If you’ve ever been told to “just be grateful” while your soul quietly screamed for more… this one’s for you. 

Ellie’s story is the one too many women in corporate live every day—overachieving, underrecognized, and secretly wondering, “Is this really all there is?” 

But it didn’t end there. 

In this spotlight episode of The 5% Club for Leaders, we dive into how Ellie moved from being told she should be happy with a 3% raise… 

To landing her dream job, quadrupling her income, and waking up every day excited again. 

The Trap: High Performer, Low Recognition 

Ellie came to me with a solid resume. 

10+ years of global engineering experience. 

Fluent in multiple languages. 

Highly respected by her peers. 

But at her company? She was being treated like an intern. 

Despite her qualifications and contributions, she was passed over for a leadership role when her boss left. 

They brought in an outsider instead. 

Her reward for years of loyalty and excellence? 

An insulting 3% raise and a side of “You should be grateful.” 

If you’ve ever had to smile through that kind of gaslighting, you know the emotional toll. 

The self-doubt. The resentment. The quiet grief of knowing you’re being overlooked—not because of your ability, but because they’ve already decided you’re not that person. 

That’s when she booked a consult with me. 

The Turning Point: Saying Yes to More 

During our free consult, Ellie and I didn’t just talk about her next job. 

We talked about her next life. 

We mapped out what extraordinary would look like—not just professionally, but personally too. 

She didn’t just want more money. She wanted more peace, more respect, more joy. 

Ellie joined my 1:1 executive coaching program, and we got to work using my PH+ Formula: 

• Results: We rebuilt her brand story, refined her resume, and created a powerful executive narrative. 
• Relationships: We practiced interviews, built out her network, and positioned her as the clear choice—not just a capable candidate. 
• Rituals: We gave her space to rest, reset, and reclaim her energy—so she could show up fully without burning out. 

And of course, we trained her brain with the King Mindset. 

Because you can’t create a new outcome with the same old thought patterns. 

The Win: Quadruple the Pay and a Team That Respects Her 

In just a few months, Ellie landed a dream job that: 

✅ Pays 4x more in base salary 

✅ Requires fewer hours 

✅ Has a team that sees her as an expert 

✅ Brings her joy again 

She didn’t play small. 

She didn’t stay stuck. 

She got help, showed up, and changed her entire trajectory. 

Now she’s the go-to expert in her new company—sought out for her brain, her leadership, and her presence. 

What You Can Learn From Ellie 

You might be reading this and thinking, “Well, that’s great for her, but…” 

Let me stop you there. 

Ellie didn’t feel ready. 

She was scared. 

She wasn’t sure if she’d find something better. 

But she took action anyway. 

Here’s what she would tell you: 

“If you’re stuck, and you think you have to figure it out alone… you don’t. 

Having someone who can see you clearly and walk beside you changes everything.” 

You don’t have to wait until you burn out or break down. 

You don’t need to prove that you’re miserable enough to deserve change. 

You just need to want more. 

As I always say: 

We’re grateful—and we want more. 

You’re allowed to have both. 

Ready for Your Own Breakthrough? 

If you’re nodding along wondering, 

“Could I be the next Ellie?” 

This is your sign. 

📅 Want results like hers? Schedule your consult now—this is your last chance. 

Whether you’re ready for a career pivot, that next-level promotion, or space to finally breathe again— 

I’ve got you. 

But spots are almost gone. 

👉 Book your consult at shaylaking.com before they’re gone. 

You didn’t come this far just to come this far. 

Let’s get you where you’re meant to be. 

About Shayla 

Shayla King is an executive coach based in Austin, TX who helps powerhouse professionals increase performance + happiness—without burnout. 

A former global M&A executive and Chief People Officer, she now coaches top leaders through her signature PH+ Blueprint, combining results-driven strategy with the King Mindset to create lasting change. 

Her clients include executives from Koch Industries, EY, NetApp, McKesson, and high-growth startups across industries like tech, aerospace, manufacturing, and consulting. Whether it’s 1:1 coaching or her Performance + Happiness Lab, Shayla helps ambitious women and bold leaders design careers—and lives—they love. 

Because success without joy isn’t success at all. 

Join the 5% Club waitlist at shaylaking.com.