Negotiating Your Worth: The Executive Playbook for Compensation

Episode notes

In this episode of Mission One: The Executive Edge, Gerard Miles and Dan Hampton unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of executive hiring: compensation negotiation. Despite its importance, many senior leaders approach compensation conversations without a clear strategy. Some avoid discussing money until the final stages, while others anchor too early and limit their potential upside. Gerard and Dan explain why both approaches can create friction and how thoughtful preparation changes the entire dynamic of the negotiation. The conversation begins with market research. Before entering any negotiation, candidates need to understand their market value through compensation reports, recruiter insight, and conversations with trusted industry contacts. This is particularly important when moving into new sectors, such as AI or high-growth startups, where compensation structures and equity dynamics can differ dramatically from traditional corporate roles. Gerard and Dan also discuss the delicate balance between transparency and leverage.