Learn Tips From Our Weekly Newsletter

We share valuable coaching tips for clients and coaches. Break free from monotony, and drive you career and business forward!

executive compensation

Salary Squeeze Anxiety: Mastering Executive Compensation Negotiation in an Inflationary Economy

October 08, 20252 min read

In 2025, executives are experiencing "Salary Squeeze Anxiety." While actual salary increases are relatively high by historic standards, inflation continues to drive up the cost of living, leaving many to wonder if their pay is truly keeping pace. The anxiety is real: a significant portion of workers feel their pay isn't keeping up with the times, and 35% feel they are paid below the value of their skills.

For the executive, the negotiation is far more complex than a simple salary bump. It involves navigating bonuses, equity in the company, nonqualified deferred compensation, and CEO-only perks.

CoreTactic: Negotiation Coaching for Maximum Value

CoreTactic specializes in high-stakes negotiation, ensuring you receive a compensation package that reflects your true value and safeguards your financial future against economic uncertainty.

  1. The Compensation Package Blueprint: We move beyond the base salary, helping you structure a comprehensive package that includes a long-term bonus structure tied to performance metrics and strategic use of nonqualified deferred compensation.

  2. Using Performance Metrics as Leverage: Effective negotiation requires setting balanced milestones that are neither automatic nor impossible. Our career coaching helps you define your value proposition not just in terms of past performance, but in clear, quantifiable terms of future strategic impact. We helped an IT Manager secure a $20K raise by mastering these techniques.

  3. Mastering the Interview: The Goals Question: The interview is your first major opportunity to set the stage for compensation. If you are asked, "What are your goals interview question answers," do not dive into a five-minute life story. Instead, simply ask back, "Is there anything specific that you would like to know?". This simple turn-around gives them what they want and demonstrates confident control, allowing you to focus your answer on the strategic, high-value work that justifies a top-tier package.

  4. Job Counseling for Transparency: We emphasize that a successful executive negotiation requires a legitimate, good-faith back-and-forth. Our job counseling helps you understand the corporate governance standards and disclosure requirements, ensuring the final package is transparent and approved without issue.

In an inflationary market, your paycheck is constantly being eroded. You cannot afford to leave money on the table. CoreTactic provides the expertise to secure a truly competitive executive compensation package.

Don't let Salary Squeeze Anxiety hold you back. Master your next negotiation. Contact a CoreTactic career coach today: https://call.coretactic.net.

Nick T. Rustad, MBA, CSM, CSPO is a seasoned executive, best-selling author, and professional coach with over 25 years of experience in corporate America. As the co-owner and chief coach of CoreTactic, a career and startup coaching company, Nick leverages his extensive background in leadership and consulting to guide clients through career transitions and how to start a new company.

Nicholas T. Rustad, CoreTactic Executive Career and Business Coach

Nick T. Rustad, MBA, CSM, CSPO is a seasoned executive, best-selling author, and professional coach with over 25 years of experience in corporate America. As the co-owner and chief coach of CoreTactic, a career and startup coaching company, Nick leverages his extensive background in leadership and consulting to guide clients through career transitions and how to start a new company.

LinkedIn logo icon
Youtube logo icon
Back to Blog

Career and Business Coaching Frequently Asked Questions

What services does CoreTactic provide it's clients?

CoreTactic offers advanced professional coaching in career development, business growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to help individuals and companies achieve clarity, strategy, and measurable results. With 25+ years of consulting and 2,500+ clients served, we specialize in actionable plans that create real success.

Why is coaching important for professionals and businesses?

Coaching provides structure, accountability, and outside perspective. Whether you’re looking to transition into a new career, expand your business, or strengthen your leadership skills, the right coaching program accelerates progress and helps you avoid costly mistakes. CoreTactic combines proven methods with personalized guidance.

How does CoreTactic’s approach stand out?

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Each client receives a customized plan built around their strengths, goals, and challenges. Our coaching blends strategic business insights with practical career development, helping professionals and companies scale with confidence.

How can I get started?

Getting started is simple. Schedule a free discovery call at call.coretactic.net. We’ll discuss your goals, outline a plan, and help you decide the best next step. Most clients see clarity and results within the first few sessions.

How can CoreTactic help me build a resume that passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?

We guide you to create resumes that are both human-friendly and ATS-compliant. That means optimizing with relevant keywords, using clean formatting, structuring sections for easy parsing, and tailoring each resume version for the job you’re applying to. Clients often see better recruiter response rates within weeks.

What is life coaching, and how is it different from career or business coaching?

Life coaching focuses on your overall well-being, values, and fulfillment—not just work or income. Career coaching zeroes in on your job path and professional identity, while business coaching concentrates on growth and strategy. Life coaching integrates mindset, relationships, and purpose with your career and business path for lasting success.

If I already have a business idea, how does CoreTactic help me validate it before launching?

We reduce risk by guiding you through market research, hypothesis testing, minimum viable product (MVP) design, financial modeling, and customer feedback loops. This process prevents wasted effort and ensures your business launches with data-driven confidence.

What kinds of results can I expect from career coaching with CoreTactic, and in what timeframe?

Results often include clearer direction, improved resumes and LinkedIn profiles, more interviews, stronger offers, and faster transitions. Many clients see tangible progress in 4–8 weeks, with momentum building significantly over 3–6 months.

How does business coaching with CoreTactic differ for a startup vs. an established company?

For startups, we focus on idea validation, lean marketing, and MVP development. For established companies, we emphasize scaling, leadership, team building, and process optimization. Every coaching plan is tailored to your stage and challenges.

What if I’m uncertain about what career or business I want to pursue? Can you help me find clarity?

Yes. We use assessments, reflection exercises, and structured exploration to uncover strengths, patterns, and passions. From there, we identify practical, viable directions that align with your goals and lifestyle. You don’t need to have the answers when you start—just openness to explore.

How much time should I expect to invest per week while working with a coach?

Typically 1 coaching session per week (60–90 minutes) and 2–4 hours of focused work or reflection. This structure ensures steady progress without overwhelming your schedule, and we adapt to your availability and goals.

How do you measure the success of a coaching engagement?

We establish key performance indicators (KPIs) such as job interviews, salary improvements, revenue growth, or milestone achievements. We also track qualitative shifts like confidence and clarity. Progress is reviewed regularly and plans adjusted to ensure measurable impact.

Can I combine business coaching and career coaching services?

Yes. Many clients pursue both career and business goals simultaneously. For example, an executive might launch a side business while advancing in their corporate role. We adapt coaching focus as your priorities evolve.

What type of clients do you typically work with, and who is best suited for CoreTactic coaching?

We partner with mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, and individuals seeking holistic success. If you’re ready to invest time, take consistent action, and want measurable results, you’ll find CoreTactic a strong fit. Transformation requires commitment, and we walk with you every step.