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 183 features callers from around the world unpacking their challenging conversations with Molly. Amanda calls in first, and her company has thrived the past few years by embracing change and continues to be in high growth mode. She’s excited about change, though has team members who seem averse to it. Amanda and Molly talk through how to understand the root of the disagreement, and the difference between all “agreeing” vs “aligning” on change. They also review key conditions for successful change. Next Ray, who works in government and leads a high-performing team, is charged up about innovating around feedback, including introducing a way to solicit 360 input from stakeholders across the organization. He’s mindful though, of not overstepping as has been in his new role for a year. Ray and Molly start with his own attitude on performance conversations, including worries, and how “transparency is our friend.” They also offer the aspirational opportunity of feedforward (Thank you Marshall Goldsmith!). (12:05) Then, Staci, who realized college wasn’t for her, and entered the trades inquiries about “climbing the corporate ladder” in a male-dominated profession without a college degree. Staci and Molly talk about her self-confidence and willingness to take the bull by the horn as tremendous assets. Keen to have her ideas taken seriously and feel heard, we go through what and how to communicate in ways where this comes through (34:10)! Don’t miss these top-of-mind conversations on all career phases—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: “Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path.” —Anonymous

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 182 Molly talks with entrepreneur, executive and early-stage investor Naveed Lalani. He joins the show to share his story, starting his entrepreneurial ventures at just 10 years old after moving to the US from Pakistan. Don’t miss a heartwarming account of how Naveed took risks in pursuit of the American dream and found his own path to success. He inspires us to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true 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 181, Molly talks with Jason Reid, a successful leader, entrepreneur and CEO coach who became an activist on a mission to end teen suicide after the tragic loss of his 14-year-old son. He’s an amazing advocate for owning our kid’s mental health and will share what he’s learned about himself and others through his organization, “Tell My Story”. Don’t miss an inside look at an emotional journey that will leave you inspired to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. For more about Tell My Story, visit https://www.chooselife.org/home.

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 180 is the 36th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. In this episode, Molly is joined by Grace Francisco. Grace is a sought-after speaker, CMO and Head of Developer Relations at Pangea and was previously the VP of Developer Strategy at Cisco. Grace joins the show to share her journey, opening up about her struggle with making friends in her early years—crediting American TV as her human connection. Don’t miss her inspiring evolution of going from “painfully shy” to speaking to thousands of people on center stage. Grace includes her tips on being comfortable in your own skin, as well as insights from her leadership roles throughout the years. She inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Sharing my thought for the week, on embracing diversity, from President Martha Pollack at Cornell University (Thank you Robert Glazer for sharing!): “Learning to engage with difficult and challenging ideas is a core part of a university education: essential to our students’ intellectual growth, and to their future ability to lead and thrive in a diverse society. As such, permitting our students to opt out of all such encounters, across any course or topic, would have a deleterious impact both on the education of the individual student and on the academic distinction of a Cornell degree.”

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 179 features Brennan O’Dowd, owner and operator of Raleigh Paint & Improvement. Brennan collapsed into a heroin and Xanax addiction after struggling in his post-college years. He opens up about being at rock bottom and finding the light at the end of the tunnel in painting. Brennan sold his car, clothes and anything else he could find for his first paint van, and through hard work and dedication built a now 5-star rated painting company from the ground up. Tune in to this episode for a personal account of Brennan’s rollercoaster ride of a journey, as well as tips for creating a successful business and staying sober despite an addictive personality. Brennan inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Molly’s thought for the week, from Brennan: Failure is the key to the door of success. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.

