Episode 61 - The $1 Million Pay Gap — Why Women Earn Less and How to Take Back Your Power with Roxanne Calder

Have you ever wondered why so many women still earn less - even when they’re doing just as much (if not more)?

The numbers are staggering: on average, there’s a $1 million lifetime earnings gap between women and men. That’s not just a statistic, it’s a wake-up call.

In this episode, I’m joined by Roxanne Calder, Managing Director of EST10 and author of Earning Power: Breaking Barriers and Building Wealth for Women. Roxanne has spent her career helping women take back their power and rewrite the rules around worth, confidence, and money.

We dive into the deep roots of the gender pay gap - why so many women still don’t ask for more, how societal conditioning to “be liked” holds us back, and what it takes to confidently claim your value. If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for a pay rise, raise your prices, or step into your next level - this episode will give you the mindset and motivation to change that.

Key Episode Takeaways:

• There’s a $1 million difference in women’s lifetime earnings compared to men, awareness is the first step toward change.
• Taking back your power starts with asking for more, even when it feels uncomfortable.
• Societal conditioning to be “liked” can hold women back from advocating for themselves.
• Small, brave steps - whether it’s negotiating a salary or trying an ice bath (Roxanne’s form of meditation!) - build the muscle of confidence and courage.

About the Guest:

Roxanne Calder is a recruiter, career advisor, and employment expert. As the Managing Director of EST10, one of Australia's leading recruitment agencies, Roxanne has spent her career navigating the intricate intersections of talent and opportunity, reshaping how individuals and businesses approach success in the workplace. Her latest book Earning Power: Breaking Barriers and Building Wealth for Women gives you the mindset, tools and confidence to take control of your future.

Show Resources:

Connect with Roxanne on LinkedIn - HERE

Follow Roxanne on Instagram - HERE

Check out Roxanne's website, EST10 - HERE

Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE

Check out Emma's book, Worthy & Wealthy - HERE

If you LOVED this episode, share it on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @roxanne.calder because when women earn more, everyone rises.

Yours in Asking for Your Worth, Emma. X.