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 95, Molly is joined by her friend Dorie Clark, top business thinker, key note speaker, consultant and described by the New York Times as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives.” Author of Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine, Dorie’s own career journey is a prime example of how one can navigate to their true north and develop a career that’s both meaningful and rewarding. She shares how getting out of her childhood in small town North Carolina couldn’t come soon enough and how joyous it was to be part of an early entrance college program. Dorie recounts an early setback being denied admission to graduate school, and how she navigated figuring out what came next; it included writing, politics and the most stressful job ever: running a nonprofit. She implores people NOT to let the “gatekeepers” hold you back and chronicles key learnings in starting her own business. Being responsive to what she saw in the market was key to iterating on her business focus. Dorie is open about what she saw in professionals who weren’t able to focus on the bigger picture and therefore didn’t establish meaningful goals and speaks about her soon-to-be-released fourth book, “The Long Game.” Key steps: 1) creating white space, 2) focusing where it counts, and 3) keeping the faith when it may seem things aren’t working. Dorie also suggests what companies can do to counter short-termism, and individuals to embrace being a “Swiss Army knife.” Molly’s thought for the week, in honor of Dorie: Show faith in yourself to lead others to have faith in you. Tune in for a lively and inspiring conversation 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. In Episode 94, Tony, who’s had a long career in construction, asks about more effectively calling out people who show bias or otherwise aren’t creating the space that supports people being their authentic selves. He and Molly talk about the white privilege that others may see in him, and what he can do to change people’s perception of him. Next, for those feeling micromanaged, Molly shares 3 tips that don’t involve the other person... strategies to manage yourself and not let the situation get the best of you (11:30). Moeed then calls in for advice on getting co-workers onboard with the additional processes and procedures needed as their nonprofit gears up to double in size. They discuss how to handle folks who aren’t keen to speak up in a group forum and what he might do to encourage a culture of greater openness; they also address helping the group move towards a shared reality so they can operate at greater speed. He also realizes how he hasn’t appreciated some of the realities of others. Next, Iris shares a sensitive situation of being brought onto a project but not yet invited to some of the key leadership meetings, which she feels is important for the success of the project. She and Molly talk through how she might approach the conversation without coming across as entitled; she wants to advocate in a positive way so that she’s able to contribute fully and benefit the organization (35:50). Lastly, on the topic of bullying, Molly offer words you might use when you’re experiencing a boss’ bullying behavior that’s inadvertent, helping you to be a part of the solution (49:20). Molly’s thought for the week, with appreciation for the late American spiritual teacher, Ram Dass: Our journey is about being more deeply involved in life and yet less attached to it. Tune in for these conversations 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 93 provides insights into a key driver of economic growth—small businesses. In the U.S., they employ nearly half of workers, make up over 99% of all firms and account for 43% of GDP. Molly’s guest, Loren Feldman, shares his journalistic path to becoming founder and editor-in-chief of 21 Hats, a unique online community for business owners. Early obsession as sports editor of his college newspaper led him to being a sports writer in Columbus, Ohio in the days of typewriters (remember those?) and no internet. He found his way to the business desk, drawn to stories of business that kept score through financials instead of runs, baskets or goals. Loren recalls covering the gold rush of fast food. He’s open about struggles as a youth, including the passing of his father when he was just 13. Playing sports was a means to getting comfortable with himself. An early mentor, Bo Burlingham, was pivotal in his career that included covering entrepreneurship at Inc, Forbes and the New York Times, and he shares a dream job as editor-in-chief of Philadelphia magazine. Once in an Inc. focus group, a business owner stated, “I don't want to be told how to run my business by a 23-year-old kid working for a money-losing publication.” This is why Loren took heart in founding 21 Hats, to connect business owners and entrepreneurs so they can learn from each other. Through his “reality radio” podcast, the conversations are raw and real with learnings in business and life, including @Jay Goltz’s recent epiphany… “why do I spend time putting out fires… fire the arsonist!” Listen into how the 21hats community has served as lifeline for business owners persevering through Covid times, as Loren pursues what he’s always wanted to do. Learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Learn more about what it takes to run a business! https://21hats.com Latest podcast: https://21hats.com/episode-65-this-is-where-we-get-into-therapy/ And don’t miss the gems in Loren’s handcrafted newsletter: https://21hats.substack.com/

