Melody Wilding, LMSW

Melody Wilding, LMSW Melody Wilding, LMSW is an influencer

Author of MANAGING UP (out now!) & TRUST YOURSELF | Award-Winning Executive Coach | Professor of Human Behavior | Keynote Speaker | Cat Mama 🐈‍⬛🐈

New York, New York, United States
51K followers 500+ connections

About

⚡️Step into your 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 – the sweet spot where confidence meets influence

Hi, I’m Melody 👋 I help thoughtful, driven professionals like you feel in control of their careers, know where they stand with the people in power, and get what they want at work.

Go from people-pleaser to respected leader, turn self-doubt into confident presence, and fast-track your career.

See, getting ahead IS NOT about…
✕ Putting in the most hours
✕ Saying "yes" to every request
✕ Being the loudest voice in every meeting

The little-known secret of the working world’s top performers? They're not just working hard.

They’ve mastered psychology – both their own and that of those above them.

Everything changes when you understand the art and science of influencing others while keeping your own emotions and insecurities in check.

All the tools you need to unlock your professional power position — grounded in research and real-world experience — are waiting for you.

𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗨𝗣 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗟𝗨𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦
✅ Speak truth to power (without a dry mouth & sweaty palms)
✅ Overcome micromanagement (without overstepping your bounds)
✅ Get in with the right people (without becoming a shameless corporate climber)

𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬
✅ Sail through high-stakes priorities (without cracking under pressure)
✅ Confidently lead your team (without overthinking every decision)
✅ Navigate corporate shuffles (without tearing out your hair)

We've helped thousands of professionals like you…

⚡ Score six-figure bonuses
⚡ Spearhead billion-dollar projects
⚡ Land skip-level promotions
⚡ Earn prestigious awards in their field
⚡ Build new roles around their strengths

And we can't wait to help you next!

⇢ PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK, MANAGING UP: https://managingup.com

⇢ LISTEN TO MY PODCAST, PSYCHOLOGY AT WORK: https://melodywilding.com/podcast

⇢ ACCESS FREE SCRIPTS TO SAY NO AT WORK: https://melodywilding.com/sayno

⇢ WORK WITH US: https://melodywilding.com/resilient

⇢ HIRE ME TO SPEAK: https://melodywilding.com/speaking


Specialties: executive coaching, executive coach, leadership coach, leadership coaching, female keynote speaker, keynote speaker, leadership speaker, management speaker, emotional intelligence speaker, communications speaker, managing up, manage up

Services

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Activity

Experience

  • Penguin Random House Graphic

    Author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge

    Penguin Random House

    - Present 1 month

    Named a Next Big Idea Book Club "Must Read"
    Order the book (hardcover, audio, e-book): 🔗 https://managingup.com

    Reviews:
    "This book helps you decode your boss’s behavior and unlock the career success you deserve.”
    – Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DRIVE, TO SELL IS HUMAN, and THE POWER OF REGRET"

    "Outstanding. Wilding's scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work."
    – Greg McKeown, New York Times bestselling author of…

    Named a Next Big Idea Book Club "Must Read"
    Order the book (hardcover, audio, e-book): 🔗 https://managingup.com

    Reviews:
    "This book helps you decode your boss’s behavior and unlock the career success you deserve.”
    – Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DRIVE, TO SELL IS HUMAN, and THE POWER OF REGRET"

    "Outstanding. Wilding's scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work."
    – Greg McKeown, New York Times bestselling author of ESSENTIALISM & EFFORTLESS

    "Wilding has accomplished something rare and invaluable, combining bigger-picture insight with specific advice so that readers walk away with concrete, practical advice to experiment with. "
    – Sheila Heen, Co-author, DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS & faculty, Harvard Law School

  • Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau Graphic

    Keynote Speaker

    Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau

    - Present 6 months

    Praised as a "world-class" management and emotional intelligence keynote speaker, I translate research into "I can use that today!" techniques. Past engagements include: Amazon, Discover, Visa, Grainger, Hearst, Qualcomm, Walmart, Accenture, and more.

