The Raise I Didn't Get
- Yusha Assad
- Jul 6
- 1 min read
I walked into my director's office ready to demand a raise. I had the receipts—my team and I were adding real value. I came in hot.
Latroy surprised me. He didn't deny my impact; he validated it. Then he drew two line graphs—one for my growth, one for the company's—and told me the truth: “You've grown. The company hasn't. So the raise isn't on the table. But here are your options.” He offered flexibility, resources, and support to grow me beyond that place. Then he handed me books.
I left frustrated. I wanted money. But he gave me something bigger: understanding, validation, and space to grow—not just as an employee, but as a man.
That's what empathy in leadership looks like. Not just hearing you. Seeing your growth and building the conditions where it can continue.
This week's full reflection goes all the way in: the 3 types of empathy, why its absence is a form of oppression, and the 9 conditions that grow people.
The full reflection — including 5 deep prompts — is inside the Inner Circle this week.
→ Join for $12/month:
Listen to this quick snippet of this week's personal reflection.
Watch this episode on youtube.
Want to bring this energy to your team, school, or organization? Book me to speak.
Need a coach to align your mindset, habits, and mission?
My guy, ✊🏾. I remember this conversation as you had definitely outgrown the role you started in. I was just thrilled to hold on as long as I could to you, have your presence and watch the Impact you had on those that crossed your Journey. That exponential growth I continue to see today is no surprise. Continue to do great things