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.

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 163 is the 32nd 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 Rorke Denver, who gives an inside look into what it has been like being a Navy SEAL Commander, family man, author, actor and keynote speaker. First, Rorke talks about his upbringing, sharing how thankful he is for his parents, how he found his footing in the world by playing sports—culminating in leading a 2-time national championship lacrosse team at Syracuse University. He knew from an early age that with discipline, focus, drive and a dream, he could do anything. Hear how Rorke was a keen and effective learner, even though classroom academics were not his strong suit. Rorke shares how the ideas of service and earning your spot at the table (from Winston Churchill’s autobiography) were driving forces in his decision to join the military; the challenge of an 80% attrition rate fueled his desire to be a SEAL. He talks about the toughness of SEAL training, and explains how keeping a “long range focus” and bringing those around him up were key factors in making it through the intense training. Rorke opens up about his time as a SEAL commander, shares what it was like leading hundreds of harsh missions with life or death consequences, praises the teammates he had along the way, and tells stories from those missions, including a close call that demonstrates how “making your practice perfect” led to lives being saved. Lastly, Rorke talks about his post-military life. He shares lessons learned and top takeaways from becoming a best-selling author, actor, keynote speaker and family man. Don’t miss Rorke’s advice for leaders, including the importance of having non-negotiables, and how the best of the best are “students of leadership.” Molly’s thought for the week (thanks Rorke): Reach for an inch.

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: When you learn that a person’s behavior has more to do with their internal struggle than it ever did with you, you learn grace.

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 129 is the 24th 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 Eduardo Rallo, who shares an epic entrepreneurial journey—selling sweets as a child in Mexico to starting a restaurant chain to co-founding the first US-Mexico cross-border VC firm, Brainstorm Ventures, early investor OpenTable and Zappos! Eduardo grew up in Cuernavaca—a small town outside Mexico City with freedom to pretty much do what he wanted as a child. Son of a refugee from the Spanish Civil War, he attributes his risk-taking and entrepreneurship to his mother and her entrepreneurial family. Unlike most kids, Eduardo was driven to expand his possibilities, and at age 17, he set off for UC San Diego—one family friend the only soul he knew. He recounts early fears and forging a few life, including working through school (a work ethic ingrained as a kid, selling American candies and Hallmark stickers in his hometown…) Hear how an innocent question at age 10 led him to Harvard Business School. His successful food-based business ventures continued post HBS, when he and friends opened a store selling burrito “wraps”—working 7am to 1am, they had lines out the door from the start and VC funds followed… Eduardo talks vulnerably about his first consulting job post-UCSD as the first Deloitte & Touche employee. Enjoy a defining moment: tasked to use Excel spreadsheet skills that he said he had, but didn’t... (and pulling 3 all-nighters). Don’t miss Eduardo’s learnings on his entrepreneurial journey, how he and his wife Sylvia partnered in business, and his early mid-life crisis—leading their 10-year plan to achieve their personal and professional goals. Eduardo is moved by bringing ideas and people together to succeed and shares massive gratitude for his diverse international global community. Privileges he's had in life have made his work with Silicon Valley Foundation meaningful. Many valuable gems, including: -Balance the trade-offs to create business growth AND maintain healthy relationships. -Learn to say “no.” -Organizational skills and discipline to keep routines and prioritize, while staying flexible. Eduardo’s courage to “have dreams and shoot high,” his work ethic, family focus, and joie de vivre inspire. He shows the way to succeeding on your terms and being your true and best self. Molly’s thought for the week: “With privilege comes responsibility.” More ways to help you #sayitskillfully! * Project the Right Energy https://lnkd.in/gWaaQ8J * All Molly’s videos by category here: https://sayitskillfully.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 162 features the 2nd episode of “Tough Talks From the Top”—helping listeners to learn from those who’ve served in senior-most executive positions and how they’ve been able to stay true to themselves, say what needed to be said AND thrive in big corporate settings. Jeannie Diefenderfer shares her experience working in senior executive ranks, actually leading the change needed for cultures where people can stay true to themselves, say what needs to be said AND thrive in big corporate settings. Jeannie talks about her upbringing, moving from Seoul to the states at age 13, without knowing any English. She gives us an inside look on where she thrived and where she struggled while adjusting to a new life. Don’t miss the story of how she dealt with kids who would bully her on the way home from school, standing up for herself (this would become a commonality throughout her life). Also, hear Jeannie talk about the process of going from no English knowledge to skipping a grade in school and even memorizing textbooks. Jeannie shares experiences from her professional journey, from her first internship to her 28-year career with Verizon Communications. Hear about how she overcame hate and doubt from those around her and thrived in her own way: developing a reputation for over-delivering every job and moving on to hold critical roles, including SVP of Global Engineering & Planning, SVP of Enterprise Customer Care, and Chief Procurement Officer. Don’t miss Jeannie’s top takeaways from her decorated career. She 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.

