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
May 14, 2025 • 37min
44. From Self-Criticism to Self-Advocacy: Grainne’s Path to Owning Her Expertise
Dive into Grainne's inspiring journey of overcoming self-doubt and perfectionism. Hear how she transformed her emotional struggles into self-advocacy, learning to confidently embrace her expertise. Explore the impact of childhood experiences on self-perception and the role of community support in fostering resilience. Discover the importance of authenticity and how navigating sensitivity can turn into a powerful strength in professional settings. This tale of personal growth encourages you to trust your value and own your unique strengths.
May 12, 2025 • 44min
43. Is Your Sensitivity Holding You Back at Work or Setting You Apart? This Explains Everything
🚨 Enrollment is now open for the next cohort of Melody’s signature program RESILIENT. Secure your spot: https://melodywilding.com/resilient Do you find yourself lying awake at night replaying work conversations in your head? Are you exhausted from feeling everything deeply while colleagues seem to effortlessly brush things off? In this eye-opening episode, Melody Wilding and her co-coach Wendy Cary, PCC unpack why you're stuck in a cycle of overwhelm, perfectionism, and self-doubt – despite your talent and dedication. They reveal a model that can help you finally pinpoint the root causes of your struggles, understand the biological basis of your sensitivity, and transform what feels like a professional liability into your greatest advantage. 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 8, 2025 • 53min
42. Ditching the Responsibility Trap: How Rebecca Tripled Her Assertiveness & Advocated For a Leadership Role After Decades of Over-Accommodation
🚨 Enrollment is now open for the next cohort of Melody’s signature program RESILIENT. Secure your spot: https://melodywilding.com/resilientIn this episode, you’ll hear from recent RESILIENT alumni, Rebecca, who spent years being her team’s "spray foam" – filling every gap and putting everyone else's needs before her own. Rebecca reveals how she tripled her assertiveness score, advocated for a leadership position, and finally designed a role that honors her ambition and sensitivity.You'll hear how Rebecca transformed her perfectionism and fear of disappointing others into the confidence to set clear boundaries, including how she:Stopped letting guilt drive her reactions to workplace demandsDirectly asked for a formal management role after decades of informal leadershipLearned to trust her social capital instead of "reinventing relationship rules" dailyStarted teaching people how to treat her through clear communicationspeaklikeaseniorleader.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 6, 2025 • 25min
41. Why Am I So Sensitive at Work?
🚨 Enrollment is now open for the next cohort of Melody’s signature program RESILIENT. Secure your spot: https://melodywilding.com/resilientAre you the one who notices the tension in your manager's voice that no one else picked up on? Still replaying last week's conflict while your colleagues have moved on? In this episode, Melody challenges everything you've been told about being "too sensitive" at work. Discover why trying to "toughen up" is fighting a losing battle, but simply "embracing your sensitivity" isn't the answer either.If you're tired of sensitivity holding you back from the recognition, fulfillment, and impact you deserve, this episode offers a radically different approach that doesn't require changing who you are.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
Apr 30, 2025 • 23min
40. How to Get Your Voice Heard in Meetings (Without Overthinking It)
🚨Grab your spot for the FREE 3-Day Masterclass, Speak Up & Be Heard, happening May 6th, 7th, 8th: https://melodywilding.com/masterclass Speaking up in meetings shouldn't feel like a high-wire act. But for so many thoughtful professionals, it does. You’ve got great ideas, valuable insights, and the experience to back them up, yet the words don’t come out when it counts. The moment passes, and you’re left replaying what you could have said. In this episode, Melody tackles how to speak up in meetings without spiraling into self-doubt or perfectionism. You’ll learn the real reasons your voice gets stuck, and practical ways to finally change that.What You’ll Discover: How to jump into fast-moving conversations without interrupting or sounding aggressiveA go-to phrase that helps you jump in when meetings move quicklyWhat to say when your mind goes blank and you still want to sound composedA quick mindset shift that helps you stop replaying meetings in your headConnect 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
Apr 23, 2025 • 23min
39. 3 Habits of Highly Effective Communicators
🚨Grab your spot for the FREE 3-Day Masterclass, Speak Up & Be Heard, happening May 6th, 7th, 8th: https://melodywilding.com/masterclass If you've ever found yourself overexplaining in emails, freezing up when you're put on the spot, or second-guessing your words long after a meeting ends, then this episode is for you. Melody reveals three habits of highly effective communicators – habits that help your ideas land, your voice carry weight, and your confidence show up before you even say a word.What You’ll Discover: Why your message isn’t landing – and the subtle shift that makes people actually listenA powerful mindset reframe to stop overexplaining and start being taken seriouslyHow to get your point across without steamrolling others or overthinking every wordThe overlooked factor that makes high-pressure conversations feel less intimidatingA simple technique to stay composed (and sound confident) when you're put on the spot.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
