Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank, joins Molly Tschang on the Say It Skillfully podcast to share her inspiring journey from corporate leadership to nonprofit work, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, self-discovery, and mission-driven leadership. Trisha discusses her early life challenges, the importance of education, and the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership style. She talks about her work at the North Texas Food Bank, highlighting the need for strong governance and effective practices to serve the community better. Trisha reflects on her personal growth, the significance of listening as a leader, and the impact of her experiences on her current role. 

Ganesh Iyer, CEO of Etnyre International, joins Molly on the Say It Skillfully podcast to share his inspiring journey from a humble upbringing in India to navigating the corporate world and becoming a CEO. He discusses the importance of putting people first in business, the challenges of leadership, and the philosophy of optimizing profit while improving lives. Ganesh reflects on his experiences, the lessons learned from mistakes, and the significance of work-life integration. The conversation emphasizes the value of kindness, adaptability, and the pursuit of meaningful work.

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. Here is Episode 206 for you – respected Canadian Armed Forces Officer Kelly Williamson’s unlikely journey inspires us to live up to our own potential. Kelly joins the show to share her story, starting with the massive change of scenery brought about by joining a military college after graduating from a performing arts high school. Hear captivating stories and insights from her journey throughout the process of attending military school and becoming an officer for the Canadian Armed Forces. She shares first-hand accounts of assisting with humanitarian aid in Afghanistan in 2011, Haiti in 2010, and Nepal in 2015. Don’t miss hearing lessons that Kelly learned along her amazing career, including the necessity of not being too proud to ask for help, and accepting that you might not “fit the mold.”

Molly’s thought for the week (Thanks, Kelly): “Be kind, be brave, be you.”

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 117 is the 21st monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. In hearing the life journeys of people you might not otherwise encounter, listeners gain empathetic understanding for what may be a very different experience of what it means to grow up, go to school, struggle, work and live in our world. 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, we are given a front row seat to the journey of Molly’s friend Peter Tavernise, whose tiger-like courage and self-assuredness inspires. Peter grew up a “military brat”, learning early the importance of serving others from his Air Force father and mother, who taught underprivileged students, some in extreme poverty. After college, Peter saw the possibilities of the Internet for nonprofits. Joining the “Circuit Riders” volunteer brigade, he introduced the Internet to many nonprofit executive directors from Florida to Chicago. He found his dream job at Cisco to literally “transform the nonprofit sector through the use of the internet.” He shares the best and worst as Executive Director of the Cisco Foundation from creating engaging math games for kids and creating Covid internet solutions to reconnecting regions after natural disasters. Peter opens up about the decline of his health—years of symptom after symptom cascading in—all the while test results not showing what exactly was wrong. After a former marine said, “You look like a prisoner of war,” he began to work from home. Peter was suffering and “begging the universe for just 5 minutes a week where I didn’t feel like I was going to die.” After 7 years and 32 different health professionals, one doctor finally cracked the code, and so began his road to recovery. Hear how he went from catastrophizing everything—fixated on relentless pain—to resilience, the power of somatics and invaluable life lessons. A few gems:
If you can’t change your circumstances, you must change who and how you are within them
When discouraged, encourage others
It’s important to have an answer to “what’s next?”
Like a plant needs water, sunlight and soil; people need safety, belonging and dignity
Treat yourself as you would anyone else you care deeply about
Peter’s past has indeed served its purpose; he inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to safety, belonging and dignity, so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true and best selves. Molly’s thought for the week— Peter:
May I be well, may I be healthy, may all beings be well, may all beings be healthy.

In Episode 116, Molly is joined by Joel Press, who shares a heartwarming journey—struggles in learning as a kid to a storied 50+ year career as CPA and hedge fund pioneer! Joel grew up struggling in school—being held back, nearly put into special needs classes, kicked out… and only as an adult realized he had ADHD. He opens up about what it was like being called stupid and the long-lasting impacts of that being ingrained in him. Joel wasn’t always open about his ADHD, but has learned that sharing his story can be powerful for others. He believes, “if you expose your own weaknesses with others, it helps them recognize their own” and talks passionately of using his learnings and experience to mentor parents of children with learning disabilities. “Normal brains can’t understand an ADHD brain.” He encourages those with ADHD to trust their judgment and recognize how doing things differently than others is ok and to never doubt yourself. Joel attributes much of his success to lessons learned from his parents who, while not having formal higher education, were smart and taught him well. Working in his father’s seltzer water business, young Joel drove truck routes at 4:00 am, 6-days a week—work ethic never in question. As a high school senior, he was voted least likely to succeed. Believing in himself, Joel applied to college, but was told by a guidance counselor, “Don’t waste your time!” Joel and parents ended up convincing them to accept him,... ultimately, he graduated number two in his class in accounting! Joel’s career unfolded with a start in accounting, rising to partner and member of a top firm’s national management committee, then starting the Global Hedge Fund practice at Ernst & Young, and several entrepreneurial endeavors of his own. Don’t miss Joel recount his early years, known as a rebel rouser, and saying what he thought, not what he “should have”... helping him turn what could have been career-ending screw-ups into great “luck” (must hear 43:05). Though he’s met “every famous hedge fund person,” Joel’s groundedness and humility are front and center. “Doing the right thing is paramount, and integrity is everything” have kept him true to himself, even in tough times. And he’s open about being broke and his family life on the rocks, with divorce both the greatest tragedy and best thing that happened to him. Joel stresses the importance of “believing in yourself, knowing you’re going to make mistakes, listening to what other people have to say, and never looking back on a decision.” He talks about the meaning he finds in his mentoring and community work and also offers an inside look at the world of Wall Street, including thoughts on diversity. “Never smart enough to deviate from the truth” Joel speaks from the heart, as he only knows how—inspiring us all 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. More on Joel’s work today: https://pressmgmt.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. In Episode 115, Molly is joined by Tim Fitzpatrick. With three decades in the world of collegiate athletics, Tim shares how sports changed his life and can be a game changer for young people in school and life. Tim and his sister grew up lower, middle-class, and while his parents weren’t college-educated, they knew school would be the difference for their children. He speaks poignantly of the sacrifices his parents made, enabling him to attend private Catholic schools that created a rock solid framework of values and discipline that has served him his entire life. He reminisces of playing catch in the yard every night with his dad, his journey to being a college athlete and the realization that his ability to play sports was not a right, but a privilege. His career includes the athletics programs at many top-tier and NCAA Division 1 schools, including U.S. Coast Guard Academy, West Point, Texas A&M, Indiana University, University of North Carolina-Charlotte and University of Pittsburgh—holding numerous roles including athletic director. Tim gives us an insider perspective on the ever-changing world of collegiate athletics, the NCCA and how student-athletes are impacted by certain rules. Having raised millions of dollars and navigated these intense environments, he also talks about his own career transition that enabled him to leave the “rat race” and succeed on his terms. Don’t miss Tim’s perspective on the issues that youth sports are faced with in today’s world and an important lesson passed down from his father on being grateful. Join Tim and Molly for a thought-provoking conversation in an area with the potential to transform how young people feel about themselves.
Molly’s thought for the week:
“Don’t permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure.”
—Joe Madden, Manager of the Anaheim Angels Major League Baseball Team

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 114 Christian calls in first with how to deal with a sensitive “elephant on the table” issue (it is the big boss!). Then Jason, soon to graduate from college, asks about the balancing act of “selling oneself” in an appropriate way. We also talk about preparing for interviews, including the “tell me about yourself” question, and the mindset that you are also interviewing the organization (11:50). Next, Veronica shows her vulnerability: recently promoted into a leadership role, she’s in new territory where influencing and collaborating across a broad set of stakeholders is crucial and requires a different skill set than executing on the work. Veronica and Molly delve into her “me-you-we” framework to help her in building strong relationships (32:15). Molly wraps with a scenario from The New York Magazine ethicist column (1/4/22) to provide the words to help someone diplomatically maintain appropriate boundaries in a professional relationship (49:30). Tune in to unpack these challenges and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself!
Molly’s thought for the week: “A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the constant pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.” —Albert Einstein (in 1922 he wrote this and noted to the bell boy that it would someday be worth more than a tip—in 2017 the note sold for over $1.5 million)

