Say It Skillfully®

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 115, Molly is joined by Tim Fitzpatrick. With three decades in the world of collegiate athletics, Tim shares how sports changed his life and can be a game changer for young people in school and life. Tim and his sister grew up lower, middle-class, and while his parents weren’t college-educated, they knew school would be the difference for their children. He speaks poignantly of the sacrifices his parents made, enabling him to attend private Catholic schools that created a rock solid framework of values and discipline that has served him his entire life. He reminisces of playing catch in the yard every night with his dad, his journey to being a college athlete and the realization that his ability to play sports was not a right, but a privilege. His career includes the athletics programs at many top-tier and NCAA Division 1 schools, including U.S. Coast Guard Academy, West Point, Texas A&M, Indiana University, University of North Carolina-Charlotte and University of Pittsburgh—holding numerous roles including athletic director. Tim gives us an insider perspective on the ever-changing world of collegiate athletics, the NCCA and how student-athletes are impacted by certain rules. Having raised millions of dollars and navigated these intense environments, he also talks about his own career transition that enabled him to leave the “rat race” and succeed on his terms. Don’t miss Tim’s perspective on the issues that youth sports are faced with in today’s world and an important lesson passed down from his father on being grateful. Join Tim and Molly for a thought-provoking conversation in an area with the potential to transform how young people feel about themselves.

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 114 Christian calls in first with how to deal with a sensitive “elephant on the table” issue (it is the big boss!). Then Jason, soon to graduate from college, asks about the balancing act of “selling oneself” in an appropriate way. We also talk about preparing for interviews, including the “tell me about yourself” question, and the mindset that you are also interviewing the organization (11:50). Next, Veronica shows her vulnerability: recently promoted into a leadership role, she’s in new territory where influencing and collaborating across a broad set of stakeholders is crucial and requires a different skill set than executing on the work. Veronica and Molly delve into her “me-you-we” framework to help her in building strong relationships (32:15). Molly wraps with a scenario from The New York Magazine ethicist column (1/4/22) to provide the words to help someone diplomatically maintain appropriate boundaries in a professional relationship (49:30). Tune in to unpack these challenges and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself!

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 113 is the 20th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. In hearing the life journeys of people you might not otherwise encounter, listeners gain empathetic understanding for what may be a very different experience of what it means to grow up, go to school, struggle, work and live in our world. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. Molly starts the new year with a strong, young voice. “Never-giving up” 16-year old GenZ Lea Wilson delights in bringing a smile to young and old alike. Born and raised in New York City, Lea was diagnosed with dyslexia in the 3rd grade. Discovering this was itself quite a roller coaster ride. She talks about navigating many different schools and observes that she was never taught to consider her dyslexia as a disability, but instead a way of learning and thinking differently, as in being “neurodivergent.” Continually in circumstances with people not familiar with what it’s like, she opens up about the disheartening feeling around not reading well, and about handling sensitive conversations that accelerated her own skillfulness and strong sense of self-advocacy. “Don’t take others’ words to heart–they’re telling more about them than you.” Lea’s passion for art and sports also play a huge role in her sense of self, and her thoughts on “boy crazy-friends” bring a chuckle. She lets us into the struggle she’s having after an unexpected surgery that’s cast some dark clouds around her and impacted her studies, the stress of college applications, and how she seeks guidance from her parents. Learn from her mantra, “Suck it up and ask for help when you need it!” Don’t miss this opportunity to bask in the “lightness” and courage of a very bright light. Lea inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard. Molly’s thought for the week (Thanks to her friend Bonnie Reuben): A life full and rich with love knows no bounds. It is only contained by the room the heart makes for it. Resources to help you #sayitskillfully!

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 112, Molly is joined by Jillion Potter, captain of the 2016 USA women’s rugby team. When she was 5, Jillion’s parents split with a joint custody arrangement where her sister, twin brother and her moved each year. Adapting to different cities and different schools wasn’t an option. Jillion shares how sports were integral to her own groundedness, and an early, unpleasant example of how bias from her high school basketball coach—who kicked a player off the team for coming out—affected her emotionally. She recalls growing up very low income–living on food stamps, going paycheck to paycheck, standing by the oven for heat…all fueling her deep sense of empathy for others. Jillion shares her unique and unlikely rugby journey: being a complete beginner in college, meeting her wife Carol through the sport, and ultimately becoming an Olympic captain. As tough off the field as she is on, not only was Jillion able to recover from a career-ending type of neck injury, she also recounts her experience of overcoming cancer twice, not letting fear keep her from re-joining the Olympic team and deciding to raise a child despite her illness and uncertainty of the future. Jillion also dives into her transition to the corporate world, and what being a mother means to her. Tune in to hear how going with the flow and doing the absolute best she can led Jillion to succeed in multiple facets of life. Jillion inspires all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true and best selves.