    ✔️ Build influence across the organization to get ideas heard and implemented
    ✔️ Develop natural executive presence with concise, crisp communication
    ✔️ Stop losing good people because of poor manager relationships
    ✔️ Get teams to…

    Praised as a "world-class" management and emotional intelligence keynote speaker, I translate research into "I can use that today!" techniques. Past engagements include: Amazon, Discover, Visa, Grainger, Hearst, Qualcomm, Walmart, Accenture, and more.

    ✔️ Build influence across the organization to get ideas heard and implemented
    ✔️ Develop natural executive presence with concise, crisp communication
    ✔️ Stop losing good people because of poor manager relationships
    ✔️ Get teams to push back constructively instead of saying yes to everything
    ✔️ Handle high-pressure situations (and avoid burnout)
    ✔️ Get your smart overthinkers to take quick, decisive action
    ✔️ Turn difficult personalities into powerful allies

    My talks blend science, story, and a healthy dose of my real-world experience as a bestselling author, professor of human behavior, and coach to thousands of professionals worldwide.

    𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗦:
    🔸 Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge
    🔸 How to Work With Anyone: Confidently Collaborate Across Work Styles and Personalities
    🔸 Push Back with Poise: Say No & Set Boundaries at Work (Without Being a Jerk)
    🔸 Overcome Overthinking: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Make Better Decisions Faster
    🔸 All The Feels: Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Leadership Success

    ⇢ https://melodywilding.com/speaking

  • Melody Wilding, LMSW Graphic

    Award-Winning Executive Coach

    Melody Wilding, LMSW

    - Present 13 years 7 months

    New York, NY

    For over a decade, I've been teaching top-performers worldwide research-backed tools to step into their Professional Power Position™ – that sweet spot where confidence meets influence – using my training as a therapist, award-winning executive coach, and best-selling author.

    We've served thousands of professionals across industries, including companies like Google, Pfizer, PayPal, Pepsi, The World Bank, Salesforce, EY, Meta, Exxon, IBM, KPMG, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, and dozens…

    For over a decade, I've been teaching top-performers worldwide research-backed tools to step into their Professional Power Position™ – that sweet spot where confidence meets influence – using my training as a therapist, award-winning executive coach, and best-selling author.

    We've served thousands of professionals across industries, including companies like Google, Pfizer, PayPal, Pepsi, The World Bank, Salesforce, EY, Meta, Exxon, IBM, KPMG, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, and dozens more.

    🔸 𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧
    Join me for science-backed strategies, real-world tactics, and conversations with top leaders about what it really takes to get ahead while staying true to who you are.

    ⇢ https://melodywilding.com/podcast

    🔸 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗦
    Your fast track to advancing with purpose and peace of mind. My best-in-class, step-by-step coaching and training programs make it easy for you to get out of your own way and step into bigger opportunities.

    ⇢ https://melodywilding.com/programs

    🔸 𝟭:𝟭 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚
    Work privately with a highly trained coach who has extensive experience using my diagnostic tools, methods, and frameworks. Perfect for mid- to senior-level professionals who want customized strategies to master both the inner game (your psychology and emotional regulation) and the outer game (influencing and managing others).

    ⇢ https://melodywilding.com/coaching

  • Chronicle Books Graphic

    Author of Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work

    Chronicle Books

    - Present 5 years 10 months

    ⭐ Ranked #1 Best-Seller on Amazon
    ⭐ Debuted as #1 New Release on Amazon
    ⭐ Selected as an Apple "Best Book of the Month"

    "Groundbreaking and insightful...essential reading for every sensitive, introverted professional."
    ––Susan Cain, bestselling author of Quiet and creator of Quiet Revolution

    Being highly attuned to your emotions, your environment, and the behavior of others can be the keys to success, but they can also lead to overthinking everything and burnout. Trust…

    ⭐ Ranked #1 Best-Seller on Amazon
    ⭐ Debuted as #1 New Release on Amazon
    ⭐ Selected as an Apple "Best Book of the Month"

    "Groundbreaking and insightful...essential reading for every sensitive, introverted professional."
    ––Susan Cain, bestselling author of Quiet and creator of Quiet Revolution

    Being highly attuned to your emotions, your environment, and the behavior of others can be the keys to success, but they can also lead to overthinking everything and burnout. Trust Yourself offers concrete steps to help you break free from stress, perfectionism, and self-doubt so you can find the confidence to work and lead effectively.

