Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills
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.
Latest episodes
Jul 18, 2025 • 14min
54. The Surprising Reason You Sound More Junior Than You Really Are
Join Speak Like a Senior Leader™ before doors close July 25th 11:59pm. Only cohort of 2025! https://speaklikeaseniorleader.comIn this episode, Melody reveals the one simple communication shift that instantly elevates how others perceive your credibility. Melody breaks down how to communicate in a way that reflects the true complexity and magnitude of your work, so leaders see you as the strategic, high-value professional you actually are.What You’ll Discover: The two missing ingredients that instantly separate senior-level communication from junior-level ramblingHow to make colleagues and leader lean forward and think "now that was impressive"The before-and-after transformation that got one client invited to present to the board within six monthsspeaklikeaseniorleader.com 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 16, 2025 • 28min
53. “Spiky” Points of View on Workplace Politics
Join Speak Like a Senior Leader™ before doors close July 25th 11:59pm. Only cohort of 2025! https://speaklikeaseniorleader.comMelody shares her most controversial “hot takes” on workplace politics and delivers the hard truths about how influence really works in corporate environments. This episode challenges the romanticized view of how work "should" operate and provides a pragmatic framework for gaining influence ethically. What You’ll Discover: ▪️The brain science behind why "staying above office politics" backfires▪️How to tell the difference between productive politics and destructive manipulation▪️Why your "weakness" for picking up on tension might be the most valuable skill you're not usingspeaklikeaseniorleader.com 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 9, 2025 • 38min
52. Want to Be More Authoritative at Work? Building Confidence Is a Waste of Time
🎟️ NEW FREE TRAINING: RSVP for 5 Steps to Speak Like a Senior Leader happening July 16th at 3pm ET: https://melodywilding.com/training If you've been waiting to "feel more confident" before speaking up in meetings, asking for that promotion, or sharing your insights at higher levels, this episode will completely shift how you think about building authority and credibility at work. Melody surveyed hundreds of mid-to-senior level professionals. What she found were hidden patterns that keep even the most driven people stuck, struggling to turn their expertise into true respect and recognition. In this episode, she unpacks why the self-help industry’s obsession with “confidence” might be making it worse.What You’ll Discover: What your nervous system really needs to build executive presence Why your carefully crafted message can still land flat—and what to do about itA life-changing 5-word concept that will change how you think about nervousnessThe five biggest myths professionals believe about confidence (and what’s true instead)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 2, 2025 • 35min
51. Decoding Executive Speak
Ever felt puzzled by vague executive phrases? This discussion unveils the hidden meanings behind diplomatic language for career growth. Learn how to sharpen your communication skills without overthinking every interaction. Discover the power of mapping organizational politics to identify key influencers and gain support for your ideas. Plus, master the art of discerning between genuine urgency and mere hype, ensuring you respond effectively when feedback suggests additional refinement.
Jun 25, 2025 • 43min
50. Quiet Your Racing Mind with Nick Wignall
Learn how to quiet your racing mind and overcome chronic worry at work with clinical psychologist Nick Wignall. If you struggle with workplace anxiety, overthinking every email, or constantly second-guessing your decisions, this episode provides practical strategies to break free from the worry cycle. What You’ll Discover: The subtle, sneaky causes of anxiety that most people never notice at workHow to tell the difference between a worry and worrying (and why it matters for your career)The most underrated solution to workplace worry that has nothing to do with breathing exercisesHow to actually stop your mind from racing when you're spiraling about workAbout Nick: Nick Wignall is a board-certified clinical psychologist. He currently works as a coach for anxious high-achievers and runs a leadership consulting firm, Loom. His newsletter, The Friendly Mind, reaches 50,000+ people each week and shares practical, evidence-based advice for emotional health and wellbeing. https://nickwignall.com/ speaklikeaseniorleader.com 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
8 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 36min
49. 6 Signs You’re NOT Speaking Like a Senior Leader (And the Fixes)
Discover the subtle communication mistakes that can undermine your leadership presence. Learn how even highly competent individuals might inadvertently sound like mid-level contributors. Explore the six key habits to avoid for clearer communication and more influence. Uncover why top leaders often don't directly answer questions, enhancing their effectiveness. Get actionable insights to elevate your executive presence and make the most of your expertise in professional settings.
