

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

Jan 29, 2025 • 25min
24. When – And How – To Say No To Extra Work
🚨 Pre-order Melody’s new book, MANAGING UP, & get a FREE TICKET to the live event happening February 5th at 3pm ET: “Push Back & Protect Your Time (Even When Your Boss is Demanding, Deadlines are Tight, and Stakes are High).” https://managingup.comFeeling overwhelmed by all the "quick favors" and extra work that's landed on your plate? In this episode, Melody breaks down exactly when (and how) to say no to additional work without damaging relationships or appearing difficult.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

Jan 22, 2025 • 45min
23. Managing Emotions Under Pressure with Jay Moon Fields
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by emotions at work, struggling to maintain control? In this episode of Psychology at Work, Melody speaks with Jay Moon Fields, a leading embodiment educator and expert in emotion regulation. Discover how connecting with your body can transform your professional experience, enhancing your emotional intelligence and relationships.You’ll Discover:The role of embodiment in emotional regulation and why it's crucial for personal and professional success.Practical techniques like grounding, centering, and orienting to help you stay present and composed. The significance of the vagus nerve and its impact on your social engagement system. How subtle shifts in language and self-awareness can transform people-pleasing tendencies into personal empowerment.About JayJay Moon Fields, M.A. is a leading educator, coach and author. Over a half million people have taken her courses featured on LinkedIn Learning, and her book Teaching People Not Poses is used by yoga teacher training programs globally. For over twenty years, she has taught the principles and practices of embodied social and emotional intelligence to individuals and groups from Patagonia, Wieden + Kennedy, Apple, the UN, Baker Tilly and GoPro. Jay has been a guest on over 30 podcasts and was named one of the top 50 health and wellness bloggers making a difference in the world by Greatist.com. She received her BA in Psychosocial Health and Human Movement from the College of William and Mary and her masters in Integral Transformative Education from Prescott College. https://jaymoonfields.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

4 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 21min
22. The #1 Career Skill No One Ever Taught You (Until Now)
Discover the crucial yet overlooked skill of managing up, vital for career advancement. Learn how to strengthen your relationship with superiors and why it matters for gaining recognition and resources. Explore the impact of evolving workplace dynamics and the challenges faced by today's leaders. Delve into effective communication strategies, especially in an era influenced by automation and AI. Achieving workplace peace and control is just as essential as landing promotions—master this skill for a more fulfilling career.

Jan 8, 2025 • 47min
21. Setting Strong Boundaries at Work with Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW
Setting boundaries at work sounds simple in theory - just say no, right? But in practice, it's far more complex, especially if you're someone who takes pride in being reliable and going above and beyond. So where's the line between being a dedicated professional and burning yourself out? Today, Melody gets into this question with Dr. Sharon Martin, a licensed psychotherapist who has spent 25 years helping perfectionists and people-pleasers reclaim their lives through better boundaries. Whether you're struggling to say no to yet another project, feeling guilty about not answering emails at midnight, or wondering if your helpfulness has crossed into unhealthy territory, this episode will give you practical strategies for setting and maintaining boundaries that stick.You’ll Discover:How perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies can sabotage your ability to set healthy boundaries.The hidden signs of perfectionism at work and how they manifest in your professional life.Strategies to set and maintain boundaries that stick, without feeling guilty or inadequate. How to identify your needs and create boundaries that align with your personal values and goals.Tips for handling pushback and maintaining your boundaries in high-pressure environments.The importance of viewing boundary-setting as a form of self-care that benefits both you and those around you.About Dr. Sharon MartinDr. Sharon Martin is a licensed psychotherapist and author specializing in codependency recovery. For the past 25 years, she’s been helping perfectionists and people-pleasers overcome self-doubt, embrace their imperfections, and learn to set boundaries. Dr. Martin is the author of four self-help books including The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism and The Better Boundaries Workbook. She also writes the popular blog Conquering Codependency for Psychology Today and has been featured in various media outlets including PsychCentral, Web MD, Women’s World, and Highly Sensitive Refuge. https://www.livewellwithsharonmartin.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

7 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 24min
20. Exude Executive Presence (Even as a “Quiet Type”) With These 4 Strategies
Struggling to make your voice heard in meetings? Discover the secrets of executive presence that can elevate your ideas, no matter your personality type. Learn the three essential elements that simplify this often-misunderstood concept. Find out when to speak up for the greatest impact, and how to communicate your points concisely without losing key information. Plus, explore the 'So What Ladder' technique to make your ideas irresistible to leaders. Embrace your unique qualities to command attention and influence!

