Your virtual career counseling session starts now. Here at The New C-Suite Gives Good Advice column, we ask female execs who have climbed the corporate ladder to share their go-to salary negotiation tacts, bad boss survival tips, burnout cures, and more. It's like Matthew McConaughey and Leonardo DiCaprio's mentorship lunch in The Wolf of Wall Street...but with way less chanting and more legally sound paths to success.
Today we're chatting with Isoken Igbinedion, co-founder and CEO of Parfait, a platform that uses AI technology to design custom wigs. Isoken is a 2022 New C-Suite honoree, which is a program we host with digitalundivided to celebrate the women of color who are making things move across a handful of industries. Being a beauty innovator and all, Isoken's road to the C-suite has involved a whole lot of self-advocacy and initiative. Go ahead and scroll on to learn how to embrace a few of Isoken's winning methods.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I kick off the day with a quick walk, because there’s something about fresh air in the morning that just clears the head, you know? Then, I’ll grab some breakfast. It’s my little "brain food" session to gear up for the day ahead.
What has been your scariest career hurdle, and what did you learn once you made it to the other side?
Taking risks is part of my DNA. I spent an extra year in undergrad exploring different industries through internships, and did a stint in D.C. to see if the government lifestyle was for me. Being a Black woman in the mix, I’ve learned that diving into the deep end is how you learn to swim in the career pool. Starting my own gig was a huge leap, but honestly, not taking that chance felt even riskier.
Let’s talk $$$. What tips do you have for negotiating a base salary or a raise?
For salary talks, it’s all about doing your homework. Arm yourself with data by researching competitive rates and understand the salary landscape for your role in the industry. A down market doesn’t mean you should sell yourself short; it means being even more prepared to articulate the value of your expertise.
What about self-doubt... When you’re not feeling sure of yourself, how do you snap out of it?
Oh, imposter syndrome—that old chestnut. When it hits, I lean on my team. They’re like my human pep talks. And a little self-reminder of the wins I’ve racked up always helps snap me back to reality.
Who is your career idol, and why?
I draw inspiration from powerhouses like Rosalind Brewer and Emma Grede, but I’m writing my own story. They’ve set the stage, and now it’s on me to do my thing and make my own mark.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Put yourself in rooms where you’re not the smartest person there. It’s about soaking up what you can from the pros around you. Makes you sharper, and way more fun at parties too!
What about the worst?
Some say "just wait, it’ll get better." Nope, not for me. I’m all for grabbing the bull by the horns and making things better myself. Waiting around isn’t my style.
We want to talk splurges! What’s your philosophy on “treat yourself” purchases? As you’ve made your way up the corporate ladder, what’s one way you’ve rewarded yourself?
Splurging, for me, is all about celebrating those wins, both big and small. It’s like giving myself a high-five for the hard work. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword, it’s about making sure I’m on my A-game. Whether it’s a spa day to unwind or grabbing that designer bag that’s been on my wishlist, it’s all about balance. My friends are great at giving me that little push when I forget to step back and take care of myself. They remind me that to be the best leader for my team, I have to start by being my best self.
Annabel Iwegbue is an assistant editor at Cosmopolitan where she primarily covers lifestyle and fashion. Before joining Cosmo, she covered entertainment at Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. She's originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Cinema Studies from New York University. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