Jun 11, 2025 • 33min
48. How to Take Criticism Without Taking It Personally
Criticism at work only gets harsher and more frequent the higher you climb – not easier or less. That’s why in this episode Melody shares strategies to take feedback seriously without taking it personally (none of which requires superhuman zen). You'll learn how to handle difficult conversations in a way that both projects executive presence and safeguards your confidence. What You’ll Discover: How to decode what criticism reveals about workplace politics, power dynamics, and hidden agendasHow to separate someone's communication style from the actual content of their feedbackWhy you should never act on a leader’s input until you do THIS (and no, it’s not “ask questions”)The specific scripts to use when you're blindsided by criticism and need to calm downspeaklikeaseniorleader.com 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
Jun 4, 2025 • 35min
47. Leadership Under Pressure with Sabina Nawaz
Author Sabina Nawaz joins Melody to explore why pressure, not power, is what truly derails even the most well-intentioned leaders. They unpack simple tools like the Yes List and Multiple Meanings to help you lead with clarity, even when you’re overwhelmed.What You’ll Discover: Sneaky ways pressure warps your thinking, behavior, and relationships at workThe first thing to do when you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above waterHow to build your “pressure capacity” so challenges don’t derail your success About Sabina NawazSabina Nawaz is an elite executive coach who advises C-level executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world. During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from managing software development teams to leading the company’s executive development and succession planning efforts for over 11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly. speaklikeaseniorleader.com 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
May 28, 2025 • 30min
46. Can't Stop Checking If Your Boss Is Happy With Your Work? Here's Why
You're on top of your work, but part of you is always checking – did that land? Did my boss like it? In this episode, Melody explains how constantly seeking your boss's approval drains your confidence and what to do about it. In this episode, she gets into what happens when your focus shifts from doing your job to managing someone else’s reaction. What You’ll Discover: How to differentiate managing up from approval seeking Why your boss's approval never actually satisfies youThe seemingly innocent habit that's secretly broadcasting your insecurity to everyoneThe "filter not sponge" approach that transforms how others’ input affects youHow "I know my worth" can become a trap if it's your only strategyConnect 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
May 21, 2025 • 34min
45. Building Emotional Fitness for Work & Life with Dr. Emily Anhalt
Most of us weren't taught how to handle workplace stress, difficult colleagues, or career setbacks. We just figure it out as we go—sometimes successfully, sometimes not. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Anhalt breaks down what she calls "emotional fitness" and why it matters in our work lives. Based on fifteen years of research with professionals across industries, her new book "Flex Your Feelings" offers a refreshingly practical approach to strengthening our emotional health. Dr. Anhalt shares simple exercises you can use to build resilience and connection in everyday work situations, from tense meetings to performance reviews.What You’ll Discover: Why treating your emotions like muscles you can train changes everything about how you handle workplace stressHow to spot the telltale signs of emotional "unfitness" before they derail your careerPractical "emotional pushups" that Emily has taught top Silicon Valley executivesAbout Dr. Emily Anhalt Dr. Emily Anhalt is a clinical psychologist, keynote speaker, author, and cofounder of Coa, the gym for mental health. For the past fifteen years, Dr. Anhalt has worked clinically with executives, founders, and high-performers, and has conducted extensive research with prominent psychologists and entrepreneurs about how leaders can improve their emotional fitness. Dr. Anhalt has collaborated with companies like Google, Salesforce, NBCUniversal, NASDAQ, and the NBA, and her debut book, Flex Your Feelings (published with Penguin Randomhouse) is available now.speaklikeaseniorleader.com 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
