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.