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 113 is the 20th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. In hearing the life journeys of people you might not otherwise encounter, listeners gain empathetic understanding for what may be a very different experience of what it means to grow up, go to school, struggle, work and live in our world. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. Molly starts the new year with a strong, young voice. “Never-giving up” 16-year old GenZ Lea Wilson delights in bringing a smile to young and old alike. Born and raised in New York City, Lea was diagnosed with dyslexia in the 3rd grade. Discovering this was itself quite a roller coaster ride. She talks about navigating many different schools and observes that she was never taught to consider her dyslexia as a disability, but instead a way of learning and thinking differently, as in being “neurodivergent.” Continually in circumstances with people not familiar with what it’s like, she opens up about the disheartening feeling around not reading well, and about handling sensitive conversations that accelerated her own skillfulness and strong sense of self-advocacy. “Don’t take others’ words to heart–they’re telling more about them than you.” Lea’s passion for art and sports also play a huge role in her sense of self, and her thoughts on “boy crazy-friends” bring a chuckle. She lets us into the struggle she’s having after an unexpected surgery that’s cast some dark clouds around her and impacted her studies, the stress of college applications, and how she seeks guidance from her parents. Learn from her mantra, “Suck it up and ask for help when you need it!” Don’t miss this opportunity to bask in the “lightness” and courage of a very bright light. Lea inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard. Molly’s thought for the week (Thanks to her friend Bonnie Reuben): A life full and rich with love knows no bounds. It is only contained by the room the heart makes for it. Resources to help you #sayitskillfully!
—Take advantage of the wisdom of youth—you won’t regret it http://bit.ly/38i5sbU
—Self-confidence starts with you! http://bit.ly/2NyZxHN
—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. In Episode 112, Molly is joined by Jillion Potter, captain of the 2016 USA women’s rugby team. When she was 5, Jillion’s parents split with a joint custody arrangement where her sister, twin brother and her moved each year. Adapting to different cities and different schools wasn’t an option. Jillion shares how sports were integral to her own groundedness, and an early, unpleasant example of how bias from her high school basketball coach—who kicked a player off the team for coming out—affected her emotionally. She recalls growing up very low income–living on food stamps, going paycheck to paycheck, standing by the oven for heat…all fueling her deep sense of empathy for others. Jillion shares her unique and unlikely rugby journey: being a complete beginner in college, meeting her wife Carol through the sport, and ultimately becoming an Olympic captain. As tough off the field as she is on, not only was Jillion able to recover from a career-ending type of neck injury, she also recounts her experience of overcoming cancer twice, not letting fear keep her from re-joining the Olympic team and deciding to raise a child despite her illness and uncertainty of the future. Jillion also dives into her transition to the corporate world, and what being a mother means to her. Tune in to hear how going with the flow and doing the absolute best she can led Jillion to succeed in multiple facets of life. Jillion inspires all 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. In Episode 111, Molly’s first caller, Alisha, is excited about the transition of her company to a new owner, but mindful that her team may not all share her gusto. Alisha and Molly talk about bringing her team together to be even more cohesive through the change, including helping those who are fearful due to poor past experience in acquisitions. Then Steven, honored to be an elected official in his town, is open about feedback he received: ”You come across as dismissive.” Keen to be in service to his community and to avoid “smartest one in the room syndrome,” Steven and Molly talk through what’s going on for him, and how to be authentic and productive as he starts off in this new chapter of public service (17:50). Gary then calls in very curious about the nature of communications across generations, specifically with one’s superiors and in social media, where caution seems thrown to the wind. His experience is that earlier-in-career professionals come across less constructively with bosses than they think. Molly shares examples of young people empowering themselves to overcome challenges of working through Covid. And they discuss how the boss, or parent, might handle helping younger folks consider actions resulting in a “forever” impact or consequences completely out of their control. And they have a lively chat about embracing feedback as the ultimate in teamwork (36:40)! Tune in to unpack these challenges and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.
Molly’s thought for the week: “It’s ok to disappear until you feel like you again.” —Allison Aars

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 110 is the 19th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. In hearing the life journeys of people you might not otherwise encounter, listeners gain empathetic understanding for what may be a very different experience of what it means to grow up, go to school, struggle, work and live in our world. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. In Episode 110, Molly is joined by NFL Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin, who talks about pivotal people and moments in his life and career and how they shaped him. Curtis shares what it was like growing up in one of the most violent neighborhoods in the country, inside an even more volatile household with a mentally unstable father who was abusive toward his mother. By the time Curtis was 20, nearly 40 of his friends and relatives had been murdered, including his beloved grandmother. He talks of looking death in the eyes more than once, and believes his life was spared by a miracle (one involving a direct plea to God.) He’s open about how he used this trauma as fuel to turn his life around and how it gave him an ability to see outside of himself and put himself in other people's shoes to help them change their lives. While his NFL coach, Bill Parsells, was literally the 1st positive role model he ever had, he also recounts a not-so-positive coaching experience that changed his life's trajectory! You may be surprised to hear how football was NOT a passion…and what it took for Curtis to realize why football came into his life. He shares the one word that captures his essence, and an off-the-charts example of how he uses this to serve others. (35:40) There are SO MANY gems in Curtis and Molly’s conversation; here's just a small sampling: 1) Don’t let yourself be defined by the traumatic events you’ve experienced, the environment you come from, or how other people view you. 2) Face every problem in your life head on. (29:34) 3) From his coach, Bill Parsells: There’s a difference between routine and commitment—you have to be truly committed to something to take it to the next level. To this day, Curtis applies this principle to all facets of his life. 4) A leader shouldn’t sit on the mountain top yelling down commands—they must join the group in the valley and lead them out by example. 5) Walking in forgiveness is Curtis’ superpower! (1:05:25). Don’t miss Curtis speak poignantly about his role as husband and father (1:01:50). Curtis demonstrates what it means to live one’s values, find your true north and inspire others to do the same. Molly’s thought for the week (Thank you, Curtis :) When change is necessary, not to change is destructive.

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. In Episode 108, Bob Whalen shares his unexpected journey to becoming CEO of a company with the ambition of lasting 200 years under employee ownership! Eldest of four boys, Bob’s leadership training started at a young age. While he was the first of his family to actually go to college, it was always the expectation. Bob shares the impact and valuable lessons of both of his parents, including the words of his mother—“nobody is better than you, and you are no better than anyone else.” Along with his sports upbringing, this paved the way not only for his college decisions, but also for the evolution of his business values. With lightness, Bob shares how “he had no idea” what job he’d do after college, and offers one of his “cringeworthy” learning moments, showing how senior leaders must continuously learn. He stresses the importance of being receptive to feedback and admitting mistakes, and opens up about the beginning of the pandemic when he told his workers that it’s their societal duty to get vaccinated. After receiving feedback and reflecting, Bob concluded that while he does strongly feel this way, it’s not his job as CEO to choose what his employees’ values should be. Learn also about the company’s successful acquisition strategy. Join Bob and Molly for an engaging discussion about the impact of family, taking risk and leading in a way that creates meaningfulness in people’s lives. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that will help you learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

Read more to learn how a 100-year-old company plans to reach its 200th anniversary

https://www.tugboatinstitute.com/a-100-year-old-companys-plan-to-reach-its-200th-anniversary/

Molly's thought for the week (Thank you Bob):
Strive to be the best version of yourself. Get a little bit better each day.

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 205 features successful professionals and what’s top of mind for them.

