Melody Wilding is a professor of human behavior at Hunter College, a licensed therapist, an executive coach, and the author of Managing Up. She was named one of Insider’s Most Innovative Career Coaches and has been praised by thought leaders like Daniel Pink. Through her research and coaching, Melody has helped thousands of high-achievers navigate the complex relationships and unspoken rules that define career success.

💬 In This Episode:

Melody Wilding joins Founder's Story to unpack the real reason many talented professionals get stuck in their careers—it’s not about skill, it’s about mastering the psychology of the people around you. From decoding power dynamics to influencing with integrity, Melody explains how to “manage up” to leaders, navigate workplace politics, and take ownership of your career trajectory.

Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or building your own business, this conversation is packed with actionable tools to help you lead, influence, and grow.

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• Why your biggest workplace challenges aren’t technical—they’re psychological
• The 10 Conversations that unlock influence, visibility, and career growth
• How to master both your inner psychology and the psychology of others
• The difference between managing up at junior vs. senior levels
• Why avoiding workplace politics is a dangerous mistake
• How to communicate with different leadership styles and power personalities
• The “ownership conversation” and how to act like a business owner in your job
• How small, strategic asks (aka “foot in the door” technique) create big change
• How to build internal visibility without being self-promotional

💡 Key Quote:“Politics are going to happen whether you like it or not. If you opt out, you do so at your own peril.”

📘 Grab the book → ManagingUp.com

🎁 Bonus templates & scripts included with sign-up!

Connect with Melody:

🌐 ManagingUp.com

📚 Author of Managing Up

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY
* Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com
* Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.