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Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills

Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills

By: Melody Wilding
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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.

© 2025 Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • 60. Worried You’re Always “In Trouble” at Work (Even When Nothing’s Wrong)? Here’s Why

    60. Worried You’re Always “In Trouble” at Work (Even When Nothing’s Wrong)? Here’s Why
    Aug 20 2025

    🗓️ FREE TRAINING: High Performance Under High Pressure – September 9th at 3pm ET (replay available): https://melodywilding.com/highperformance

    —

    Accomplished professionals with decades of experience and impressive titles often find themselves trapped in a bizarre pattern: despite their proven competence, they regularly feel like scared children about to get in trouble at work. Melody explores this visceral reaction and how to rewire your response so you can show up with the confidence your experience has earned you.

    What You’ll Discover:

    • Why a simple "Can we chat?" email from your boss can trigger the same physical response as facing your parents' disappointment as a child
    • The hidden connection between being a "good kid" and struggling with executive presence decades later
    • How this pattern shows up differently as you climb the corporate ladder - and why it gets worse, not better (if you’re not careful)
    • How to use this 7-letter word to pull yourself out of emotional panic and into logical reasoning
    • The one minute technique that instantly calms your brain's fear center when you feel triggered

     melodywilding.com/highperformance

    melodywilding.com/highperformance

    Connect with Melody:

    1. FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work
    2. FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly
    3. Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist
    4. Follow Melody on LinkedIn
    5. Follow Melody on Instagram
    6. Get Melody's new book, Managing Up
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • 59. Personal Brand, Powerful Presence: The Psychology of Style with Cassandra Sethi

    59. Personal Brand, Powerful Presence: The Psychology of Style with Cassandra Sethi
    Aug 13 2025

    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-ready
    • Common mistakes you might be making when you try to look “executive”
    • How decision fatigue shows up in your closet—and how to eliminate it

    About Cassandra

    Cassandra 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.

     melodywilding.com/highperformance

    melodywilding.com/highperformance

    Connect with Melody:

    1. FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work
    2. FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly
    3. Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist
    4. Follow Melody on LinkedIn
    5. Follow Melody on Instagram
    6. Get Melody's new book, Managing Up
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • 58. Step into a Bigger Role Without Self Sabotage: How Amy TRIPLED Her Assertiveness in 13 Weeks, Built Influence & Mastered Difficult Personalities

    58. Step into a Bigger Role Without Self Sabotage: How Amy TRIPLED Her Assertiveness in 13 Weeks, Built Influence & Mastered Difficult Personalities
    Aug 6 2025

    🗓️ 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 Discover

    • The "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 teams
    • The mistake Amy was making that was sabotaging her credibility (even though she thought she was being professional)

     melodywilding.com/highperformance

    melodywilding.com/highperformance

    Connect with Melody:

    1. FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work
    2. FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly
    3. Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist
    4. Follow Melody on LinkedIn
    5. Follow Melody on Instagram
    6. Get Melody's new book, Managing Up
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
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