Molly’s first caller, Kris, is facing a situation that’s challenging emotionally and a significant new responsibility as he steps in to handle his grandmother’s finances. The bureaucracy, change of financial advisors, lack of responsiveness, and errors are extremely frustrating, yet he’s got to make it work. He and Molly talk about ways to reset his own mindset, so that Kris can create a productive relationship with the new advisor. Hear him reflect on his tendencies and embrace taking a step back to create space to move forward in a better way. Next Onwar, who is early in career, opens up about a defining career moment! He is in an apprentice program and being considered for a permanent position (which would be a gamechanger in his ability to support his family). He shares his non-traditional path into software engineering, as the college route proved not to be a fit for him, and learnings in navigating the corporate workplace. He and Molly talk about his strategy to understand the evaluation process and how best to position himself. And don’t miss Onwar’s openness to new ideas for how to reach out to his boss’ boss (16:15). Then Hugi is keen to reach out for paid board and consulting assignments and utilize his risk, automation and multicultural expertise. Molly suggests informational interviewing as a way to get to know organizations and building relationships to have an internal sponsor. With Latino heritage Hugi also asks about diversity as a dimension he brings. Molly offers thoughts for him in considering how an organization values diversity in the broadest sense and to be specific about the ways he can be value add (37:10). Tune in and learn how to navigate work and life while being invaluable and true to yourself! Molly’s thought for the week: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” And—she invites you to check out her 1st LinkedIn Learning course, “Leadership Communication in the Flow of Work.” In this post, click on the LinkedIn Learning logo under the video (on the left) to access free for 24 hours.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mollytschang_sayitskillfully-communicationskills-passion-activity-7099873982077657088-L-qC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

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 107, Molly is joined by Dalith Steiger, top digital shaper and leading voice in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem. Born in Israel, raised in Switzerland, Dalith shares how her start in school was hardly smooth and what it took to overcome teachers who bluntly said, “You don’t belong here.” She speaks fondly of a pivotal role model, her grandmother, now 101 years old! Her parents' belief in her was also essential, especially when she switched to a new school for a re-start, and began to excel in physics and math—which she describes today as “just another language.” After university, Dalith describes the influence of her family and starting her own in her first role as a software developer for a bank. Take note of how SHE drove her recruiting process! With parenting her primary purpose she shares how health issues with her oldest daughter presented a twist that led to building a design agency with her husband. Once her daughters were in high school, Dalith began to chase her true passion—“technology is where my heart beats.” Passion for the human and ethical aspects of AI and its impact on society and new business potential led her to team up with Andy Fitze and co-found the award-winning AI start-up SwissCognitive and the CognitiveValley Foundation. Today, Dalith lives her entrepreneurial dream as an AI advisor and speaker, as well as mentors young girls in tech, though she reflects on wishing it came about differently. Spreading her wings meant her marriage didn’t flourish, a reality that while we can have it all in life, we cannot necessarily have it all at the same time. Dalith is honest about the importance of staying true to her femine side—her love for high heels and dressing up—and opens up about gender bias in university and in business, including more recent than we might wish. Hear how she handled the naysayers and took the best of her cultural upbringing, and join us on a journey of vulnerability, courage and authenticity. Dalith 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: David Shrier’s keys to effective learning: “Watch, do, explain.” Learn more about Dalith and how cognitive technologies help human beings, business and society: swisscognitive.ch

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 106, Molly’s first caller, Jeff, is in the midst of a job search. With strong skills and experience, he’s finding that potential employers have a hard time identifying a specific fit for his wide array of capabilities. They talk about the imperative of first articulating his own purpose, and clarifying his key criteria not only for a role, but also identifying appropriate industry sectors. They also cover the importance of networking and leveraging trusted relationships and of staying positive throughout the process. Next, Andrew is in the early days of a new job in a new organization with loads of complexity. In particular, he asks about how to approach a team member whose job title and activities don’t seem aligned. He senses the person isn’t so growth oriented, and we talk through the importance of direct dialogue with this team member to get on the same page. Molly and Andrew discuss how essential it is for him to be clear on his aims for the conversation, and the criticality of his own “energy” in a successful interaction. Plus, integrating “work-life” in these early drink-from-the-firehose days is also top of mind (20:15). Finally, Emmanuel, a scrum master, is keen for his team to be even more collaborative, and Molly offers one way for him to engage his colleagues for an answer (46:20). Join the show to unpack these challenges and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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 105, Molly’s first caller, Lisa, shares an experience from 18 years ago, raising the topic of maternity leave at work, and how she and others successfully talked openly with management. They role model how one might raise some of the sensitivities that still exist today, with the ability to be in the shoes of both employee and employer key. And they delve into a WSJ piece about “Ruthless Productivity” at work! https://www.wsj.com/articles/was-the-office-always-this-distracting-get-ruthless-about-your-productivity-now-11635739260?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1 Next, Divan is keen on the topic of modernizing how people find jobs, with an eye to millennial, gen z youths… how to harness twitch, tik tok, etc. in an engaging way that helps level the playing field in applying and interviewing. He contrasts “growing up with an abacus” to digitally native kids. Then Priya joins Molly with a scenario on handling when the boss says, “You’re not fit for the role”—after being on the job just one month with no training! They also discuss how to interview a company to help ensure a good culture fit. Molly inquires about how much she contributes to discussions at work; Priya reflects and is honest about when she holds back. They talk about how she can be more forthright. 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—thank you Zaza Pachulia! “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.”

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 104 is the 18th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. Explorer and entrepreneur extraordinaire Cason Crane sheds new light on overcoming adversity in our lives. The oldest of 5 siblings, Cason grew up in a household in which he was pushed mentally and physically from a very young age. As a 6th grader, he was already studying multiple languages and completed his first half Ironman triathlon! He shares how this pressure affected him at the time and how he grew to appreciate it. His strong mental capacity and the competitive nature in his household instilled his values of never giving up and believing in himself. Cason talks about the positive experience of coming out as openly gay as a freshman in high school and the process of coming into his own. He expresses deep gratitude, “Knowing my family would always accept me” and acknowledges the privileges in his life. At just 18 years old, Cason set a goal to climb the Seven Summits: the tallest mountain on each continent, including Mt. Everest. Being the first openly LGBT person to do so, he used his platform to raise $135,000 for the Trevor Project—raising awareness for suicide prevention and supporting LGBT youths. You may be surprised to hear his thoughts around athleticism vs will. While working several years as a consultant after college, Cason used the pandemic as a launch pad to combine his love for exploring the world with his desire to make it a better place and started his now award-winning coffee company Explorer Cold Brew. Cason’s family motto is “It’s all mental,” and he says, “The biggest obstacle that people face is their own lack of self belief.” These ideas, along with his belief that quitting is not an option, continue to push him forward in tough times... whether a mountain climb, triathlon, business venture, or life in general. Cason inspires all 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. Tune in to hear him talk about the best parts of being an entrepreneur, and how to never say “I can’t…”—a motivating and heartwarming account of living one’s values, finding your true north and leading others. Molly’s thought for the week—Thank you Cason: “It’s all mental” and “give yourself permission to adjust your definition of success.”
#sayitskillfully resources:

• As a leader, here’s how to demonstrate the non-negotiable behaviors for your team. https://bit.ly/30EDNgu
• How to amp up your self-confidence http://bit.ly/2NyZxHN
• 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. In Episode 103 Emma calls in first and shares frustrations with leadership’s mixed messages regarding “making mistakes.” After owning up to a mistake, she feels management still may hold it against her; they talk about how to handle this, including avoiding perceiving meaning that others don’t intend. Then, Clare is enthusiastic about a career change—new job and new industry—and keen to get started on the best possible foot. She and Molly talk about numerous ways for her to be proactive as the new kid on the block and to ensure that people perceive her the way she would like (14:00). Finally, co-business owners, Julie and Corey, join Molly for a lively chat about their (wildly) different communication styles! They discuss the imperative of first owning what’s going on for each of them before considering the other, and how to meet each other part way. Being intentional in creating their “team alliance” also came up, a powerful way for them to model effective collaboration to their small business clients (29:00). Tune in to these real-time situations and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: It's easy to look tall when you feel tall. And check out #sayitskillfully resources to help you say what needs to be said.