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 92, Jenn, Molly’s first caller, brings a refreshing outlook and is keen to empower female colleagues, who feel left out and marginalized by what they perceive as “good ol’ boys culture” of a senior male leader. As a statistician, she loves data: “trust in God; all others bring data” and wants to do her part to ensure someone’s reputation isn’t damaged based on hearsay. We discuss how to acknowledge her colleague’s feelings and encourage them to take positive action, vs. be a victim (Note to leaders: appreciating people, even in seemingly small ways, can produce outsized impact). Then Julie shares her inspiring story of becoming a small business owner; she's keen to position her services relative to the competition in order to gain new clients, but is concerned about coming across too aggressively (16:15). Finally, a 30-year veteran in financial services, Gary, calls in pensive about what it would take to leave a safe and secure career and pursue a dream of being his own independent boss. He asks Molly about her own leap of faith in exiting corporate America. Molly shares how vital it is to know yourself, what moves you, and where there is demand. “Managing the downside” is what enabled her to de-risk going out on her own. We also talk about having the conversation with family about making such a move as it impacts all members (34:50). Molly’s thought for the week: Stop pushing so hard on the door looking for happiness—it opens inward. Tune in for these action-provoking conversations as you 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 91 is the 15th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field and helps 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 people to see a bit of themselves in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. Molly’s friend and “way-finding” social intrapreneur, Nate Wong, leads the way; you can pursue meaningful purpose AND a career in big business! With grandparents who emigrated from China to Hawaii—picking pineapples—Nate’s father grew up in Honolulu, his Mother, Fiji. They met as she attended University of Hawaii on scholarship, and opened a Chinese restaurant before heading to the DC area where Nate grew up. While in a relatively diverse community, he shares experiences of not fitting in and struggling with his race—kids making fun of his school lunches, name calling in college—speaking too well to be fully Asian, yet not white enough for other settings. When a professor crossed the line, Nate took a stand with school administration, finding his voice when he needed it. He opens up about the deep introspection resulting from the recent anti-AAPI sentiments... helping him realize how he’s suppressed emotions and been complicit in stereotypes of a monolithic race, a model minority…, and assimilating to a white male leadership model. Molly and he discuss the immense gratitude their parents have for the opportunity to be in America, the constant hospitality they offered to others new to the states, and the lasting impact of their pay-it-forward spirit on their own values. Picking one of the 3 “right” majors—engineering—and earning his MBA from Yale, Nate talks about letting go of what he was supposed to do. He approached his work as testing different hypotheses, “zigzagging” a path to living his purpose. In 10 different countries, he partnered with the likes of the Obama Foundation, Acumen Fund and Endeavor and opened social impact units at Deloitte Consulting and at Boston Consulting Group. Nate also shares gems from his writings: challenging our view of successful innovation to be one that benefits many, not a select few. Molly’s thought for the weekL Lack of courage sabotages more people than lack of ability. Don't beat yourself before you start (FS.blog). Tune in for Nate’s journey, inspiring us to know no boundaries and 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. Episode 90 starts with a shout-out to every listener around the world—the show has passed 100,000 listeners in more than 160 countries around the world! Molly’s heartfelt gratitude for you encouraging those around you to be who they are and to skillfully say what needs to be said! Thank you! Her first caller, Bill, shares that the transition back to the office has him worn down with meeting overload and 12-hour days; he asks how to raise this and create a sustainable work program?! Then Mari, a 3rd generation Japanese-American, is keen for ways to positively and productively talk about anti-Asian sentiments and activity; how can Asians respond and leaders in bigger organizations be more a part of the solution? She shares learning of her own parents being sent to the Japanese internment camps in the US and the lasting impact that had (14:30). Next, Sara presents a challenge of bringing marketing support in-house from a 3rd party firm and how to manage the transition with the key contact whose skills aren’t a fit long term (35:00). Finally, Molly shares two tips: how to use positive intention so that the other person receives you well, and when the topic is especially heated, how to lean into connection and trust before trying to solve (46:30). Molly’s thought for the week: “When you focus on the past, that’s your ego. ... When I focus on the future, that's my pride. I try to focus on the present. That's humility.” — Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2021 NBA Finals MVP, scoring 50 points in a series-clinching 105-98 Game 6 victory that ended the Milwaukee Bucks’ 50-year title drought. Tune in to the show for her conversations as you 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 89 features Rosanne Haggerty, President & CEO of Community Solutions—winner of the MacArthur Foundation $100 million “100&Change” award—and internationally recognized leader in innovative strategies to end homelessness. The US