Equity, Ethics & Big Deals: Jennifer Justice on Building Businesses that Serve People

How do you combine integrity and ambition—and still close massive deals? Jennifer Justice’s career spans Wall Street law firms, the rise of hip-hop, 17 years repping Jay-Z, and building Roc Nation before launching The Justice Dept. to champion women, equity, and ethical dealmaking. In this conversation, JJ breaks down the system, the glass ceilings, and the practical playbook for asking (and getting) what you’re worth—without selling your soul.What We CoverOrigin story → Operator: From small-town Washington to Cornell Law to hip-hop’s deal tables.Roc Nation years: Structuring cross-industry deals (music, film/TV, branding, sports) and why artists needed true business partners—not just agents.Pay equity reality check: How identical roles routinely paid women far less—and how to fight (with counsel).Values as a filter: Why centering equity attracts the right clients and deals.The “ask” muscle: Why most women never actually ask for full value—and how to change that now.Founder advice: Stop doing everything. Know your role on the “team,” hire the rest, and scale.Holding integrity as you rise: Self-correction > self-flagellation; keep your North Star and course-correct fast.Guest: Jennifer Justice (JJ) — CEO & Founder of The Justice Dept. (business strategy, corporate development & investment advisory) focused on helping female founders, execs, talent, and brands grow companies—and wealth. Former entertainment attorney for Jay-Z (17 years) and Beyoncé (1 year); ex-GC & EVP at Roc Nation; named to Billboard’s Women in Power list (3x). Host of Taking Care of Lady Business.Connect with JJ:Website: https://www.thejusticedept.comInstagram (firm): https://www.instagram.com/thejustice.dpt/TikTok (show): https://www.tiktok.com/@takingcareofladybusinessInstagram (JJ): https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjusticel/JJ’s Quick Frameworks & PromptsKnow Your Non-Negotiables: Sit with what you truly want (be honest).Value Reality Check: Separate household wealth from your earned value. What would your lifestyle be on your income alone?Ask → Assess → Act: Ask for what you deserve. If the answer is no, you’re asking the wrong person—move to the next door.One Foot In, One Foot Out: If you must take the job, keep searching for the place that matches your value.Links & ResourcesThe Justice Dept. (advisory & law): https://www.thejusticedept.comTaking Care of Lady Business (podcast): search on your favorite app or via the site aboveJJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjusticel/Firm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejustice.dpt/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingcareofladybusinessLoved this episode?Subscribe and leave a quick review—your support helps us bring more master teachers to COACHED.Listen now:Apple Podcasts →...

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