Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills

Melody Wilding
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Nov 12, 2025 • 26min

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.
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Nov 5, 2025 • 27min

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.
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Oct 29, 2025 • 42min

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.
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6 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 28min

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!
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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/trainingConnect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up
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Oct 8, 2025 • 42min

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.
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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.
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Sep 24, 2025 • 43min

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.
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Sep 16, 2025 • 44min

65. Servant Leader or Total Pushover? How Sara Protected Her Bandwidth & Built Leadership Backbone Without Abandoning Her Values or her Team

Explore the journey of a team leader who transformed from a passive observer to an assertive contributor in meetings. Discover the fine line between servant leadership and self-sacrifice, and how boundaries can empower both leaders and their teams. Learn how personal experiences, including a military upbringing, shaped her approach and led to better time management and decision-making. Emphasizing vulnerability and collaboration, the discussion highlights the power of community and self-kindness in overcoming insecurity in the workplace.
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Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 48min

64. High Performance Under High Pressure [FREE TRAINING REPLAY]

In this training replay, listeners uncover six mental shifts elite leaders use to thrive under pressure. Insights from high performers at Google, Amazon, and Microsoft reveal effective strategies for overcoming self-doubt and workplace dynamics. The discussion highlights how to redefine high performance, emphasizing emotional awareness and resilience. Personal narratives inspire a mindset shift to enhance confidence, while the importance of community support in coaching programs is underscored. Strategies for balancing sensitivity with ambition take center stage, offering a path to transformative growth.

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