

Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills
Melody Wilding
How do you nail that sweet spot of career success where confidence in yourself meets influence with others? That's what best-selling author, therapist, and executive coach Melody Wilding explores in every episode of Psychology at Work.If you're a driven professional who's great at your job but knows that talent alone isn't enough to get ahead, this show is for you. Subscribe for insightful, practical advice on topics ranging from office politics, communication and executive presence, managing up, emotional intelligence, self-advocacy, and more. Advance your career, strengthen your leadership, and feel calmer, clearer, and more in control while doing it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 25min
75. Caught in Promotion Purgatory? 4 Signs You're Being Strung Along & What NOT to Do When You’re Stuck
Ever feel stuck in promotion limbo? Discover the signs that indicate you might be in promotion purgatory, from vague feedback to a lack of visibility. Learn why communication skills are more vital than working harder and how proving yourself can backfire. Melody highlights the importance of showing you're ready for the next level while avoiding common pitfalls, like bombarding leaders with data. Plus, find out when leaving is a valid option, but only after addressing communication gaps!

Nov 19, 2025 • 41min
74. Proving Yourself to New Leadership: How Jessica Made Her Work Visible & Valuable with New Stakeholders
Jessica shares her journey of adapting to new leadership after 21 years in the same organization. She discusses how to rebuild credibility from scratch and effectively communicate her value in a new environment. Key insights include tailoring communication for different stakeholders and emphasizing the importance of authenticity. Jessica highlights her success in securing resources through impactful examples and offers practical advice on embracing small moments with leaders. Her experience showcases the power of reframing career goals and taking imperfect action.

5 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 24min
73. Office Politics Decoded: 5 Types of Power to Build Influence Without Playing Dirty
Explore the five types of power that shape influence in the workplace. Discover how to leverage role and reward power to gain respect and make impactful decisions. Learn the risks of coercive power and the importance of expert and referent power in building trust. Reflect on diagnostic questions to identify your power bases and prioritize their strategic use. Tune in for practical insights that transform office politics into a navigable terrain, allowing you to enhance your communication skills and leadership presence.

Nov 5, 2025 • 26min
72. "Big Talk" with Your Boss Flopped? What to Do Next
Ever felt let down after a big conversation with your boss? Discover why one chat often feels like everything and the emotional impact that follows. Learn about the three mental phases that build pressure before you speak. Explore the frustrating nature of neutral responses from managers and how they leave you hanging. Shift your mindset from seeking perfection to embracing ongoing dialogue. Finally, uncover practical strategies to advocate effectively while building influence over time.

Oct 29, 2025 • 40min
71. Uncompete: A New Strategy for Career Advancement Without Political Games or Burnout
Join Ruchika T. Malhotra, founder of Candour and an expert in inclusion strategies, as she explores a groundbreaking approach to career success. Ruchika reveals how traditional competition can drain energy and proposes a mindset shift towards collaboration and abundance. She tackles myths surrounding workplace rivalry, offers strategies for reclaiming your personal definition of success, and discusses effective ways to handle colleagues who engage in cutthroat tactics. Discover how prioritizing rest and self-compassion can foster long-term career health.

6 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 27min
70. Performance Review Secrets That Position You for a Promotion
Performance review season is here, but are you ready to elevate your game? Discover why reviews should focus on future positioning rather than solely past performance. Learn how to convert your daily work into impactful business outcomes that impress higher-ups. Melody shares secrets on claiming credit effectively while honoring your team, and how to turn vague feedback into clear action steps. Finally, she emphasizes framing areas for improvement as preparations for promotion, ensuring you're seen as ready for the next big leap!

Oct 15, 2025 • 28min
69. How to STOP Feeling Intimidated Around Senior Executives
Whenever you get around powerful executives, you shrink. Your usual confidence evaporates, your words get jumbled, and you find yourself acting like you're grateful just to be in the room. This episode dives into the hidden reasons behind why accomplished mid-career professionals like you often feel intimidated by those in authority and how to stop undermining yourself. What You’ll Discover:Why some leaders make you feel instantly smaller while others feel like equals (hint: it’s not their title!)How to spot when you're unconsciously handing over your powerThe subtle language patterns that immediately signal you're operating from a disadvantaged positionWhat your strongest reactions to certain leaders reveal about youhttps:// melodywilding.com/training Connect with Melody:FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work WeeklyGet on the Waitlist for Speak Like a Senior Leader™Get on the Waitlist for Lead from WithinGet Melody's new book, Managing Up

Oct 8, 2025 • 40min
68. 7 Unconscious Beliefs That Make or Break Your Leadership Success
Muriel M. Wilkins, founder and CEO of Paravis Partners, is an executive coach and author known for her insights on leadership. In this discussion, she uncovers seven hidden beliefs that can derail leadership success, such as the need for control and the fear of making mistakes. Muriel emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and curiosity as tools to combat limiting beliefs. She also shares practical strategies for fostering adaptable leadership and breaking free from micromanaging tendencies.

Oct 1, 2025 • 24min
67. Layoff Anxiety
In a world of increasing job uncertainty, layoff anxiety looms large. Discover why 58% of companies plan layoffs soon and how to spot real warning signs versus anxiety-fueled fears. Learn the importance of accepting your anxiety and how it can actually reduce stress. Melody provides tactful questions to ask your manager about job security without sounding paranoid. Plus, find out why overworking can backfire and practical steps to build your career insurance, like updating your resume and networking.

Sep 24, 2025 • 42min
66. Unforgettable Presence (Even as an Introvert) with Lorraine K. Lee
Lorraine K. Lee, a keynote speaker and author of Unforgettable Presence, shares her expertise on career branding and visibility. She discusses the importance of identifying your 'invisible ceiling' in career advancement. Lorraine introduces the RAVE model for building influence and the EPIC framework for shaping your career brand. She provides practical tips for improving digital presence, including video techniques to command attention. Lorraine emphasizes the power of relationships and intentional reputation work in achieving professional growth.


