What Are You Worth? Breaking the Silence on Pay Transparency with Hannah Williams

Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! If you’ve ever been told it’s “rude” to talk about money, or worried that asking about salary might tank your chances, this episode is your reminder that transparency is a tool for equity, not conflict.

We’re joined by Hannah Williams, creator of the viral movement Salary Transparency Street. What began as one bold video with a borrowed mic has become a national platform redefining how we talk about work, worth, and wages. Hannah shares her origin story, what she’s learned from thousands of candid conversations, and why values-first leadership is at the heart of her growth.

Highlights include:
• 2:23 – The moment Hannah realized she was underpaid, and how it reshaped her entire career path.
• 5:30 – What it was like walking up to strangers with a camera for the first time, and how she made people say “yes.”
• 12:28 – Going viral, quitting her job three weeks later, and betting on the mission before the money.
• 21:20 – Testifying in front of lawmakers on pay equity and why storytelling is a powerful policy tool.
• 26:10 – Cutting her own salary to grow the team: why Hannah believes in reinvesting over quick wins.
• 39:14 – What a transparent workplace actually looks like and how managers can lead with clarity, not secrecy.
• 57:10 – Cubicle Confession: How to ask about salary mid-interview without sounding “pushy” or transactional.

This episode is full of empowering, real talk on leadership, worth, and disrupting the workplace status quo. If you’ve ever wondered what fair pay really means, or how to advocate for yourself and others, Hannah brings the insights, and receipts!

Hannah’s Links:
Hannah Instagram
Hannah LinkedIn
Website
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