#54. Quinntessential Questions with Souhila Keffi: Know Your Worth: Compensation Secrets
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In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Souhila Keffi, compensation expert, career coach, and founder of her own advisory practice empowering professionals worldwide. From pushing for HR specialization when her business school offered none, to mastering compensation strategy across Europe and Asia at companies like Amazon, Souhila shares her transformation from corporate executive to entrepreneur on a mission. She discusses the shocking gender gap in salary negotiation (57% of men vs only 7% of women), why compensation is deeply tied to identity and self-worth, the hidden costs of employee turnover that companies drastically underestimate, and the psychology behind successful pay conversations. Souhila also reveals why complexity in compensation systems destroys trust, how to remove fear from negotiations, and the one mindset shift that transforms how people advocate for themselves. Whether you're preparing for a salary negotiation, leading HR strategy, or seeking inspiration to build a purpose-driven business, this conversation offers 18 years of hard-won wisdom on career strategy, pay transparency, and personal empowerment. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a compensation expert & career coach".
Guest Bio
Souhila Keffi is a Compensation Strategist, Trainer, and Coach with 18+ years of global HR and rewards experience spanning Finance, Consulting, and Big Tech. Her work combines coaching and consulting to help senior professionals navigate the often intimidating world of compensation with clarity and confidence.
Minutes
(01:45) French & Algerian Roots
(02:29) Entering HR
(04:11) Specialising in Compensation & Benefits
(07:05) Working as a Consultant
(09:05) Entrepreneurial Journey
(12:35) Underpaid Employees
(14:35) Moving From Paris to Hong Kong
(17:55) Working at Amazon
(19:03) Leadership Principles at Amazon
(20:50) Setting Up Her Own Firm
(24:25) Family Support
(28:05) Depth over Volume
(30:15) Referrals
(33:15) Advisory Process
(37:25) Pay Transparency in Sales Teams
(40:33) Art & Science
(42:13) Negotiation
(44:18) Psychology of Female Negotiation
(49:45) Advice for Professionals
(55:15) Building a Compensation Strategy
(01:00:58) Leaning on Your Strengths
(01:04:00) Understanding Your 'Why'
(01:05:19) Rapid Fire QuestionsBehind-The-Scenes
