

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

5 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!

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 youwww.speaklikeaseniorleader.comConnect 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

Oct 8, 2025 • 41min
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 • 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.

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.

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 • 38min
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 • 36min
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.


