In episode six of The Navigator Podcast, Vice President Karin Gilfry speaks with Maria Pendolino, hailed as an expert negotiator in the voice acting industry; and Graeme Spicer. They discuss strategies for standing up for oneself in business dealings, drawing on Maria's career transition from finance to voice acting. Key topics include navigating negotiations, understanding client needs, setting fair rates, managing relationships with agents, and protecting oneself against potential AI misuse. This episode offers practical advice for voice actors on effectively managing their careers and ensuring fair treatment from clients.

00:00 Introduction to Negotiation for Voice Actors

00:50 Meet Maria Pendolino: The Queen of Negotiation

02:35 Maria's Journey: From Corporate America to Voice Acting

06:16 The Art and Commerce of Voice Acting

08:45 Practical Tips for Negotiating Rates

16:54 Handling Client Relationships and Quotes

22:25 Working with Agents and Managers

27:02 Contracts and AI Concerns

36:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

www.voicebymaria.com

Maria Pendolino is an award-winning voice actor who began her performing career scream-singing Broadway musicals like Phantom of The Opera and Les Mis in her basement, while dragging her parents along to community theatre auditions. Today, Maria works across voiceover genres like commercials, promo, animation, games, industrial, imaging, documentary, politicals, telephony, and more. 

As a voiceover industry educator, Maria often presents classes and webinars that focus on topics like thinking like a business, negotiation, marketing, building a solid business foundation, and taking your income to the next level. 

Maria lives in Buffalo, NY with her husband Eric and their tuxedo & calico cats. She proudly serves on NAVA's Advisory Board and is active with the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Buffalo Broadcasters Association. She was also a founding member of the Disabled Voice Actors Directory (DVAD). Her fun fact is that she was on an episode of HGTV's House Hunters. You can see more about Maria on her website, voicebymaria.com.

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