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 178 features callers from around the world unpacking their challenging conversations with Molly. Her first caller, Arthur, who volunteer-coaches a youth robotics team, calls in first about a recent not-so-helpful team dynamic. The team made it to the world championships (kudos!) and during the festivities, one young team member boasted about essentially “carrying the team” to their achievement. Hear Arthur and Molly discuss how to apply the Say It Skillfully Me–You–We framework, so he lets go of his (understandable) annoyance and turns a “negative” dynamic into a powerful learning experience for all. Then Maggie shares her struggle in “overthinking”, which makes it harder to give simple and direct feedback to those she’s mentoring. Maggie and Molly talk about the power of establishing her own intention—as one supporting another’s growth—and “transparency is your friend”. Big congratulations to Maggie for being promoted as well, making the transition from individual contributor to formal leader! We also discuss how to take advantage of the team’s early days to connect as human beings and co-create how best to collaborate and support each other’s growth. (16:40) Lastly, Greg, in his early 60’s, shares his experience in interviewing. He’s open about wrestling with people’s perception of being “end of career” and how to reinforce one’s clear skills, expertise and experience. He talks about dismissive behavior in a recent group zoom interview. Molly offers ways to “hold your own and lead yourself first” and not let others diminish your value add. Greg reinforces the need to maintain focus and be patient in the transition process. And a key takeaway is nurturing your network *every day*! (37:00) Don’t miss these top-of-mind conversations on all career phases—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: “Make a choice to build a life you don’t regularly need to escape from.” —Venus Williams

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 177 features former professional tennis player and grand slam champion, Murphy Jensen. Murphy joins the show to recount his heartwarming experience of against all odds recovering from alcohol, drugs, and a near-death cardiac arrest. Don’t miss top takeaways from Murphy’s journey including the importance of open-mindedness and the notion that the teacher appears when the student is ready. He also tells stories from his pro tennis days and talks about his current endeavors in helping people be happier and healthier. Murphy inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true 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 176 features public relations master Art Stevens. Art joins the show to share his journey to the top in the world of PR. He talks about being unexpectedly promoted to PR director at age 25, and shares the ins and outs of owning and running a top PR company. Also, Art goes in depth on his upbringing and battle within to find “the real him”. Don’t miss insights from a true communications expert on the best way to convey a message and more… Art inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Molly’s thought for the week: Believe in yourself – don’t let anyone or anything think you’re not good enough.

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 175 is the 35th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. In this episode, Molly is joined by the inspiring Cordell Carter. Cordell is a speaker and board advisor who brings more than 20 years to his pursuit of a society in which everyone truly belongs. He curates over 3 dozen leadership seminars each year, spreading his knowledge to thousands of leaders. He joins the show to share his story, from a religious childhood to becoming a champion for change in many fields. Don’t miss Cordell’s valuable thoughts on belonging, leveraging technology for greater impact and what leaders can do to lead more effectively. He inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Molly’s thoughts for the week: “Practice makes you better.” & “The best revenge is living well.”

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 174, Molly takes calls from professionals about challenges they face in the workplace. Molly's first caller, Annalisa, opens up about coming to grips with long-time struggles at work that led her to doubt her abilities and self-worth. She shares the benefit of therapy to help her understand and move beyond the gaslighting and work trauma she experienced. Fortunately now in a very supportive environment, she still finds herself hesitant to “give herself credit”. We talk about how she can overcome this old habit! Next, Jim raises the topic of “curiosity” and how being curious can be a superpower both in our professional and personal lives. Jim and Molly talk about the imperative of being genuine when doing so, so that the other feels you’re coming from a place being being truly open. Don’t miss how Jim’s curiosity led to the extraordinary opportunity for him to be a kidney donor for a neighbor, literally transforming a life. (24:05) Finally, Anastasiia shares poignantly of her journey as an immigrant. She shines a light on the challenges of moving from country to country and the feelings of loneliness, being misunderstood and not fitting in. She’s keen to stay kind and be a loving human, while also creating waves of change to better support immigrants so that we embrace our cultural differences, learn from each other and live well together. (40:10) Don’t miss these inspiring conversations—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly's thought for the week: The unexpected pleasure in witnessing another’s happiness: Mudita—Buddhist word for vicarious joy