• The Power of Appreciation! http://bit.ly/389vRpB
• Here’s how to dissolve defensiveness with your boss https://bit.ly/3lvuWXH
• 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 102 is the 17th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. World-renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Wendy Suzuki, joins Molly and shares the ups and downs of her journey and how she got UNconventional—off the rails—to find and follow her truth north! Growing up in California, Wendy reflects on her upbringing and what it was like for her parents, who spent time in a World War II Japanese internment camp. Education was revered, sense of community strong through the Buddhist church, piano taught her about the arts, and baseball, basketball, tennis had her active. She shares the serendipity on Day 1 of UC Berkeley—wow’ed by Professor Marion Diamond in “The Brain and Its Potential” seminar on how brains could change and get better... Wendy knew she was to be a neuroscientist. Now an award-winning professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University, she is frank about the tenure track and the costs; periods of being friendless, 25 pounds overweight, stressed out with insomnia. She admits to being an “anxiety hider” and describes her struggles with overcoming shyness and fear of being wrong. Her come-to-Jesus moment was in Peru river rafting, realizing, “I’m in my 30s and the weakest person on the trip.” Over 18 months, she got fit and got unconventional—doing the unthinkable for tenured faculty and switched her research focus to the transformative impact of movement on the brain, noting that doing so regularly stimulates new brain cells to increase memory. Wendy also provides a mini-talk on why anxiety is good! And she shares her favorite pandemic discovery—housework is aerobic—and how she created social connection while isolated. Don’t miss this empowering conversation, plus highlights of Wendy’s work—using exercise to make positive changes in our brains. With more than 31 million views on Facebook, her TED talk, The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise, was the 2nd most viewed in 2018! And learn from her about the oft misunderstood emotion, anxiety. You can harness the power of anxiety into unexpected gifts! Leading by example, Wendy inspires all 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: Be the change you want to see in the world. LEARN MORE and be happier and healthier through Dr. Suzuki’s books, Good Anxiety and Healthy Brain, Happy Life! https://www.goodanxiety.com #sayitskillfully resources:

• If you see a colleague headed toward burnout, here’s how you can tactfully help: https://bit.ly/3hMpzke
• All my 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. In Episode 101, Cindy calls in first and shares thoughts on onboarding new people, in particular how to make it a two-way street. While it may seem “obvious” that all parties have skin in the game, employers who are proactive best set up newbies up for success by being explicit about training, and even more importantly they demonstrate “how” people work together. Then Gaby, who loves her job, shares how she didn’t exactly get off to a stellar start with her new boss and team; now a gossipy, combative setting is wearing on her emotionally and has her wondering if it’s worth it. Molly helps Gaby unpack this and shows how she can mend relationships and get back on track (11:45). Next, Roger is vulnerable about a very challenging period at an organization he’s been with for several years; promoted four times and then—boom—shockingly let go with a very bad taste for how it transpired. They discuss how to recover, stay high and turn this into a welcome opportunity to live his passion (28:00). Finally, Ben, immersed in change both personally and professionally, is now leading a bigger team and faces the need to grow his team, the organization and himself. Molly talks with him about leading people vs. managing work, and the imperative of increasing BOTH self-awareness and self-compassion (44:00). Molly’s thought for the week: Honor our teachers—past, present and future—especially the teacher within. Tune in and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. More ways to #sayitskillfully:

• Here’s how to dissolve defensiveness with your boss https://bit.ly/3lvuWXH
• Here’s how you can win your boss' support for your advancement in the organization https://bit.ly/3cmgY6x
• You were fired. Here’s how to exit gracefully http://bit.ly/3qhbPTc

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. Celebrating the 100th episode of Say It Skillfully®, Marshall Goldsmith—World #1 Leadership Thinker, #1 Executive Coach and inspiration for Molly to create her videos that led to the radio show—joins her for a lively look into his life journey. Molly shares her deepest gratitude to all her amazing guests for sharing the ups, downs, twists and turns of their journeys, especially the struggles and “learning moments” that most define who we are. Thanks also to all her wonderful and courageous callers, who were willing to share on the air in the spirit of helping listeners around the globe be who they are and say what needs to be said! This milestone celebrates all of you! Thank you for using your voice and helping create an accurate shared reality!!!

Much to learn from Marshall’s journey and his coaching of more than 200 major CEOs and their management teams. Hear how he first met his wife, how his daughter’s feedback improved his earnings, about his spiritual journey, and about some of the most influential people who inspired his thinking and actions. An early epiphany: it’s easy to see our problems in everyone else; difficult to see our own selves in the mirror… Marshall shares his top learnings for you: 1) Work with great people! Make coaching about how great the client is—it’s about them, not you. 2) Mission in life: make a positive difference in people’s lives (not, prove how right or smart we are… Thank you, Peter Drucker). 3) Feedforward: ask people for input; then listen, thank them (don’t critique), and do what you can to try to get better. Don’t miss his most embarrassing moments, and the career path Marshall would have taken… He also shares tidbits from his book due out Sept, 2022, The Earned Life. Molly’s thoughts for the week—thank you Marshall! * Every time I take a breath, I’m a new me. * “Let it go.” (do it with me right now – raise one arm in the air, rotate your wrist a bit and exhale a big breath...) * Be happy now & here. Don’t miss the many wisdoms in this milestone episode, as well as what Marshall has been working on lately, as you learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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. If…“What have I done with my life—I want to make a difference” has crossed your mind, have a listen to Episode 99. Tracy Smith, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Alabama, shares her journey to being known as a “cape-less superhero.” Tracy connects the dots from her youth... the tragic loss of her father when she was just 6 years old and the nurturing from her entrepreneur stepfather, which ingrained hard work ethic, the desire to be independent and valuing education, something that no one can take away from you. She recounts the image of her mom being supported by her closest friends and how all these “aunts” supported her and her sisters in the grief of daddy being in heaven. As a youth, Tracy made it a point to fit in with everybody, a skill that’s been core to her success as a nonprofit CEO. In raising her own children, she shares the power of “saying yes” vs. telling the kids “no” all the time; this has been pivotal to both her son and daughter finding and living their passions in life. The epiphany of “You can work for an organization with a mission” forever changed her trajectory. Tracy is upfront about “bad boss” experiences with people leading through their insecurities and egos teaching her how NOT to lead, and those with “great leaders” who inspired how she empowers others in her own leadership. Hear her thoughts on going with best case scenarios for maximum freedom and not creating policies based on worst case scenarios. LOTS of career considerations and leadership learnings, whether you’re early in career, or have been working for decades! Tracy and Molly have a lively chat about what private and non-profit sectors can learn from each other. And don’t miss hearing Tracy discuss how Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes for children with critical diseases and supports families in times of need. Tune in for heart-warming and inspiring thoughts and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: The way you respond to a situation has the power to change it. Tune in for an inspiring and heart-warming conversation and learn how you to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. More ways to #sayitskillfully: Inclusive vision—being a leader with vision, who also values others’ ideas http://bit.ly/2kgLHeK and 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. In Episode 98, Mark Parsells, Founder and Managing General Partner Montpelier Ventures, shares a life journey that’s included Capitol Hill, running major, global multi-billion-dollar divisions for American Express, Bank One (Chase) and Citigroup, and being Chair and CEO of three private equity and venture backed FinTech businesses. Mark shares what it was like growing up the youngest of four boys with a minister-turned-entrepreneur father, who made being at the top the only option. He talks about difficult times at home and learning to embrace the truth that parents—and leaders—are people, too. Lively political conversations over dinner led to studying political science and then working for Senator H. John Heinz III, where Mark learned how things really work. Keen to cut his own path, he shares his decision process to business school and finding his way to the private sector (and his epiphany of a $20,000 summer internship vs. his annual Senate staffer salary of $18,500!). He chronicles his remarkable ascent and impact at American Express, where he succeeded at being entrepreneurial within the corporate bureaucracy—and was invited to the annual shareholder meeting to review his strategy that brought credit cards as a form of payment to government institutions for the first time in history. With humor, he recounts another epiphany of being a “terrible junior employee!” and is not bashful that he was horrible at taking feedback (and encourages you not to do what he did…). Unexpected twists and turns—in particular, a defining wake-up call overcoming lymphoma—and his time at Citicorp after being recruited by Father of the ATM John Reed and then a massive business turnaround for Sandy Weill are both sobering and inspiring. Don’t miss hearing how Mark went against everyone’s advice and chose to leave behind the world of corporate jets for his true north, one of happiness and no regrets. Learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week (Thank you Mark!): Do what YOU think is the right thing to do.

