Ellen Pompeo, the leading star of ABC's long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy, has spoken candidly about her journey to becoming the highest-paid woman on television, revealing how a prior conversation with the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, empowered her to negotiate a groundbreaking salary. In a recent appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast hosted by Alex Cooper, Pompeo recounted a pivotal moment in her career that changed everything.
Before finalizing her contract, Pompeo reached out to Rhimes—not because Rhimes had any sway over her salary, but because she sought her blessing. "I said to her: 'I'm going to go in and ask for this much. Are you cool with that?'" Pompeo recalled, adding, "[Rhimes] was like, 'Yeah, no one's going to give it to you. You have to ask for it.'" Armed with this encouragement, Pompeo secured a stunning $20 million-a-year contract in 2017, a monumental achievement that marked a significant moment for women in Hollywood.
Reflecting on these discussions, Pompeo emphasized the importance of women not shying away from negotiations. "Women should always push the envelope," she stated, reinforcing that asking for what one believes is fair compensation is critical. For her, the monetary figures behind the contract represented more than just a paycheck; they symbolized respect and power. "I became aware at a really early age that people with money had power," she explained. "I didn't have any power as a young woman. And I didn't like the way that felt."
This pursuit for financial independence does not solely rest on personal gain for Pompeo. She expressed that financial freedom has brought her a sense of happiness and autonomy. "To be financially independent, to me, is what makes me the happiest and makes me feel the most free," she affirmed. For her, financial independence means not being beholden to anyone—not having to stay in an undesired situation, be it personal or professional. "As a woman I'm sure you know how freeing it feels to have financial independence," she said, highlighting the life-altering benefits it brings.
Pompeo's narrative is a call to action for women everywhere to harness their potential and use their voices to advocate not only for themselves but also for others. She articulated her desire to leverage her platform to assist those less fortunate, asking, "How can I take that power and do good with it? How can I amplify someone else? How can I help someone else?" This commitment underpins her career and aspirations.
Both Pompeo’s salary negotiations and her ethos for financial empowerment come at a crucial time when discussions around salaries and gender equity in the workplace are more relevant than ever. Her story serves as a motivator for many aspiring and established female professionals who seek not only to assert their worth but also to uplift those around them. Moreover, the narrative highlights the importance of mentorship and support in the often-challenging landscape of career advancement.
Additionally, in the spirit of entrepreneurial growth and establishing financial independence, CNBC has launched an online course titled How to Start a Side Hustle. This course is available for $97, with a 30% discount for those who sign up before April 1, 2025. This course aims to provide essential tools and strategies for individuals looking to enhance their financial literacy and embark on new ventures, emulating the proactive attitude that Pompeo embodies.
In conclusion, Ellen Pompeo's journey reflects a broader narrative of empowerment for women in the workplace. By sharing her experiences and advocating for financial independence, she not only paves the way for her own career success but also empowers countless other women to strive for the same personal and professional strength. With figures like Pompeo leading the charge, it is clear that the conversation around women's rights, salary negotiations, and independence continues to grow, inspiring future generations to demand their worth.