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 173, Molly is joined by Lori Shemek, a leading fat cell researcher, health and weight loss expert, keynote speaker and award-winning author. As the two time “#1 Global Health Influencer” and a pioneer in inflammation awareness, Lori has a plethora of knowledge to share on how to feel good, mentally and physically. Don’t miss tips from one of the world’s leading health, fitness and diet experts on how we can change our diet and habits to change our life. Lori inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true 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 172 features rapper, record executive, film & television producer, screenwriter and author Alonzo Brown. Growing up in Harlem during a time when New York was in turmoil, with a Father who died when he was 12, Alonzo shares the story of his early days. The poor conditions, crime, and pain of Harlem were hard for most to cope with. Alonzo opens up that the only things getting him by were the love and sternness of his mother, the escape he found in music, and his aspirations for the future. He would gaze out at the skyscrapers he could see from Harlem, dreaming of “living up there one day.” Alonzo gives us the full origin story of his pioneer rap group, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, skipping class to write songs, rehearsing in his Mother’s living room and performing at local community centers. Don’t miss stories from his later days as a rapper and from some of his other ventures in what seems like every corner of the entertainment industry. The show wraps up with Alonzo sharing a piece summarizing his thoughts on overcoming, not stowing, “the black experience” of growing up facing struggle and violence, living in the ghetto, and what it means to find a way out without losing who you truly are. Alonzo inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Molly’s thought for the week: “I don’t know what success is, I’m too busy working at it.”

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 171 is the 34th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. In this episode, Molly is joined by Rima Assiryani, who shares a childhood unlike most of ours, growing up as a Christian in Jordan, a predominantly Muslim country. She shares how this affected her mentality and day to day life. Then, she goes in depth on her education and early career as an architect, noting that she was very unsure of herself at first, and describes the process of gaining trust in her skillset and work ethic—building the confidence she needed to go further in her career and work in the States. Having immigrated to the U.S. from Jordan in 2001, Rima talks us through the process of integrating into a new culture, and praises the community she moved to for being accepting and diverse. She also lets us in on the good, the bad, and the ugly of of raising a multicultural family while working as an architect. Rima inspires all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Molly’s thought for the week: Embrace failing as essential to learning… FAIL = First Attempt In Learning

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 170 features the amazing writer, PR expert, and author Michael Levine. Michael joins the show for a short conversation about how he grew his PR firm, founded on a tiny borrowed desk in a hair salon, to become legendary in the media world, representing 58 Academy Award winners, 34 Grammy winners, and 43 New York Times Best Sellers. He shares what it took to succeed, top learnings from his journey (including that difficult conversations are needed as the only ones we truly grow in), his regrets, and what makes for a great story. Don’t miss insights from a man deemed the “Michael Jordan of entertainment P.R.” from an over 40 year career at the top of his field that’s still going strong. Next, Jim calls in and brilliantly encapsulates what Michael shared in “one word”: discipline! Then, as a baby boomer, he shares a big struggle that he has connecting with the “GenXYZers.” Chuckle at how his over-caffeination got the better of him, and on a serious note how he learned the hard way the imperative of engendering trust. (23:50) Then Heidi, a breast cancer survivor who dedicates all her free time to patient advocacy, shares her conundrum of companies sponsoring panels for cancer awareness and education where everyone is compensated with travel and stipends, except the “patient advocates” (who frequently add the most value to patients and their families!). Hear ways to turn the tables as we cover options for people like Heidi to advocate for themselves. (41:25) Molly’s thought for the week: The fierce urgency of necessity can drive greatness.