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. Here is Episode 204 for you – don’t miss the brilliant Bob Roth, widely considered one of the leading experts on Transcendental Meditation. Molly and Bob sit down and go over what meditation is, and how it can work for anyone, regardless of whether or not you believe in it. Hear all about Focus, Open Monitoring, and Self-Transcending, the three main branches of meditation. Bob explains he came to meditation in 1969, a time when those who practiced were “certifiably weird,” and even though he was “a practical sort of guy,” he had so much trust in and respect for his teacher, that he opened himself up to learning. Now, in 2023, he has devoted his life to bringing Transcendental Meditation to a million and counting children. Bob says his journey started as a way to lessen his stress and has ended up as “a tool to help make a big difference in the world.”

Don’t miss Bob reminiscing on the 60s and 70s, reflecting on how meditation became a widespread movement back then, and maybe even saved his generation. The cultural uproar Bob remembers will help you fully understand why meditation going mainstream came at the perfect moment. Bob talks about how inspiring Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was to him because while everyone else fixated on his working with The Beatles, and that level of star-power could have gotten to his head, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi stayed completely focused on researching how meditation was beneficial to physical and mental health. Bob expands on what these health benefits are, explaining how he has helped establish forums for top medical researchers to look into the correlation between meditation and better health.

Bob wraps up this episode by sharing his two keys to success in all areas of life. Tune in to hear what they are! Don’t miss this wisdom-filled episode of Say It Skillfully®!

Molly’s thought for the week: Your body hears everything your mind says — Naomi Judd

P.S. Bob leads to his full potential by communication to influence and inspire! To help you do the same, I created my 1st LinkedIn Learning course, “Leadership Communication in the Flow of Work.” Here’s the link for free 24-hour access bit.ly/3sETIgg

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 97, Molly’s first caller Rafael, who grew up mainly in Mexico, is eager to discuss a number of situations, some quite hysterical, of miscommunication across generations... from a younger colleague’s cryptic movie reference, to an “expert” presenting at a conference who managed to lose an entire audience, to a humorous encounter with his own daughter! We talk about ways to keep things light and work with emotions in the moment. Next, Matt raises a hot topic of how to effectively onboard new employees during Covid, from both the employer and newly-hired perspectives. We also cover tips for when you interview to turn the tables and ensure you’re better informed about the organization and role (20:15). Finally, Meredith asks about different ways to promote synergy across different functions and not succumb to organizational silos. We also have an unexpected exchange about her recent experience, where for the first time she’s in an environment in which challenging the status quo isn’t valued. Hear how she’s taking the bull by the horns to make a change (38:50). Tune in and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: celebrating the US Open and their “open” campaign, “When you’re open, you are a champion for all.”

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 96 is the 16th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change, level the playing field and help everyone live to their full potential. This may present a very different experience of... growing up, going to school, struggling, working and living; Molly hopes you’ll better appreciate and embrace our differences, so that we’re stronger for them! Her friend and special guest, Shalimar Adorno grew up knowing that she had to be great in life. It is remarkable that she saw “endless possibility”... Would you have seen if this had been you…? Born to a 17-year old mother in the South Bronx, Shalimar recounts not knowing where their next meal would come from, and not being able to safely play outside. She speaks fondly of 18 months living in Puerto Rico, where she could ride her unicycle outside, and food could always be found. Despite growing up in poverty, she highlights the richness of family ties and necessity of fearlessness and hope, and how her parents moved them always in search of a different beginning for a better life. Education was paramount—her mother sold her food stamps to enable Shalimar to go to a private school, knowing this was to be her lifeline. She talks about pivotal people without whom pivotal doors wouldn’t have opened, a dark decade after her brother was brutally killed and how she came to peace with it. Shalimar shares how she went from Spanish major and cohesive Hispanic community at Penn State to investment banking, and found her way to a life-changing role at the World Bank. She implores, “vulnerability is courage” and “bring your own folding chair when there isn’t a seat at the table.” Don’t miss this story of heart, grit and resilience—from a life not knowing abundance to the deepest appreciation of it. Tune in and be inspired to know no boundaries and for ways to take action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true and best selves. Molly’s thought for the week: Strength isn't about how much you can handle before you break. It's about how much you can endure after you've been broken (unknown, adapted from Robert Tew)

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 95, Molly is joined by her friend Dorie Clark, top business thinker, key note speaker, consultant and described by the New York Times as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives.” Author of Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine, Dorie’s own career journey is a prime example of how one can navigate to their true north and develop a career that’s both meaningful and rewarding. She shares how getting out of her childhood in small town North Carolina couldn’t come soon enough and how joyous it was to be part of an early entrance college program. Dorie recounts an early setback being denied admission to graduate school, and how she navigated figuring out what came next; it included writing, politics and the most stressful job ever: running a nonprofit. She implores people NOT to let the “gatekeepers” hold you back and chronicles key learnings in starting her own business. Being responsive to what she saw in the market was key to iterating on her business focus. Dorie is open about what she saw in professionals who weren’t able to focus on the bigger picture and therefore didn’t establish meaningful goals and speaks about her soon-to-be-released fourth book, “The Long Game.” Key steps: 1) creating white space, 2) focusing where it counts, and 3) keeping the faith when it may seem things aren’t working. Dorie also suggests what companies can do to counter short-termism, and individuals to embrace being a “Swiss Army knife.” Molly’s thought for the week, in honor of Dorie: Show faith in yourself to lead others to have faith in you. Tune in for a lively and inspiring conversation and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.
Download Dorie’s free Long Game Strategic Thinking Self-Assessment at dorieclark.com/thelonggame
Take advantage of her new book to help you to be more intentional—free up time, focus on what’s important and achieve your long-term goals. Pre-order here: dorieclark.com/longgame
More ways to #sayitskillfully for you here: All videos by category 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. In Episode 94, Tony, who’s had a long career in construction, asks about more effectively calling out people who show bias or otherwise aren’t creating the space that supports people being their authentic selves. He and Molly talk about the white privilege that others may see in him, and what he can do to change people’s perception of him. Next, for those feeling micromanaged, Molly shares 3 tips that don’t involve the other person... strategies to manage yourself and not let the situation get the best of you (11:30). Moeed then calls in for advice on getting co-workers onboard with the additional processes and procedures needed as their nonprofit gears up to double in size. They discuss how to handle folks who aren’t keen to speak up in a group forum and what he might do to encourage a culture of greater openness; they also address helping the group move towards a shared reality so they can operate at greater speed. He also realizes how he hasn’t appreciated some of the realities of others. Next, Iris shares a sensitive situation of being brought onto a project but not yet invited to some of the key leadership meetings, which she feels is important for the success of the project. She and Molly talk through how she might approach the conversation without coming across as entitled; she wants to advocate in a positive way so that she’s able to contribute fully and benefit the organization (35:50). Lastly, on the topic of bullying, Molly offer words you might use when you’re experiencing a boss’ bullying behavior that’s inadvertent, helping you to be a part of the solution (49:20). Molly’s thought for the week, with appreciation for the late American spiritual teacher, Ram Dass: Our journey is about being more deeply involved in life and yet less attached to it. Tune in for these conversations and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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 93 provides insights into a key driver of economic growth—small businesses. In the U.S., they employ nearly half of workers, make up over 99% of all firms and account for 43% of GDP. Molly’s guest, Loren Feldman, shares his journalistic path to becoming founder and editor-in-chief of 21 Hats, a unique online community for business owners. Early obsession as sports editor of his college newspaper led him to being a sports writer in Columbus, Ohio in the days of typewriters (remember those?) and no internet. He found his way to the business desk, drawn to stories of business that kept score through financials instead of runs, baskets or goals. Loren recalls covering the gold rush of fast food. He’s open about struggles as a youth, including the passing of his father when he was just 13. Playing sports was a means to getting comfortable with himself. An early mentor, Bo Burlingham, was pivotal in his career that included covering entrepreneurship at Inc, Forbes and the New York Times, and he shares a dream job as editor-in-chief of Philadelphia magazine. Once in an Inc. focus group, a business owner stated, “I don't want to be told how to run my business by a 23-year-old kid working for a money-losing publication.” This is why Loren took heart in founding 21 Hats, to connect business owners and entrepreneurs so they can learn from each other. Through his “reality radio” podcast, the conversations are raw and real with learnings in business and life, including @Jay Goltz’s recent epiphany… “why do I spend time putting out fires… fire the arsonist!” Listen into how the 21hats community has served as lifeline for business owners persevering through Covid times, as Loren pursues what he’s always wanted to do. Learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Learn more about what it takes to run a business! https://21hats.com Latest podcast: https://21hats.com/episode-65-this-is-where-we-get-into-therapy/ And don’t miss the gems in Loren’s handcrafted newsletter: https://21hats.substack.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. 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.