alone spends $12 billion trying to support those experiencing homelessness, but most efforts are not solving the problem! Profoundly impacted by her parents, Rosanne has been at the forefront of tackling homelessness over more than 3 decades. Few in the world comprehensively understand homelessness as she does—listeners will gain an appreciation of the complexities in creating system-wide change. With humility, Rosanne shares her epiphany after 17+ years working on-the-ground about what’s broken, and of how she’d been “part of the problem.” She recounts what it was like in what was then known as “Homeless Hell” in Times Square and to garner local support for the ambitious and highly improbable task of rehabilitating the historic Times Square hotel. That successful endeavor created safe and affordable units with mental health services to help people rebuild their lives. As she continued to learn, she pivoted from focusing on housing sources to the @builtforzero approach, guided by a single aim. You may be surprised that the single biggest barrier is the mindset that homelessness isn’t solvable. IT IS! Check out the 80+ US cities/counties making it a reality every day (https://community.solutions). Your voice matters—implore your city to know who’s experiencing homelessness by name and to act with accountability for measurable results. Molly’s thought for the week: how would it feel if you didn’t have a safe place to sleep tonight? Don’t miss this informing and inspiring conversation about effecting meaningful change. Join the show to get a rare glimpse into Rosanne’s life journey, inspiring 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.

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 88, Molly’s first caller, Bennett, is in college and trying to decide between grad school vs. going directly to a start-up. He also shares the pressure that exists on campus to “pursue your passion” and wonders if that should be the focus; he talks about his friends not wanting to take well-paying jobs in areas that really aren’t of interest and asks Molly about her career regrets. Next, Kennedy, who’s early in career—and has worked among primarily older, male colleagues—calls in keen for ways to help her be heard, contribute fully, and feel fully accepted (22:20). Then Grace joins the show and asks about speaking up when she’s aware of the stereotype that Asian women don’t. She shares being asked “Do people in China wear jeans?” Hear her response and experience with anti-AAPI sentiment, which has been a catalyst for supporting greater social justice in her own community (30:35). Finally, Molly offers thoughts on the transition from fully WFH to being back in the office—a classic opportunity to apply Say It Skillfully® principles (43:40). Molly’s thought for the week: Give yourself permission to be yourself—no one does it better than you. Tune in 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 87 is the 14th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field and helps 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 people to see a bit of themselves in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. This episode salutes the inspiration and power of youths in hearing a voice of GenZ, Brennan Wong. Now early in career at McKinsey & Company, Brennan has done more to effect positive social change at age 23 than most will do in their lifetimes and shares how purpose has served as a guiding force in his thinking and decisions.

With the epiphany of an early volunteer experience, Brennan only recalls thinking about being part of “something bigger” and keenly aware of having a finite time in life. At 16 he started a nonprofit, Pledges for Change, paving for the way for numerous leadership opportunities—named one of Canada’s 20 under 20, a Global Teen Changemaker, a Global Citizen Youth Advocate and one Canada’s delegates to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit in 2017. Brennan shares thoughts on his Chinese-Canadian-Australian identities, areas of study at university, how purpose guides him, and generational differences at work. Tune in for the wisdom of youth—to learn how he’s navigating his life journey, inspiring 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, courtesy of Willie Stargell, 1988 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee: “That's where the future lies, in the youth of today.” Tune in to the show to learn how Brennan is navigating his life journey, inspiring 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.

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 86, Louise, Molly’s first caller, is an HR professional whose company is rolling out a platform for ongoing feedback. She’s excited about this opportunity to reinforce a culture of helping people to grow, and they talk about success factors/pitfalls to avoid, including ways to enroll leaders in driving the initiative. Then, Laurel, part of a newly formed team chartered to innovate in fundraising, is keen for the team to deliver strong results to management. She asks about how to make a fast start to new working relationships and how they can best work together, including building trust and managing conflict (22:20). Finally, Jenny is pursuing a new career as a coach to those with ADHD, and she opens up about struggling to be concise and use the right words when put on the spot for her certification. She’s vulnerable about her response at times to feedback and feeling insecure, and has numerous insights, especially around her own ego (36:30). Molly’s thought for the week: Being more aware gives us the freedom to exist in this moment as we want—to best serve ourselves and those around us. Tune in and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.