Meet Keri Lynne Shaw

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keri Lynne Shaw. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Keri Lynne, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Over time, I’ve learned that being the only one in the room who looks like me isn’t a deficit, it’s a distinction. I was usually the only woman in the room amongst a sea of blue suits….this made me stand out! Early in my career, I used to spend too much energy wondering how I was being perceived. Today, I channel that energy inward and focus on doing the inner work, knowing who I am, and standing grounded in what I bring. I focus on showing up consistently, leading with kindness, and letting my work speak for itself. That self-trust became my anchor, it’s what allows me to walk into any room, no matter who’s in it, and still lead from a place of confidence and clarity.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the Founder of The Salary Bump, where I help professionals know their worth and get the compensation packages they deserve. I spent years as a Chief People Officer sitting on the other side of the negotiation table, now, I’m putting that insider knowledge to work for the people.

Over time, my work has expanded into The Career Bump and The Exit Bump, because your career isn’t just about landing a job, it’s about navigating every stage with confidence, clarity, and strategy. I serve as a career co-pilot, helping people take the wheel in their careers, design their roadmaps, and drive toward the life and leadership they actually want.

What excites me most is seeing people unlock their power….. that moment when someone realizes they don’t have to accept what’s offered, they can negotiate it. I get to witness transformations every day, not just in salaries, but in self-worth.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding The Salary Bump brand into a broader media and community platform — with new workshops, live events, and digital programs designed to close the gender and racial pay gap and help more people step into the driver’s seat of their own careers.

At the end of the day, my mission is to help people know their worth, own their voice, and drive their career with confidence.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Self-awareness.
Early in my career, I chased titles, speed, and approval. But the real growth came when I slowed down long enough to understand why I wanted what I wanted and whether it aligned with who I actually was. For anyone early in their journey, spend time understanding your values, strengths, and triggers. The sooner you know who you are, the faster you’ll know where you belong.

2. Communication.
The ability to communicate clearly, to influence, to negotiate, and to lead changes everything. I learned that how you say something often matters more than what you say. If you can learn to communicate with empathy and conviction, you can open doors most people don’t even knock on.

3. Resilience.
There will be setbacks!! I’ve had seasons that tested everything I believed about myself. Each time, I reminded myself that growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about endurance. Build your resilience muscle by showing up again and again, even when it’s uncomfortable, that’s when you grow the most!

My best advice: stop waiting to feel ready. Start, learn, and adjust. The road to success isn’t a straight line. It’s a series of detours that eventually lead you exactly where you’re meant to go.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Right now, my biggest challenge is scaling without losing authenticity. I’ve built my business through deep, personal relationships and hands-on coaching, and as the demand grows, I’m constantly asking myself how to expand while keeping that same level of heart and connection.

To overcome it, I’m building stronger systems, empowering my team, and being intentional about what only I can do versus what can be delegated or automated. It’s a constant balance between growth and grounding.

I remind myself that scaling doesn’t mean diluting, it means evolving. As long as I stay rooted in my purpose of helping people know their worth and take the wheel of their careers, I can grow without losing what makes the work special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thesalarybump.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theklshaw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerilynne.shaw
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-lynne-shaw
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesalarybump

Image Credits

https://www.instagram.com/marco_mehl/