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 111, Molly’s first caller, Alisha, is excited about the transition of her company to a new owner, but mindful that her team may not all share her gusto. Alisha and Molly talk about bringing her team together to be even more cohesive through the change, including helping those who are fearful due to poor past experience in acquisitions. Then Steven, honored to be an elected official in his town, is open about feedback he received: ”You come across as dismissive.” Keen to be in service to his community and to avoid “smartest one in the room syndrome,” Steven and Molly talk through what’s going on for him, and how to be authentic and productive as he starts off in this new chapter of public service (17:50). Gary then calls in very curious about the nature of communications across generations, specifically with one’s superiors and in social media, where caution seems thrown to the wind. His experience is that earlier-in-career professionals come across less constructively with bosses than they think. Molly shares examples of young people empowering themselves to overcome challenges of working through Covid. And they discuss how the boss, or parent, might handle helping younger folks consider actions resulting in a “forever” impact or consequences completely out of their control. And they have a lively chat about embracing feedback as the ultimate in teamwork (36:40)! Tune in to unpack these challenges and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 110 is the 19th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. In hearing the life journeys of people you might not otherwise encounter, listeners gain empathetic understanding for what may be a very different experience of what it means to grow up, go to school, struggle, work and live in our world. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. In Episode 110, Molly is joined by NFL Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin, who talks about pivotal people and moments in his life and career and how they shaped him. Curtis shares what it was like growing up in one of the most violent neighborhoods in the country, inside an even more volatile household with a mentally unstable father who was abusive toward his mother. By the time Curtis was 20, nearly 40 of his friends and relatives had been murdered, including his beloved grandmother. He talks of looking death in the eyes more than once, and believes his life was spared by a miracle (one involving a direct plea to God.) He’s open about how he used this trauma as fuel to turn his life around and how it gave him an ability to see outside of himself and put himself in other people's shoes to help them change their lives. While his NFL coach, Bill Parsells, was literally the 1st positive role model he ever had, he also recounts a not-so-positive coaching experience that changed his life's trajectory! You may be surprised to hear how football was NOT a passion…and what it took for Curtis to realize why football came into his life. He shares the one word that captures his essence, and an off-the-charts example of how he uses this to serve others. (35:40) There are SO MANY gems in Curtis and Molly’s conversation; here's just a small sampling: 1) Don’t let yourself be defined by the traumatic events you’ve experienced, the environment you come from, or how other people view you. 2) Face every problem in your life head on. (29:34) 3) From his coach, Bill Parsells: There’s a difference between routine and commitment—you have to be truly committed to something to take it to the next level. To this day, Curtis applies this principle to all facets of his life. 4) A leader shouldn’t sit on the mountain top yelling down commands—they must join the group in the valley and lead them out by example. 5) Walking in forgiveness is Curtis’ superpower! (1:05:25). Don’t miss Curtis speak poignantly about his role as husband and father (1:01:50). Curtis demonstrates what it means to live one’s values, find your true north and inspire others to do the same. Molly’s thought for the week (Thank you, Curtis :) When change is necessary, not to change is destructive.

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 109, Molly’s first caller, Stephen, shares a culture clash of a recent merger, which isn’t good for the organization or employees. He stresses empathy-trust-relationship as the core—”If people can’t talk openly across all levels and we think anyone is better than another, something is seriously wrong...” HUGE opportunity for leaders to step up! Then Taylor, two years out of college, is challenged to “say no” to her boss when she’s drowning in work. She shares (great) awareness of how her pride and desire to be needed and seen as reliable hold her back. Taylor and Molly talk through how she empowers herself to positively and productively chat with her boss (and cross-functional team members) about right-sizing her workload (18:30). Next, high school student Alev opens up about an uncomfortable situation with a friend as she approached her about forming a new club at school to empower women. Hear her early learnings on the subject of “titles”—sure to be useful in the years ahead (34:00)! Finally, Molly shares a scenario re: research showing how email stresses people out (see below) and offers additional ways to be proactive, one of those from her friend, Garry Ridge, Chairman & CEO of WD-40, who leaves nothing to chance. His email footer is: I may be working in a different time zone to you, and I am sending this message now because I am working. I don’t expect that you will respond to, or action it outside of your preferred working times (46:30). Join the show to unpack these challenges and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself!