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 91 is the 15th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field and helps everyone live to their full potential. In hearing the life journeys of people you might not otherwise encounter, listeners gain empathetic understanding for what may be a very different experience of what it means to grow up, go to school, struggle, work and live in our world. The aim is for people to see a bit of themselves in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. Molly’s friend and “way-finding” social intrapreneur, Nate Wong, leads the way; you can pursue meaningful purpose AND a career in big business! With grandparents who emigrated from China to Hawaii—picking pineapples—Nate’s father grew up in Honolulu, his Mother, Fiji. They met as she attended University of Hawaii on scholarship, and opened a Chinese restaurant before heading to the DC area where Nate grew up. While in a relatively diverse community, he shares experiences of not fitting in and struggling with his race—kids making fun of his school lunches, name calling in college—speaking too well to be fully Asian, yet not white enough for other settings. When a professor crossed the line, Nate took a stand with school administration, finding his voice when he needed it. He opens up about the deep introspection resulting from the recent anti-AAPI sentiments... helping him realize how he’s suppressed emotions and been complicit in stereotypes of a monolithic race, a model minority…, and assimilating to a white male leadership model. Molly and he discuss the immense gratitude their parents have for the opportunity to be in America, the constant hospitality they offered to others new to the states, and the lasting impact of their pay-it-forward spirit on their own values. Picking one of the 3 “right” majors—engineering—and earning his MBA from Yale, Nate talks about letting go of what he was supposed to do. He approached his work as testing different hypotheses, “zigzagging” a path to living his purpose. In 10 different countries, he partnered with the likes of the Obama Foundation, Acumen Fund and Endeavor and opened social impact units at Deloitte Consulting and at Boston Consulting Group. Nate also shares gems from his writings: challenging our view of successful innovation to be one that benefits many, not a select few. Molly’s thought for the weekL Lack of courage sabotages more people than lack of ability. Don't beat yourself before you start (FS.blog). Tune in for Nate’s journey, inspiring us to know no boundaries and 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 90 starts with a shout-out to every listener around the world—the show has passed 100,000 listeners in more than 160 countries around the world! Molly’s heartfelt gratitude for you encouraging those around you to be who they are and to skillfully say what needs to be said! Thank you! Her first caller, Bill, shares that the transition back to the office has him worn down with meeting overload and 12-hour days; he asks how to raise this and create a sustainable work program?! Then Mari, a 3rd generation Japanese-American, is keen for ways to positively and productively talk about anti-Asian sentiments and activity; how can Asians respond and leaders in bigger organizations be more a part of the solution? She shares learning of her own parents being sent to the Japanese internment camps in the US and the lasting impact that had (14:30). Next, Sara presents a challenge of bringing marketing support in-house from a 3rd party firm and how to manage the transition with the key contact whose skills aren’t a fit long term (35:00). Finally, Molly shares two tips: how to use positive intention so that the other person receives you well, and when the topic is especially heated, how to lean into connection and trust before trying to solve (46:30). Molly’s thought for the week: “When you focus on the past, that’s your ego. ... When I focus on the future, that's my pride. I try to focus on the present. That's humility.” — Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2021 NBA Finals MVP, scoring 50 points in a series-clinching 105-98 Game 6 victory that ended the Milwaukee Bucks’ 50-year title drought. Tune in to the show for her conversations as you learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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 89 features Rosanne Haggerty, President & CEO of Community Solutions—winner of the MacArthur Foundation $100 million “100&Change” award—and internationally recognized leader in innovative strategies to end homelessness. The US alone spends $12 billion trying to support those experiencing homelessness, but most efforts are not solving the problem! Profoundly impacted by her parents, Rosanne has been at the forefront of tackling homelessness over more than 3 decades. Few in the world comprehensively understand homelessness as she does—listeners will gain an appreciation of the complexities in creating system-wide change. With humility, Rosanne shares her epiphany after 17+ years working on-the-ground about what’s broken, and of how she’d been “part of the problem.” She recounts what it was like in what was then known as “Homeless Hell” in Times Square and to garner local support for the ambitious and highly improbable task of rehabilitating the historic Times Square hotel. That successful endeavor created safe and affordable units with mental health services to help people rebuild their lives. As she continued to learn, she pivoted from focusing on housing sources to the @builtforzero approach, guided by a single aim. You may be surprised that the single biggest barrier is the mindset that homelessness isn’t solvable. IT IS! Check out the 80+ US cities/counties making it a reality every day (https://community.solutions). Your voice matters—implore your city to know who’s experiencing homelessness by name and to act with accountability for measurable results. Molly’s thought for the week: how would it feel if you didn’t have a safe place to sleep tonight? Don’t miss this informing and inspiring conversation about effecting meaningful change. Join the show to get a rare glimpse into Rosanne’s life journey, inspiring 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. In Episode 88, Molly’s first caller, Bennett, is in college and trying to decide between grad school vs. going directly to a start-up. He also shares the pressure that exists on campus to “pursue your passion” and wonders if that should be the focus; he talks about his friends not wanting to take well-paying jobs in areas that really aren’t of interest and asks Molly about her career regrets. Next, Kennedy, who’s early in career—and has worked among primarily older, male colleagues—calls in keen for ways to help her be heard, contribute fully, and feel fully accepted (22:20). Then Grace joins the show and asks about speaking up when she’s aware of the stereotype that Asian women don’t. She shares being asked “Do people in China wear jeans?” Hear her response and experience with anti-AAPI sentiment, which has been a catalyst for supporting greater social justice in her own community (30:35). Finally, Molly offers thoughts on the transition from fully WFH to being back in the office—a classic opportunity to apply Say It Skillfully® principles (43:40). Molly’s thought for the week: Give yourself permission to be yourself—no one does it better than you. Tune in and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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. Here is Episode 203 for you – don’t miss the inspiring economist, Jeremy Bess, whose journey to success reminds us all to never give up, regardless of the adversities we may face. Jeremy reflects on his challenging teenage years, when he was functionally homeless and dependent on friends and his brother for a place to sleep. His decision to study economics at the University of Tampa was motivated by these years of uncertainty. This choice brought him to advising Fortune 500 companies starting when he was just 24 years old. Often facing push back for being so young in rooms full of older C-suite level executives, Jeremy now tries to lend a hand to the next generation interested in economics. Listen as Jeremy looks back and reflects on periods of stress and self-doubt. Today, he says, “I felt confident that if I just kept going that it would slowly figure itself out, which it kind of did.” Putting faith in yourself and luck has paid off big time! Tune in to hear Jeremy reflect on the philosophies of economics and how they affect your everyday life. His conversation with Molly developed into discussing how COVID was a shock, not just to him, but to the global economy. He tells how he thinks it changed the game, and how we are still feeling effects from this hit today. He offers advice on how to grow your business in a way that can last. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Jeremy empowers us all to trust in ourselves and work hard.
Molly’s thought for the week (Thank you Jeremy): Just work really, really hard. Keep going.

