If asking for a raise, a new project, or even clearer boundaries makes you nervous, you are not alone. Most professionals know their worth but freeze when it is time to speak up. In this episode of Control Your Career, Julia Toothacre shares how to ask for what you want with clarity, confidence, and strategy, without feeling aggressive or entitled.

Through her five-stage Control Your Career framework, Julia breaks down how to prepare for uncomfortable conversations, make direct requests, and navigate communication differences between you and your manager.

You will learn:

• Why asking for what you want feels so hard

• How to identify the culture and power dynamics that may be holding you back

• What to do when your workload changes without recognition or compensation

• Communication styles that help you advocate effectively

• The one question that will help you move from fear to action

Being clear about what you need is not demanding, it is part of managing your career strategically. Stop waiting to be noticed and start asking with confidence.

👉 Subscribe to Control Your Career for more conversations about leadership, growth, and strategic career management.

Explore all episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/

Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/10/29/season12episode8/ 

Get your Control Your Career Worksheet: https://ridethetidecollective.com/cycworksheet/