Apr 16, 2025 • 36min
38. Rise Above Victim Mindset at Work with Scott Barry Kaufman
Whether you've experienced a colleague who blames every mistake on someone else, work for a boss who can't take feedback, or you've caught yourself taking things too personally, this episode provides practical tools for breaking free from victim mindsets without denying real challenges. Renowned psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman joins Melody to discuss how our mindset expands or limits our options. You’ll discover: How to snap yourself out of a victim mindset with a simple word swapThe uncomfortable truth that "people just don't care about you" – and why that's actually liberating for your career growthSurprising ways to manage your emotions at work when you start getting angry, indignant, or personalizing situationsThe controversial connection between high sensitivity and narcissismAbout Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D., is a cognitive psychologist who is among the top one percent most cited scientists in the world for his groundbreaking research on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. He is the host of The Psychology Podcast, which has received more than 30 million downloads and is frequently ranked the #1 psychology podcast in the world. Dr. Kaufman’s writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review, and he is the author of ten previous books, including Transcend, Wired to Create, and Ungifted. https://scottbarrykaufman.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
Apr 9, 2025 • 43min
37. Standout Resume Tips with Lisa Rangel, Ex-Executive Recruiter
Is your resume ready for today's job market? Former executive recruiter and resume expert Lisa Rangel reveals what actually makes hiring managers take notice in 2025. As the founder of Chameleon Resumes and creator of the M.E.T.A. job search process, Lisa has helped professionals in 88+ countries land their dream roles. She shares insider knowledge about what's changed in hiring, how to make your experience stand out (even when it doesn't seem like a perfect match), and practical strategies for quantifying your achievements in ways that capture attention.You’ll Discover:Shifts in hiring practices over the last 4-5 years and how to adapt your approachSimple tips to update your long-dormant resume without getting overwhelmedHow to turn seemingly "unmeasurable" achievements into compelling metrics that grab attentionThe truth about cover letters (and how to write one that actually works)About Lisa Lisa Rangel is the Founder/CEO of ChameleonResumes.com, the premier executive resume writing and job landing consulting firm, with client success in 88+ countries. Lisa’s mission in life is to continue to make the world a happier place with one fulfilling, well-paying job change at a time using her 4-Step M.E.T.A. Job Landing System. She is a graduate of Cornell University and the first in her family to graduate from college. She is a trusted senior-level job landing expert who has been featured or published over 200+ times in media outlets including Fortune, Forbes, Newsweek, Fast Company, Business Insider, LinkedIn, BBC, Investor's Business Daily, Crain's New York, Chicago Tribune, Good Morning America & more. She has also been selected by a number of private recruitment and executive search firms as an expert to provide guidance on how to land a fulfilling six-figure role. Download resume samples at: https://chameleonresumes.com/executive-resume-samples 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
Apr 2, 2025 • 52min
36. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Writing “Managing Up” & Pub Day Confessions [LIVE Q&A]
Celebrating one month since Managing Up hit shelves, Melody shares the rarely-discussed struggles behind the book’s release. She pulls back the curtain on the messy reality of creating something meaningful – from crushing setbacks to unexpected breakthroughs and the mindsets, habits, and strategies that helped her along the way. You'll discover:The shocking job termination that became the foundation for Melody's managing up frameworkWhy hundreds of thousands of words ended up in the trash – and how she found the courage to start overThe one-star reviews of her first book that completely transformed her approach to writing this oneHow she balances running a business full-time with book writing 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
Mar 26, 2025 • 19min
35. Overcome Imposter Syndrome with This Psychological Trick
Dive into the world of imposter syndrome, where hard-earned success often feels undeserved. Discover how we mistakenly attribute achievements to luck while magnifying our failures. Learn four actionable strategies to shift your mindset and truly own your accomplishments. Unpack the neuroscience behind the discomfort of praise for high achievers and find out why embracing your achievements is crucial for building confidence. It's time to reframe your relationship with success!
