection of motherhood and money.

Unlock the secret to mastering high-stakes negotiations by tuning into your body's signals. This episode reveals powerful, science-backed biohacks to regulate stress, cultivate quiet confidence, and show up authentically when it matters most. Discover how your fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses shape your performance—whether you're negotiating a raise, managing a tough conversation, or facing a critical career moment. We break down practical tools like body language shifts, breathing techniques, and sensory cues that can instantly reset your mindset. Learn how simple rituals, posture adjustments, and even your sense of smell can build resilience, allowing you to access your best thinking under pressure. This episode is essential listening for professionals, leaders, and anyone looking to elevate their negotiation game through emotional intelligence and body awareness. Tune in now to transform stress into strength and unlock a calmer, more centered you.

Unlock the secret to negotiating with confidence by owning your story and embracing your inherent power. This episode guides you through transformative inner work—recognizing your scripts, honoring your identity, and cultivating quiet confidence—to turn feelings of being unseen into potent sources of strength. Discover how to harness cultural identities and societal expectations as tools of power, and learn to negotiate with calm confidence, even amid biases. Perfect for women, women of color, and anyone ready to reclaim their voice and trust their worth.

In this episode of "NegotiateHer," we delve into the complexities of dealing with high conflict individuals. Discover effective strategies to maintain control and stay calm in challenging negotiations. Learn how to identify these personalities, understand their tactics, and navigate through the drama with confidence. Whether you're facing these challenges in the workplace or in personal interactions, this episode offers valuable insights to help you manage and succeed.

In this episode of the Negotiate Her podcast, Gitanjali Ponnapa explores the transformative power of confidence in negotiations. Discover how confidence, often perceived as an innate trait, can be cultivated through practice and mindset shifts. Learn practical strategies to build and sustain confidence, especially for women and people of color, and unlock your full potential as a negotiator and individual.

Why do we put things off—even when we know it hurts us? In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden layers of procrastination and its surprising impact on both personal productivity and negotiation success. From perfectionism and decision paralysis to the endless scroll of social media, we unpack the irrational ways procrastination shows up in daily life.Our hosts explore practical strategies to break free, including chunking tasks, leveraging accountability partners, and tried-and-tested tools like the Pomodoro method. Along the way, we uncover the psychology behind procrastination—fear of failure, self-sabotage, and the critical role of self-awareness in changing behavior.Whether you’re trying to sharpen your negotiation edge or simply get more done without the stress, this conversation offers insights and tools you can put into action today.

In this episode of the NegotiateHer podcast, Gitanjali and Apa explore how the Big Five personality traits—neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness—affect negotiation styles and outcomes. They discuss the importance of understanding both your own personality and that of your negotiating counterpart to navigate discussions more effectively. With insights on emotional regulation, preparation, and balancing personality traits, this episode offers practical advice for improving your negotiation strategies and achieving better results.negotiateher.com

In this episode of the NegotiateHer podcast, Gitanjali and Apa discuss the crucial role personal values play in negotiations. Drawing from their own experiences and insights, they explore how understanding your core values can lead to better decision-making, increased job satisfaction, and more authentic negotiation processes. With practical advice on aligning your negotiation strategies with your values, they guide listeners in creating more meaningful and successful career paths.negotiateher.com