P.S. Jeremy leads to his full potential by communication to influence and inspire! To help you do the same, I created my 1st LinkedIn Learning course, “Leadership Communication in the Flow of Work.” Here’s the link for free 24-hour access bit.ly/3sETIgg

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 87 is the 14th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field and helps everyone live to their full potential. In hearing the life journeys of people you might not otherwise encounter, listeners gain empathetic understanding for what may be a very different experience of what it means to grow up, go to school, struggle, work and live in our world. The aim is for people to see a bit of themselves in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. This episode salutes the inspiration and power of youths in hearing a voice of GenZ, Brennan Wong. Now early in career at McKinsey & Company, Brennan has done more to effect positive social change at age 23 than most will do in their lifetimes and shares how purpose has served as a guiding force in his thinking and decisions.

With the epiphany of an early volunteer experience, Brennan only recalls thinking about being part of “something bigger” and keenly aware of having a finite time in life. At 16 he started a nonprofit, Pledges for Change, paving for the way for numerous leadership opportunities—named one of Canada’s 20 under 20, a Global Teen Changemaker, a Global Citizen Youth Advocate and one Canada’s delegates to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit in 2017. Brennan shares thoughts on his Chinese-Canadian-Australian identities, areas of study at university, how purpose guides him, and generational differences at work. Tune in for the wisdom of youth—to learn how he’s navigating his life journey, inspiring 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 Willie Stargell, 1988 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee: “That's where the future lies, in the youth of today.” Tune in to the show to learn how Brennan is navigating his life journey, inspiring 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. In Episode 86, Louise, Molly’s first caller, is an HR professional whose company is rolling out a platform for ongoing feedback. She’s excited about this opportunity to reinforce a culture of helping people to grow, and they talk about success factors/pitfalls to avoid, including ways to enroll leaders in driving the initiative. Then, Laurel, part of a newly formed team chartered to innovate in fundraising, is keen for the team to deliver strong results to management. She asks about how to make a fast start to new working relationships and how they can best work together, including building trust and managing conflict (22:20). Finally, Jenny is pursuing a new career as a coach to those with ADHD, and she opens up about struggling to be concise and use the right words when put on the spot for her certification. She’s vulnerable about her response at times to feedback and feeling insecure, and has numerous insights, especially around her own ego (36:30). Molly’s thought for the week: Being more aware gives us the freedom to exist in this moment as we want—to best serve ourselves and those around us. Tune in and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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 85, Molly’s first caller, Rob raises the topic of vulnerability—key to fostering open conversations—helping his clients do so appropriately. They also talk about differences in gender that they’ve seen as folks rise through the ranks. Lily then calls in curious about the notion of “bringing your whole self to work” and how groups and individuals do this in a way that leads to a better work environment. Lastly, Humberto asks about how to handle when people say things in meetings that they really shouldn’t! He and Molly discuss how he might handle this during meetings as well as in a private 1:1 after the fact. Molly’s Thought for the Week: “The delete key is your friend.” (For context, she just upgraded computers and finally tackled an overload of files and photos she wished she’d deleted long ago!) Tune in and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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 84, Dave Whorton—entrepreneur, investor and CEO & Founder of the Tugboat Group™—joins Molly and shares a powerful journey to redefining a capitalism that goes beyond shareholders to serving society. When his father sat him down and said, “You need to carry your weight,” Dave took his responsibility to heart, applying at HP for what he figured would be a janitor job. Experiencing the “caring for people” culture that founders Bill & Dave created imprinted on him. After Berkeley engineering (“best school I could afford”), the feeling of paycheck-to-paycheck, “In Search of Excellence” and wanting to be an owner steered his career. He shares his unlikely and unexpected first entrepreneurial experience, landing in consulting at Bain and venturing into venture capital at Kleiner Perkins (yes, John Doerr reached out, not how it usually works…though Dave did not immediately take up his offer!). He talks through his decision-making to delay pursuing his passion to run a company and immense learning in supporting start-ups—Google, AutoTrader and Amazon. Going on to found Tugboat Ventures® in 2006 and co-found 4 companies, including drugstore.com and Good Technology, Dave shares the pivotal seed planted when one of his entrepreneurs said, “I hate your (VC) model.” “Let me tell you about my people, my purpose, and our impact,” vs. “your get-big-fast and exit model”. The possibility of less transactional and more enduring were intriguing to Dave and led to creating a vibrant community of Evergreen leaders and companies. He’s open about this most compelling entrepreneurial chapter—one that recognizes how ownership is critical, strategic & underappreciated and offers staying private as a means to go deeper than wealth generation and public recognition sought after in capital markets. Dave founded Tugboat Institute® in 2013 to connect, support and inspire purpose-driven leaders of Evergreen® businesses, for which the “7Ps” principles are the defining characteristics: Purpose, Perseverance, People First, Private, Profit, Paced Growth, and Pragmatic Innovation. The “7 Ps” can prevent you from outstripping your financial resources, culture and management team’s capacity to learn, grow and improve. With revenues from $10M-$10B and 10-290 years old, the Evergreen® companies show how the longest living companies most innovative. Curiosity, can-do, an eye for opportunity, and exceeding expectations are constants in Dave pursuing his true north. Tune in to hear his journey, inspiring us to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard to achieve our true and best selves. Molly’s Thought for the week—thank you Dave! Evergreen leaders and their businesses are the opportunity for capitalism at its best. Learn more: www.tugboatinstitute.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 83 is the 13th feature of “Our Voices”–an opportunity to hear firsthand of people’s journeys and what it was like for them to grow-up, go to school, struggle, work and live in our world. Dr. Jim Yong Kim, Partner and Vice Chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners, shares his path to extraordinary change agent—what shaped his identity as an Asian American and how as educator, medical expert and global leader he made change happen at G20 summits and in remote, rural villages alike. Born in South Korea to parents uncharacteristically NOT urging “just fit in,” Dr. Jim reveals his early years in America—feelings as an outsider, often stared at, and struggles with what being Korean means. His Father, tough and unashamed of his roots, guided his son to complete medical school before other studies, so he’d “have a skill that no one can take away from you.” Unlike Asian stereotypes, Dr. Jim divulges his nature as a fighter and shares fondly his exhilarating, formative time at Brown University’s “Third World Center” and feeling closest to his fellow people of color. He may surprise you, noting studying anthropology was largely a way to resolve his identity crisis. And rather than “service” it is fighting for justice that’s his raison d'être, compelling his fearlessness to “speak truth to justice” on uncomfortable topics to the world’s most powerful political leaders and respected experts. Hear him talk of his difficulty with tough conversations, his “no cry zone” at Partners in Health, “fighting for things worth fighting for” and many insights from his roles around the world: * Global action is extremely difficult—the personalities matter a lot. * Leadership is critical; democracy, fickle. * Optimism is a moral choice: you can’t take on intractable problems without it—per Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci, “Pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will.” He shares his hope in the amazing movements of young people tackling tough ESG issues, and sees Asians waking up to “things not being fine” as a good thing. “People knowing how it feels to be Asian can create greater awareness for ALL underrepresented groups and a powerful sense of solidarity. With the awakening of BLM and The Asian American Foundation—there’s a sense it is possible to be respectful of all people and their choices.” Molly’s thought for the week, honoring family friend Dr. Lee Shiu, who passed peacefully at 92: “Enjoy life to the fullest. Sing, dance, laugh, be happy, and don’t worry too much.” Tune in to learn from Dr. Jim’s remarkable life journey, inspiring 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. bendingthearcfilm.com
Correction: His leadership in 2014 was critical to frontline Ebola response in WEST AFRICA.