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 161 is the 31st 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 Lola Adedokun, who reflects on a life journey that’s been “so much fun!” Lola talks of her parents’ move from Nigeria to Wisconsin, and being raised with her two brothers in both the Midwest and South. Upfront that race relations had much to be desired, she contrasts overt KKK exclusion with “nice” racism, and shares what a blow it was to her to be called the N word to her face in school. Her parents never allowed racism as an excuse to not achieve their potential, and she’s open about how it was in adulthood that dealing with this issue was most difficult. Lola recalls her parents’ expectations for her and her brothers—you *will* go to an Ivy League college, and can pick any profession as long as it’s doctor, lawyer or engineer. You’ll chuckle at how she escaped pre-med. Also, Lola talks about various side hustles that helped pay her way through her Dartmouth studies. Committed to improving public health and health ??systems for those living at the world’s margins, Lola had an unexpected foray into philanthropy. The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation opened her eyes and opportunities to build powerful partnerships to reduce inequality, strengthen communities and promote evidence-based policy decision-making. Don’t miss the many epiphanies she shares from over a 15-year tenure at the foundation (and her Say It Skillfully challenge as she transitioned to her new role at The Aspen Institute). Lola recognizes pivotal role models who helped her find her voice and to comfortably be a Black woman with power. When it comes to building the bridges in an individualistic American society, Lola offers ways we can all be “part of the solution” to address uneven playing fields. Tune in as she 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, courtesy of Lola: Everywhere you go, look at the human next to you and know they have a story. See them for who they are and create space for them.

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 160, Dustin Plantholt shares his story of being faced with adversity and deciding to be tougher. Raised by a father who stole cars and was addicted to drugs, in a rotten timber house with brown tap water, Dustin opens up about how he processed his circumstances at the time, and what his upbringing means to him today. Don’t miss the story of when Dustin was brought along on a high speed chase, resulting in his father being sentenced to 16 years. Also, he shares how he was in and out of foster homes, and how he noticed some parents were only in it for the money. He also talks about his appreciation for his sister as a mentor, and shares her story of developing a heroin addiction and having to leave the family. Dustin shares how his mentality grew stronger over the years, deciding that he would be “tougher than life” and thrive in many ways despite his not so perfect upbringing. Hear about Dustin’s many entrepreneurial endeavors, including comic book writer, TV contributor, editor and film actor/producer. Also he talks about his dive into the world of crypto, and how he ended up as The Count of Monte Crypto. Dustin 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. My thought(s) for the week: The purpose of life is to find your gift, develop it and give it away. —Dustin Plantholt… The important thing is to never stop questioning. —Albert Einstein

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 159, Molly talks with callers about how to “promote yourself” (when you’ve been taught that’s *not* what you do), implement unlimited PTO and give feedback that your boss receives well! Molly’s first caller, Jenny, struggles with overcoming a fear of “bragging” when she needs to promote her own work. We talk about overcoming norms from her Asian upbringing and how it’s far easier for her to coach others to do this than actually do it herself! (A top tip: record yourself and practice.) Next, Jim shares the launch of unlimited PTO at his company! He talks about the positive and not so positives of how it was communicated, and asks for how to ensure his team members actually take the time they need. While the initial roll-out had a few misses, senior management thoughtfully followed up to help the organization embrace this. Hear how Jim is successfully navigating this change with his leadership, team and himself (18:30)! Finally, Grace talks about a new boss and challenges in getting the feedback she offers (which her boss has requested) to land well. She shares that her communication is quite direct, aiming for clarity. Grace and Molly talk about starting first in creating positive space for her and her boss to connect, so that Grace’s positive intention to be helpful actually is felt. This then paves the way to discuss any feedback (36:45). Don’t miss these in the moment situations of professionals like yourself. Learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself! Molly’s thought for the week: Our job is to love the unlovable. —Shinzen Young

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 158, Molly’s first caller, Kody, sees more potential in a team member than they see in themself and wants to inspire them to go for more! They talk about ways, both more and less subtle, to ignite that spirit (and be ok, if it’s not meant to be). Then, Michelle shares the frustration of not being heard—an idea she puts forth gets no reaction; later someone says the exact same thing and gets a rave review. Even worse, this has happened with a senior leader seemingly taking others’ ideas. We talk about numerous ways to approach. A few of Michelle’s top takeaways: “assume positive intent” and sometimes “I gotta say something: must be willing to take a chance!” (9:25) Next, Claire raises a delicate situation with many “different realities.” Another colleague of color was deeply hurt by how her presentation was received by the Board. Other colleagues’ attempt to explain landed as defending the Board. Emotions ran even higher with feelings of white supremacy. Claire and Molly talk about how to support a hurt colleague, validate other colleagues and find a positive way forward (34:30). Finally, the past few years have been very challenging on people’s health. As a coach, Pooja has been asked by clients how best to raise the topic of mental health and convey safety for people to express difficulties (45:15). Don’t miss these heartfelt and engaging conversations—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself! Molly’s thought for the week: Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are. —Chinese proverb

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 157, Phyllis Kurlander Costanza shares her story of making mistakes, dusting herself off, and learning to overcome anything. From a young age, Phyllis had a great sense of responsibility and independence. She talks about cleaning houses with her best friend at only five years old for a nickel, which helped spark her entrepreneurial goals. And, Phyllis tells the story of when she learned to have thick skin when handing out political flyers in “enemy territory”. Don’t miss stories from Phyllis’ work as an entrepreneur and around the world in private and nonprofit sectors, including recognizing in government “your currency is your influence”, the tough conversation when she had to fire somebody for the first time, and leaving a dream job in Albany working for the Governor. She shares insights into the different sector needs and how to create win-win collaboration, including how she managed to get one chance from UBS that led to growing their Optimus Foundation from $10 to $200 million. Phyllis also goes in depth about her battle with cancer. She shows gratitude for her family, and shares the ways they supported her during this long endeavor. Phyllis talks about her company, OutcomesX, and how she is helping Ukraine, where she previously spent time living, by supporting children and families in Ukraine and those that have fled. She is focused on improving mental health and learning outcomes of children. Phyllis 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, from Nelson Mandela: “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of our children.”