Molly’s thought for the week:

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 108, Bob Whalen shares his unexpected journey to becoming CEO of a company with the ambition of lasting 200 years under employee ownership! Eldest of four boys, Bob’s leadership training started at a young age. While he was the first of his family to actually go to college, it was always the expectation. Bob shares the impact and valuable lessons of both of his parents, including the words of his mother—“nobody is better than you, and you are no better than anyone else.” Along with his sports upbringing, this paved the way not only for his college decisions, but also for the evolution of his business values. With lightness, Bob shares how “he had no idea” what job he’d do after college, and offers one of his “cringeworthy” learning moments, showing how senior leaders must continuously learn. He stresses the importance of being receptive to feedback and admitting mistakes, and opens up about the beginning of the pandemic when he told his workers that it’s their societal duty to get vaccinated. After receiving feedback and reflecting, Bob concluded that while he does strongly feel this way, it’s not his job as CEO to choose what his employees’ values should be. Learn also about the company’s successful acquisition strategy. Join Bob and Molly for an engaging discussion about the impact of family, taking risk and leading in a way that creates meaningfulness in people’s lives. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that will help you learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

Read more to learn how a 100-year-old company plans to reach its 200th anniversary

https://www.tugboatinstitute.com/a-100-year-old-companys-plan-to-reach-its-200th-anniversary/

Molly's thought for the week (Thank you Bob):

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 107, Molly is joined by Dalith Steiger, top digital shaper and leading voice in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem. Born in Israel, raised in Switzerland, Dalith shares how her start in school was hardly smooth and what it took to overcome teachers who bluntly said, “You don’t belong here.” She speaks fondly of a pivotal role model, her grandmother, now 101 years old! Her parents' belief in her was also essential, especially when she switched to a new school for a re-start, and began to excel in physics and math—which she describes today as “just another language.” After university, Dalith describes the influence of her family and starting her own in her first role as a software developer for a bank. Take note of how SHE drove her recruiting process! With parenting her primary purpose she shares how health issues with her oldest daughter presented a twist that led to building a design agency with her husband. Once her daughters were in high school, Dalith began to chase her true passion—“technology is where my heart beats.” Passion for the human and ethical aspects of AI and its impact on society and new business potential led her to team up with Andy Fitze and co-found the award-winning AI start-up SwissCognitive and the CognitiveValley Foundation. Today, Dalith lives her entrepreneurial dream as an AI advisor and speaker, as well as mentors young girls in tech, though she reflects on wishing it came about differently. Spreading her wings meant her marriage didn’t flourish, a reality that while we can have it all in life, we cannot necessarily have it all at the same time. Dalith is honest about the importance of staying true to her femine side—her love for high heels and dressing up—and opens up about gender bias in university and in business, including more recent than we might wish. Hear how she handled the naysayers and took the best of her cultural upbringing, and join us on a journey of vulnerability, courage and authenticity. Dalith inspires us to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true and best selves. Molly’s thought for the week: David Shrier’s keys to effective learning: “Watch, do, explain.” Learn more about Dalith and how cognitive technologies help human beings, business and society: swisscognitive.ch

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 106, Molly’s first caller, Jeff, is in the midst of a job search. With strong skills and experience, he’s finding that potential employers have a hard time identifying a specific fit for his wide array of capabilities. They talk about the imperative of first articulating his own purpose, and clarifying his key criteria not only for a role, but also identifying appropriate industry sectors. They also cover the importance of networking and leveraging trusted relationships and of staying positive throughout the process. Next, Andrew is in the early days of a new job in a new organization with loads of complexity. In particular, he asks about how to approach a team member whose job title and activities don’t seem aligned. He senses the person isn’t so growth oriented, and we talk through the importance of direct dialogue with this team member to get on the same page. Molly and Andrew discuss how essential it is for him to be clear on his aims for the conversation, and the criticality of his own “energy” in a successful interaction. Plus, integrating “work-life” in these early drink-from-the-firehose days is also top of mind (20:15). Finally, Emmanuel, a scrum master, is keen for his team to be even more collaborative, and Molly offers one way for him to engage his colleagues for an answer (46:20). Join the show to unpack these challenges and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.