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 169 features callers from around the world unpacking their challenging conversations with Molly. Her first caller, Griet, who works in Belgium, shares some of the not-so-subtle differences that she’s encountered with teams across cultures. She talks about nuances even across her small country and vastly different meanings of being “polite. They discuss how teams can proactively create transparency of “differences” and use these as a strength (and create happier work environments). Next, Maha is open about the struggles of her clients, who are not so familiar with American culture and business norms. Feeling misunderstood by co-workers can result in pain none of us would want. Having worked in the Middle East and Canada before the U.S., she’s empathetic about adjusting and finding ways to fit in. From the standpoint of the employee, boss and teammate, they highlight ways for all to be “part of the solution”, and how essential it is that we all take responsibility—to the benefit of individuals and organizations alike (20:35)! Then, Deanne recounts these past years with Covid and a poignant journey of supporting her mother with dementia in a nursing home through unbearably difficult times. She opens up about the depth of despair and not fully appreciating just how difficult the experience was on her—a far more negative impact than she realized at the time. With compassion, she shares her struggles and what it took to indeed forgive others and herself, and to heal (39:30). Finally, Molly responds to a request about how to talk to a manager about self-care boundaries and excessive travel for work that’s draining and unsustainable (52:25). Don’t miss these moving conversations—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: I am the me I choose to be. —Sidney Poitier

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 168, Molly is joined by Kevin Koch, CEO of Koch Enterprises, Inc., who gives an inside look at running a family-owned business that has successfully served customers for 150 years! Kevin shares his story, starting from his early days in school and working jobs such as paperboy and lifeguard. He talks about how he was never overtly asked to join the family business, and always planned to “spread his wings” after college. Kevin talks about his college days at Notre Dame where he studied engineering and describes the unexpected adversity he faced when he first arrived. He goes on to talk about how, after graduating, he learned to work as an engineer for Westinghouse before going to grad school and working at Ford Motor Company and EDF. Kevin shares insights from his early career days, including experience gained in engineering, brand management and purchasing. Not deciding to join the family business until age 33, Kevin shares what influenced him to make the move, and goes in depth on the company’s family hiring policy, which made sure that no “free rides” were given to family members. He opens up about working past the stigma of “owner’s son” and what he had to do to prove himself to his peers. Don’t miss the good, bad & ugly of running a family business for the long haul, insights gained along the way, and Kevin’s biggest regrets and accomplishments from his journey. He inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Molly’s thought for the week (Thank you Kevin): “Shared sacrifice helps us come through stronger.” Learn more about Koch Enterprises here: https://www.kochenterprises.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. Episode 167 is the 33rd monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. Molly is joined by Ezekiel Andrew, an amazing human being and performing artist who has sung in operas and operettas, performed in musical theater productions, and acted in plays including his Broadway debut in 2021. Ezekiel shares what it was like for him growing up as an “artsy kid”; singing in a choir, playing in a marching band, always loving drawing and painting. He talks about how his gospel-singing father was a huge inspiration to his musical career, and shares the story of his first real audition in early high school, as well as how he was blown away by hearing a live opera voice from his 1st voice teacher. Then, Ezekiel opens up about his dark years in Cincinnati where he fell on his face over and over again. Don’t miss how he powered through tough times of failure, financial hardship, and not finding a role by embracing fear and moving forward, refusing to stop. Eventually, Ezekiel found success in a big way after years and years of honing and polishing his craft; he secured multiple theatrical roles including his Broadway debut acting in “The Lion King”, where he acted alongside the same “Mufasa” actor he was inspired by way back in 2008! Molly’s thought for the week: Embrace fear while moving forward, do not stop.

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 166, 23-year old Carly Jump inspires all ages with a heart-warming journey of embracing the unknown, courage, faith, and perseverance. She reveals the power within to create a positive future. Growing up in Oklahoma, Carly is open about never feeling that she fit into the preppy, sports-oriented environment. Her art and creative interests were grounding but she knew she’d need to leave, saying “everyone needs to leave your hometown to find themselves.” She talks about what it was like for her at age 7 when her parents divorced and she had early struggles with mental health, including time in the hospital. Precocious and an avid student in elementary and middle school, by high school she was burned out. Summer art camps and baking with her mom and grandmothers turned out to be saviors for Carly in her youth and now career. With high school her biggest stressor, she took the last year online, while working at the local Walmart to save money she knew she’d be needing. Carly shares how her mom has always been her biggest role model—hardworking despite big challenges. Hear how Carly’s “summer daydreaming” led to her one-way ticket to NYC (and her mom’s brilliant response). The rest is a movie script. No job, a rented bunk bed in hostel-style airbnb, a random job as “counter girl” at a bakery, crying every night and talking to mom (who was firm, “stay in nyc”), rapidly promoted to manage her peers, Covid hits, owner unsure they’ll make it, Carly’s relationship with a kid customer who had VC parents saves the day. Carly made partner and Funny Face Bakery now has two flagship stores, an e-commerce operation and a B2B division. Uniquely combining art and baking, they are known as America’s first “pop culture bakery”. They are a hit with celebrities and everyone else for the spirit of generosity and connection their delectable cookies stand for (treat yourself! #foodinsider name them #1 choc chip cookie in NYC). Carly shares her (meteoric) business education on the job. Her and Molly talk about self-doubt, being a people pleaser, setting boundaries, hiring great people and self-compassion. Don’t miss the joyful sense of possibility, humility and purpose Carly exudes! She inspires us to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be seen, heard and understood, and our true and best selves. Thought for the week (Thank you Carly): You don’t need to hide your struggles. Take the leap!

