

Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills
Melody Wilding
Have you ever felt like you're the only one struggling with self-doubt at work? Maybe you’ve wondered why office politics seem so complicated or how some people seem to influence so effortlessly? The secret is that every day at work, we're surrounded by psychological dynamics - internal and external. There's the voice in our head second-guessing our decisions, the subtle power plays in meetings, the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior and others. Yet most of us are dropped into our careers with zero insight into these invisible forces.That changes today. Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.While your coding skills might land you a job, it's your ability to manage stress and stay focused under pressure that will help you meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality work.Your financial acumen might get you noticed, but it's your ability to navigate stakeholder relationships and office politics that will help you secure buy-in for your ideas.Your strategic thinking might earn you a promotion, but it's your self-awareness and ability to regulate your emotions that will make you an effective leader people want to follow.The title of this show is a playful nod to our double focus. First, we explore how psychology operates in professional settings. But second, in each episode you’re going to walk away with practical insights that you can put to work right away. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the workplace when you're sensitive, empathetic, and prone to overthinking. That's why I created this podcast that brings you the tools and insights I wish I'd had earlier in my career.Get ready, because you’re going to learn how to master the ‘silent rules’ of human behavior so you can achieve career success without sacrificing inner peace.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Sep 16, 2025 • 43min
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.

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.

Sep 9, 2025 • 37min
63. Stop Waiting to Be Noticed at Work: How Karolina Advocated for a Promotion, Gained Executive-Level Visibility, & Generated Job Opportunities
Karolina, a self-described 'data ninja,' shares her inspiring journey from self-doubt to executive visibility. She discusses overcoming fear of rejection to confidently advocate for her promotion. Discover her strategies for emotional management and how she transformed her approach to networking. With a simple framework for combating negative thoughts, she reveals the power of self-advocacy in gaining respect and job opportunities. This conversation is packed with tips for anyone looking to break free from career stagnation!

8 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 26min
62. Top 3 Workplace Boundary Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Discover how to stop feeling like a pushover at work by addressing subtle ways you might send mixed signals about your boundaries. Learn why teammates might overwhelm you with last-minute requests and how to reset those relationships without being confrontational. Find out the framing that could make you appear unprofessional and a quick trick to avoid sounding defensive. Plus, get tips on tackling disrespectful treatment while maintaining your integrity.

8 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 35min
61. How to Trust Your Instincts When Your Brain Won't Stop Overthinking
High-achieving professionals often battle self-doubt and anxiety, as illustrated by Elise's inspiring journey from burnout to empowerment. The conversation dives into the challenges of overthinking and the power of taking 'imperfect action' to regain confidence. Listeners learn actionable strategies for improving decision-making and communication in high-stress situations. Topics like embracing sensitivity as a strength and overcoming imposter syndrome highlight the importance of resilience and supportive communities in fostering personal growth.

Aug 20, 2025 • 33min
60. Worried You’re Always “In Trouble” at Work (Even When Nothing’s Wrong)? Here’s Why
Many accomplished professionals feel childlike anxiety about authority at work, even when they have proven themselves. A simple message from a boss can evoke intense fear, reminiscent of childhood disappointments. The podcast reveals how these feelings often persist, especially as one rises in their career. Listeners learn techniques to transform panic into clarity and regain their confidence. Discover the hidden links between childhood behaviors and adult leadership challenges, as well as effective strategies to overcome internal barriers.

Aug 13, 2025 • 44min
59. Personal Brand, Powerful Presence: The Psychology of Style with Cassandra Sethi
If you’ve ever felt like your personal style doesn’t match the professional you are – or want to – become, then this episode is for you. Joining me is Cassandra Sethi, founder of Next Level Wardrobe and the creator of the NLW Style System, which helps executives and entrepreneurs create stress-free, high-impact wardrobes that give you confidence and presence in any room. What You’ll Discover: The embarrassing moment that made Melody fully revamp her personal brand The exact steps to build a personal brand that feels authentic and leadership-readyCommon mistakes you might be making when you try to look “executive”How decision fatigue shows up in your closet—and how to eliminate itAbout CassandraCassandra Sethi is the Founder of Next Level Wardrobe, a top-rated virtual and in-person personal styling service for professionals. With over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, her and her team help executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders build streamlined, polished wardrobes without stress. Her signature NLW Style System teaches clients how to shop smarter, dress for their goals, and feel confident in any setting. Known for her practical, strategic approach, she believes great style should be simple, sustainable, and aligned with who you are. Cassandra’s mission is to take the guesswork out of getting dressed—so clients can focus on making a greater impact in their work and lives, while always looking and feeling their best. melodywilding.com/sayno Managing UpConnect 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

Aug 6, 2025 • 40min
58. Step into a Bigger Role Without Self Sabotage: How Amy TRIPLED Her Assertiveness in 13 Weeks, Built Influence & Mastered Difficult Personalities
Explore the transformative journey of Amy as she navigates a new, challenging role and tripled her assertiveness in just 13 weeks. Discover the clever 'popcorn strategy' she used to build rapport and manage difficult personalities. Amy shares her shift in energy management, including setting boundaries and maximizing her focus. Learn how effective communication transformed perceptions of her leadership while resolving tense interactions with a simple code word. This engaging discussion offers practical insights for anyone looking to thrive in high-pressure roles.