We Help People Talk About Money Without the Awkwardness
Started in 2019 by someone who got tired of watching friends accept the first offer. Budget negotiation isn't about being difficult—it's about having honest conversations backed by real numbers.
How This Started
Rhiannon Gaffney was sitting in a cafe when her friend mentioned accepting a project budget that seemed low. The work would take three months. The client had money. But the negotiation never happened because her friend didn't know where to start.
That conversation kept replaying. How many people leave money on the table simply because budget discussions feel uncomfortable? Not because they lack skills or confidence—just because no one taught them how to have these specific conversations.
By 2020, elenthyros existed as a small program teaching practical budget negotiation. Not theory. Not aggressive tactics. Just the real mechanics of how to discuss numbers, present alternatives, and reach agreements that work for everyone involved.
We've worked with over 340 professionals across Australia since then. The feedback we hear most often? "I wish I'd learned this years ago."
What We Actually Believe
Numbers Tell Stories
Every budget reflects priorities and constraints. When you understand what the numbers say about a situation, you can have better conversations about adjusting them.
Preparation Beats Charisma
You don't need to be naturally persuasive. You need data, alternatives, and clear reasoning. The rest follows from having done the groundwork.
Both Sides Can Win
Good negotiation isn't about extracting maximum value. It's about finding terms where both parties feel the arrangement makes sense. That's how you build lasting relationships.
Who Teaches This
Rhiannon Gaffney
Founder & Lead Instructor
Spent twelve years negotiating corporate contracts before realizing most people never get this training. Now teaches the same frameworks to freelancers, small business owners, and anyone else who needs to discuss budgets but wasn't handed a manual.
Isak Thorvaldsen
Financial Strategy Instructor
Former financial analyst who got frustrated explaining spreadsheets to executives. Joined elenthyros in 2021 to teach people how to build budget proposals that actually get approved. Makes numbers accessible, which turns out to be a useful skill.
Our Teaching Method
We don't lecture about negotiation theory. Our programs walk through real scenarios with actual numbers. You prepare proposals, practice conversations, get feedback, then adjust your approach based on what worked and what didn't.
Most participants join us for the practical skills. They stay because they realize budget negotiation is less about confrontation and more about preparation. When you show up with clear numbers and reasonable alternatives, most conversations go better than expected.
Our next program starts in September 2025. If you're tired of accepting the first number someone gives you, maybe it's time to learn how to have a different conversation.
See Program Details