Dec 26, 2024 • 46min
19. How to Seize Opportunities at Work (Without Stepping on Toes) with Eddie Turner
Are you ready to step up as a leader, even without a formal title? In this episode of Psychology at Work, Melody Wilding is joined by Eddie Turner, a Harvard-trained leadership expert, to discuss what it truly means to be an emerging leader. Tune in to learn how to navigate the nuanced transition from team member to influential leader in your organization.You’ll Discover: What defines an emerging leader and how to identify if you’re on the path.Ten unexpected categories of emerging leadership that go beyond traditional definitions.Practical tips for increasing your visibility and making an impact, especially in remote work settings.How to adopt a "we, not me" mentality that resonates with executives and peers alike.Strategies for dealing with unsupportive bosses and expanding your influence inside and outside your organization.Eddie Turner is an in-demand Harvard-trained leadership development at all organizational levels. He is listed on several industry rankings with distinguished thought leaders and holds numerous certifications as a coach, facilitator, trainer, and speaker. He works as an executive coach for both experienced and emerging leaders. Eddie is the author of the internationally bestselling book, “140 Simple Messages to Guide Emerging Leaders.” He has been featured in global print, radio, and television media such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and ABC. https://eddieturnerllc.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

Dec 18, 2024 • 40min
18. Navigating Restructures and Re-Orgs with Mimi Bishop and Jackie Ghedine
Is your organization going through yet another restructure or re-organization? Whether you're leading through changes or feeling at the mercy of them, former NYC media executives turned leadership coaches Jackie Ghedine and Mimi Bishop are heer to share insider wisdom for finding hidden opportunities amid chaos. You’ll discover:The subtle warning signs of an impending reorganization that most people missWhy looking outside your department might save your career during times of changeUnspoken rules about handling anxiety when you're leading a team through changeHow to rebuild trust after a major organizational shift (without overpromising)About Today’s GuestsJackie Ghedine and Mimi Bishop are the co-founders of MGXW Consulting and co-producers of The ReImagine Conference. MGXW Consulting specializes in leadership consulting and training that builds relationship-focused, results-driven leaders and teams resulting in creating collaborative and innovative work environments essential for today's modern workplaces.Connect With Today’s GuestsMGXW Consulting: https://www.mgxwconsulting.com/ The Consistency Checklist: https://www.subscribepage.com/checklistConnect 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

Dec 11, 2024 • 28min
17. The Hidden Cost of Being ‘Helpful’: Break Free from People-Pleasing at Work
Early bird enrollment is now open for the next cohort of Melody’s signature program RESILIENT! Save $500 for a limited time: https://melodywilding.com/resilient Being the person everyone counts on sounds like a strength – until it's not. That constant drive to anticipate others’ needs, smooth over conflicts, and make sure everyone's happy isn't just exhausting – it's undermining your career growth. In this episode, Melody exposes the sophisticated survival strategy of people-pleasing at work, and why so many high-achievers struggle to break free from it. This episode offers concrete strategies to transform these patterns into deep confidence.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

Dec 4, 2024 • 31min
16. Are You Too Emotionally Invested in Your Work?
Are you too emotionally invested in your job? This discussion uncovers the signs of over-investment, like taking criticism too personally and losing focus during personal time. It highlights the challenges high achievers face in balancing passion with well-being. Practical strategies are shared to help you set boundaries, shift perspectives on feedback, and build an identity beyond your work. Discover how to transition smoothly between professional and personal life while maintaining your drive!

Nov 27, 2024 • 37min
15. How Can Highly Sensitive People Thrive in the Workplace? With April Snow, LMFT
Do you often feel like you're experiencing work at a different level of intensity? Maybe you notice subtle dynamics others miss, need more time to process information, or feel overwhelmed by open offices and back-to-back meetings. If you've ever been told you're "quit taking things personally" or that you need to "toughen up" at work, this episode will be an eye-opener. Join Melody and licensed psychotherapist April Snow as they explore what it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) and driven in your career. You’ll discover: The surprising advantages of being "too sensitive" at workHow to leverage your heightened awareness without burning outThe quick practice that can reset your overstimulated nervous systemHow to frame your needs to bosses without seeming high-maintenanceAbout April Snow, LMFTApril Snow, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and podcast host in California. She specializes in working with highly sensitive people to help calm the storm of overwhelm, anxiety, and self-doubt to allow their innate sensitive strengths to shine through. Find April's books, podcast, free workshops and other HSP resources at https://www.sensitivestrengths.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