The tactical playbook for getting 20-40% more comp (without sounding greedy) | Jacob Warwick
In a Nutshell
Jacob Warwick, a pro negotiator who's secured $1B+ in extra comp for execs and celebs, teaches that simple pushback like "What's the chance there's a little more?" yields 20% gains, while full strategies average 40% by selling your unique value over benchmarks—avoid email/video call instead for tone control and homefield advantage (e.g., walks/lunch). Key tactics: Treat interviews as discovery to uncover pains and "sell the vacation" (visualize success), never anchor early or split differences, use tactical empathy ("If you were in my shoes?") for collaboration, and slow down for info power amid companies' massive leverage. Always negotiate confidently—you're not greedy when creating 5:1+ value; free scripts/course at execsandthecity.com.
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Most common mistake: hiding behind the easiest communication channel like email for demands. Problem: cannot control tone. If CEO reads it while pissed off in airport security, they think "That bastard wants more money."
A lot of people listening to this are just afraid to ask for more. I'm going to come across as greedy. It's all going to fall apart.
But when you look at the money that the company's making in comparison, like you're not being greedy. doesn't have to be such an aggressive thing. It doesn't have to be confrontational. The simplest advice is what's the chance there could be a little more. That's not greedy at all.
Core philosophy: make it very clear to the company, here's the pain I will solve for you and here's why it's worth paying me this much more.
Companies have significant leverage: they know what people make, what others make, what they'll accept. You must understand the value you can create to negotiate with confidence.
Jacob Warwick is a professional negotiator working behind the scenes with senior tech execs, professional athletes, Hollywood celebrities. Helps navigate complex career negotiations: comp, bonuses, investments, M&A, takeovers, enterprise sales. Helped clients secure over $1 billion in additional comp. Negotiated against several podcast guests.
Under the radar, not on social media, rarely does interviews. Discussion covers: why never negotiate over email, who should speak first on comp, common costly mistakes, and more.
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