

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

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 • 39min
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 • 27min
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.

6 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 37min
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 • 34min
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 • 45min
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.https://melodywilding.com/resilient https://melodywilding.com/resilientConnect 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
🗓️ FREE TRAINING: Discover which one of 6 traits drives you to overthink & people-please at work -- and how to finally break free. RSVP for 60 Minutes to Defeat Self-Sabotage, happening August 14th 12pm ET (replay available): https://melodywilding.com/60minutes—Have you ever gotten the promotion you wanted, only to feel completely overwhelmed instead of excited? Today's guest, Amy, knows that feeling intimately. As an administrative manager at a major research university, she transitioned from a role where she felt confident and at the top of her game to a new position that challenged everything she thought she knew about herself. You’ll hear how after joining RESILIENT she went from second-guessing every interaction to being recognized as a strategic leader across her organization.What You’ll DiscoverThe "popcorn strategy" Amy used to build rapport with someone who initially found her annoying (now they work seamlessly together)How she went from dreading Monday mornings to feeling energized about challenges – without changing jobs or teamsThe mistake Amy was making that was sabotaging her credibility (even though she thought she was being professional)Connect 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

Jul 30, 2025 • 32min
57. Are You Self-Sabotaging? Subtle Signs That Masquerade as Being a “Good Employee”
🗓️ FREE TRAINING: Discover which one of 6 traits drives you to overthink & people-please at work -- and how to finally break free. RSVP for 60 Minutes to Defeat Self-Sabotage, happening August 14th 12pm ET (replay available): https://melodywilding.com/60minutes—In this episode, Melody breaks down the sneaky, subtle ways self-sabotage shows up at work. Not the obvious stuff you see in every career listicle, but things you’re praised for yet quietly hold you back from the success, recognition, and peace of mind you actually want.What You’ll Discover:▪️Why your "responsible" decision-making might actually be based on completely made-up math▪️ How you're unconsciously treating yourself worse than you'd treat your most unreliable colleague▪️ One emotional habit that feels like self-awareness but actually prevents you from solving problems▪️ The seemingly professional behavior that's actually laziness in disguisehttps://melodywilding.com/resilient https://melodywilding.com/resilientConnect 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

9 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 22min
56. 5 Steps to Speak Like a Senior Leader [FREE TRAINING REPLAY]
Discover how to sound credible and command respect in your workplace. Learn the real meaning behind 'executive presence' and find out that it’s not about being louder or fancier. Melody shares simple tweaks you can implement today to enhance your communication with polish. Unveil a 5-step system that has led clients to six-figure promotions, all without pesky buzzwords. Get ready to elevate your career and assert your leadership with strategies designed for impactful communication!

Jul 22, 2025 • 39min
55. How Leaders REALLY Decide Who Gets Promoted with Alli Peck
⏰ ENROLLMENT CLOSING for Speak Like a Senior Leader: https://speaklikeaseniorleader.comMelody sits down with Alli Peck, the powerhouse behind @allifromcorporate, where over a million followers turn for her bold, unfiltered advice on navigating the modern workplace. Now leading a mechanical engineering team at a national security facility, Alli reveals what leaders are really looking for when they evaluate your communication, presence, and potential.What You’ll Discover: One small behavior that instantly signals “this person is ready for more responsibility”The most common communication mistake that makes even smart people seem unprepared or immatureWhat the most impressive team members do differently when sharing ideas or handling pushbackThe red flag that makes leaders hesitate to put you in front of important stakeholdersAbout Alli PeckAlli Peck is a TEDx speaker, author of Surviving Office Life, and social media influencer with nearly one million followers across seven platforms, where she shares bold, relatable content on career development and navigating the modern workplace (@allifromcorporate0). She leads a mechanical engineering team at a National Security facility, runs a real estate investment company in Las Vegas, and has been featured in The Today Show, Business Insider, TIME Magazine, and The Skimm. Allison brings a unique blend of corporate leadership, small business strategy, and viral storytelling—helping organizations build high-performing teams and amplify their success through impactful social media.https://melodywilding.com/resilient https://melodywilding.com/resilientConnect 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