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 165 features callers from around the world unpacking their challenging conversations with Molly. Her first caller Predrag, whose background is computer science, shares his feelings with the recent deluge of tech layoffs. He recalls that looming feeling of “will it be me?” He describes people performing well for 10 and 15 years, then—boom—out of nowhere, the role is no longer needed. Predrag and Molly talk about this from every perspective, in hopes of creating more compassion and understanding, and empowering people (including his two sons) to think entrepreneurially and better influence their destinies. Then Rajendra raises a tough dynamic with a non-talkative colleague, with whom he really does need to talk in order to work together. He and Molly unpack this with her “Me—You—We” framework to help him consider what it’s like for this quiet mind. They talk about “vulnerability being a must for trust” and how Rajendra might extend the olive branch first to help his colleague be more open (17:30). Lastly, just starting in her career (and debt-free out of college thanks to working all through school!), Michaela shares how she’s cranking on all cylinders and loves working in HR for a mechanical contractor. She opens up about a big life transition; she and her boyfriend are moving out of their parents’ homes and into their own place! And she’s keen to be proactive and make the transition positive all the way around. Michaela talks with Molly about how they communicate and the nice complement of their somewhat opposite styles. And while they’re career-oriented, focus on life outside of work has them quite balanced. Lots to learn and appreciate from #GenZ, including a quote that’s helping Michaela embrace change: Change is scary, but so is staying the same (31:00). Tune in for thought-provoking conversations—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly adds another thought for the week: Continuous improvement beats delayed perfection. Please, be part of the solution and kindly share this. Let’s start the Say It Skillfully conversation for all—and amp up your own skillfulness with Molly’s free Mini Course here! https://bit.ly/3SgwLaS

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 164, Frank Sciame, founder of Sciame Construction, shares his unique path to success in business and life. Growing up in East Brooklyn, Frank’s family was not well off financially, but he was blessed to be surrounded by loved ones who were positive influences and big supporters of him. He shares that, from a young age, he found an escape by building things and also gained respect for the working man because of his father. Frank talks about his unique education and path to success, including many ups and downs, learning along the way that when things don’t work out, it’s not necessarily bad and that no matter how bad it seems at the time, it’s happening for a reason... Life has a plan. Frank gives us an inside look at his business, Sciame Construction, and talks about how it’s “all about people”. At one time, three big projects crashed and burned, taking him from being on top of the world to humbled by the struggles of owning his own company; this served as a big reason why he made sure his kids faced their own share of adversity. He also shares how the time and priority management skills gained from construction helped him balance his work and family life. Frank talks about the most important things in trying to be a phenomenal leader and shares keys to success, including the most important point: LEAD BY EXAMPLE. He 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. P.S. Didn’t have time to touch on this today, but check out this WSJ article with a great story about what Frank created for his grandkids: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-new-york-builder-restores-historic-connecticut-lighthouse-for-sleepovers-with-his-grandchildren-11635426459 Molly’s thought for the week, from Frank’s Mom: When there’s a will, there’s a way.