    Download a free chapter: https://melodywilding.com/chapter

  • LinkedIn Graphic

    LinkedIn Learning Instructor

    LinkedIn

    - Present 3 years 11 months

    With over half a million learners worldwide, my most popular courses include:

    🔸 Overcome Overthinking
    🔸 Managing Your Emotional Response to Workplace Stress
    🔸 Learning to Say No with Confidence
    🔸 Influence Skills for Leaders and Managers
    🔸 Managing Burnout
    🔸 Leading as a Highly Sensitive Person
    🔸 Succeeding with an Ownership Mindset

  • City University of New York Graphic

    Human Behavior Faculty Member

    City University of New York

    - Present 9 years 9 months

    New York, NY

    Graduate-level Adjunct Lecturer at Hunter College, Silberman School of Social Work teaching Human Behavior in the Social Environment (Adult Psychopathology)
    Instructional designer consulting for online Masters of Social Work (MSW) curriculum

  • CNBC Graphic

    Contributor

    CNBC

    - Present 7 months

    Writing thought leadership pieces for CNBC Make It on managing up, career success, and career growth.

  • Harvard Business Review Graphic

    Contributor

    Harvard Business Review

    - Present 4 years 2 months

    My articles frequently top Harvard Business Review's "Most Popular" list and can be Leadership & Managing People, Communication, Managing Yourself sections.

  • Forbes Graphic

    Contributor

    Forbes

    - Present 8 years 10 months

  • ConsumerMedical Graphic

    Director, Social Innovation

    ConsumerMedical

    - 2 years

  • eCaring Graphic

    Communications Director

    eCaring

    - 2 years 9 months

    New York, New York

  • The New York Academy of Medicine Graphic

    Communications Consultant

    The New York Academy of Medicine

    - 2 years 3 months

    New York, NY

Education

  • Columbia University Graphic

    Columbia University in the City of New York

    Masters

    Activities and Societies: Columbia University Career Coaches Network

    The Columbia Career Coaches Network is a fee-based service of accredited professional alumni career coaches who help Columbia students and alumni reach their career goals.

  • Rutgers University Graphic

    Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick

    Bachelor's Psychology Valedictorian

    Activities and Societies: New Jersey Folk Festival, Psi Chi, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Delta Epsilon Iota, Cognitive Science Club, Big Buddy Mentor Program, Emerging Leaders Institute

    Awards and Honors:

    Rutgers College Dean’s List
    Rutgers College Honors Program
    Academic Excellence Scholarship Recipient
    Harriet and Robert Druskin Endowed Scholarship
    Jerome and Lorraine Aresty Research Scholarship
    Department of Psychology Cooper Scholarship
    Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List
    Personality Psychology Student Teaching Assistant
    Emerging Leaders Institute, “Most Dedicated Member” Award
    National Italian American…

    Awards and Honors:

    Rutgers College Dean’s List
    Rutgers College Honors Program
    Academic Excellence Scholarship Recipient
    Harriet and Robert Druskin Endowed Scholarship
    Jerome and Lorraine Aresty Research Scholarship
    Department of Psychology Cooper Scholarship
    Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List
    Personality Psychology Student Teaching Assistant
    Emerging Leaders Institute, “Most Dedicated Member” Award
    National Italian American Scholarship Recipient

Licenses & Certifications

  • Licensed Master of Social Work

    New York State

Volunteer Experience

  • Chapter Champion - Athletes for Alzheimer's

    Alzheimer's Association

    - 6 months

    Health

Skills

Publications

Honors & Awards

  • "Most Innovative Coaches" Award from Business Insider

    Business Insider

Organizations

  • Columbia University Alumni Association

    -

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