

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

Dec 10, 2025 • 32min
78. Read the Room in Real-Time: How Candice Positioned Herself for Global Roles at Google and Beyond
Candice Dedic, an analytics leader at Google with over a decade of experience and a passion for fiction writing, shares her insights on effective communication. She reveals her method for quickly diagnosing different communication styles in various settings, including interviews and meetings. Candice discusses a framework she uses, detailing four communication types that enhance her interactions. She emphasizes the increasing importance of soft skills and executive presence as professionals climb the career ladder, making her journey to articulate communication truly inspiring.

Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 39min
77. Earn Up to $200k More in 2026: 5 Steps to Speak Like a Senior Leader [WEBINAR REPLAY]
Explore how to boost your career with powerful communication strategies. Discover a quick method to assess if you sound credible like a senior leader. Learn a five-step system to enhance your influence and clarity in conversations. Uncover the importance of translating your contributions into impactful outcomes, rather than just listing activities. Get tips on maintaining composure under pressure and handling meetings effectively. Plus, practical advice for making your writing concise for busy executives!

Dec 3, 2025 • 45min
76. Stop Data-Dumping & Become a Concise, Compelling Executive-Level Communicator: Lindsey’s Story of Advancing From Manager to Director
Lindsay DellaDonna, a seasoned Director of performance marketing with 15 years in the field, shares her transformative journey from feeling stuck to receiving a promotion. She discusses the crucial differences between simply attending executive meetings and truly being promotional-ready. Discover how she restructured her presentations for quick buy-in by focusing on core impacts rather than details. Lindsay emphasizes adapting communication styles to different leadership needs and the newfound confidence that emerged from her enhanced executive presence.

Nov 25, 2025 • 24min
75. Caught in Promotion Purgatory? 4 Signs You're Being Strung Along & What NOT to Do When You’re Stuck
Ever feel stuck in promotion limbo? Discover the signs that indicate you might be in promotion purgatory, from vague feedback to a lack of visibility. Learn why communication skills are more vital than working harder and how proving yourself can backfire. Melody highlights the importance of showing you're ready for the next level while avoiding common pitfalls, like bombarding leaders with data. Plus, find out when leaving is a valid option, but only after addressing communication gaps!

Nov 19, 2025 • 40min
74. Proving Yourself to New Leadership: How Jessica Made Her Work Visible & Valuable with New Stakeholders
Jessica shares her journey of adapting to new leadership after 21 years in the same organization. She discusses how to rebuild credibility from scratch and effectively communicate her value in a new environment. Key insights include tailoring communication for different stakeholders and emphasizing the importance of authenticity. Jessica highlights her success in securing resources through impactful examples and offers practical advice on embracing small moments with leaders. Her experience showcases the power of reframing career goals and taking imperfect action.

5 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 24min
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.

Nov 5, 2025 • 25min
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.

Oct 29, 2025 • 40min
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.

6 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 26min
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 • 27min
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 NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the Waitlist for Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up