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 82, innovative speaker, educator and artist, Dr. Aaron Smith, beloved as the “rapping professor” to students at Temple University, shares why he’s a racial optimist. This episode will help you to be a part of the solution—and look at humanity in a way where you see yourself in other people.

As a youth, when Aaron witnessed racism, his response was feeling that people were being cheated… cheated by not having the interest or tolerance to appreciate other people—because they lacked skill set, language & courage to step out of “boxes” and consider people on individual merit. And he saw this could be remedied by education and exposure to the full humanity of other people.

His African-American and Asian studies equipped him to see how systemic oppression and unequal justice were the enemies, not the communities who seemed different. He shares how a teacher’s single statement changed his life trajectory, and taught him to “weigh his words.” He implores all to understand the chronology of human history as a starting point (see his reading list!)

“Race is not a zero sum game about winners and losers—racism is.”

“Underlying issues, challenges and problems related to xenophobia and intolerance along racial lines could be resolved with greater empathy.”

And he talks of the extraordinary energy and appetite of young people today to take on the messes previous generations have not—racially, environmentally and more—and how the skeptical are some of his best students. HOPE!

Then Yen calls in for a thought-provoking discussion around the “felt sense” of interacting with others and how to tap into this to deepen our relationships. We also talk family, and the “roles” we play, not always so consciously. Lastly, Roger shares a major win—turning a job losing situation into an unexpected promotion, not only by saying it skillfully, but by “being” it skillfully. Molly's thought for the week – Wise words from the rapping professor:
When met with adversity, it’s preparing you to learn—look at it with joy and embrace.
Tune in and learn how to navigate work, and life, while being invaluable and true to yourself. And check out Dr. Aaron Smith’s recommended reading – be a racial optimist.
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi, African Pyramids of Knowledge by Molefi Kete Asantev (or any of his work!). More about Dr. Smith: https://liberalarts.temple.edu/academics/faculty/smith-aaron

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. What happens when Mother Teresa is your role model? Over a billion people see your work! In Episode 81, learn from Molly’s guest—extraordinary social innovator Firdaus Kharas, master of social change via animations that compel viewers to accept his messages and come to their own conclusion to change for the better. In Calcutta, Firdaus—influenced more by his pioneering, attorney Mother than Father (wanting him to be an accountant!)—saw poverty firsthand and knew his destiny was to do something about it. Aspiring to see 100 countries (now at 146…), he arrived in Pennsylvania as the 1st ever Bombay Rotary Club exchange student. Studying human rights, researching methods of torture, and working in Canada’s immigration/refugee affairs were part of his schooling to improve the human condition. Believing that “people everywhere matter,” “we are one human family” and “we’re all creative beings”, Firdaus talks of his eternal optimism, helping him confront the atrocities and injustices he aims to end. Motivated by impact, never money, he recounts his journey to build his media company and leverage his creativity—a breakthrough with UNICEF and epiphany of the power of humor in mid 2000, when his Three Amigos animated condoms appeared in 150 countries—widely credited for assisting the stopping the spread of HIV aids. His topics are many: human rights, health education/disease prevention, children at risk, environment, preserving culture, sexual violence, racism, to name a few. He talks of his two kinds of animation: behavior change communications and catalyst videos to ignite discussion that drive social change, and notes the irony of today’s instant two-way communications bringing us closer, while populism that divides. How Firdaus is driven by his values inspires as much as his passion to make the world a better place for all. Tune in to hear how one human makes a world of difference, inspiring 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. See his animations here:
https://vimeo.com/412745660

Chocolate Moose Media: http://chocmoose.com

Creativity: The Key to a Remarkable Life: https://chocolate-moose-media.myshopify.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. In this Episode, Sam Allen, Executive Vice President & COO of Salesforce, joins Molly and shares his journey from his youth in the Midwest to combat veteran and Commissioned Officer in the US Marines to entrepreneur and high-tech mergers and acquisitions and running a multi-billion dollar business. With little guidance in his modest youth, Sam had to chart a path for himself and enlisted in the military. Fortunately, this provided an opportunity to attend college. He describes combat as, The ultimate assault on the senses…survival instincts on steroids. Under extreme duress as people are trying to kill you or your people, you dig deep into a central reservoir of the mission.” He’s honest about early deer-in-headlights feelings as he re-joined civilian life and his thought process and intention to develop himself and his career and support his family. The “best laid plans never survive the 1st bullet.” Sam offers his experiences with bias and never spending more than a few hours or day thinking about job changes. He reveals how a virtue may also be vice and learning to manage this so that others perceive him as he intends. Don’t miss his “operating manual,” a brilliant tool to help people know who he really is as a leader and human being. He sets the tone for all he interacts with to be real and their true selves. And hear how he’s charged up about his current role and the opportunities for business to help create a better world. Molly’s thought for the week are the three values that guide Sam: Integrity-Courage-Dependability. Join the show and learn how to navigate life while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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 79, Molly’s first caller is Shuang, an academic researcher making a career shift into business consulting, who has given her boss ample time for a proper transition, but now their interactions are awkward. She’s keen to fix this situation. Next, Mike finds himself promoted to a role that’s exactly how he wants to grow, yet senior management has not relieved him of his former job. We discuss how to raise this with his supportive boss to address his burnout and enable him to succeed in his new position (11:30). Then, Kit has a team member who is underperforming—this seems less about capability and more about motivation—and asks how to talk openly and provide feedback in a manner that motivates (21:45). Molly covers a delicate scenario in which you were thrown under the bus by a newly promoted former peer... how to skillfully engage with this new leader and right the ship (33:00)? Lastly, Michael opens his heart as a 26-year old start-up entrepreneur with many downs who finally now sees some light at the end of the tunnel. The son of Asian immigrants, he shares poignantly his desire to support his parents who’ve given everything they have to stand behind him (37:35). Molly’s thought for the week: Be here now. . Tune in and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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 78, the 12th feature of “Our Voices,” Molly is joined by architect, inventor and social entrepreneur Alice Chun. Separated from her parents at age 1, Alice shares her cross-cultural upbringing between South Korea and the US—at times feeling she fit in neither. Trained in architecture she’s both teacher and innovator; the Haiti earthquake compelled her 1st invention—the Solar Puff™—world’s only self-inflatable, portable solar light. Alice embraces business failures as moments of inspiration & invention, mistakes in “getting the right people on the bus,” and the fleeting moments of “I should just give up.” She personifies GRIT–at one point, holding 3 jobs, breast feeding her baby and going through a divorce. MLK saying that racism is a sickness, a disease…can’t hate people for being sick..was profound for Alice. Hear her compassion for those projecting their own emptiness outward. She recounts a moving experience teaching children in developing areas and asks how can you make lives better, what problems can you help to solve, how can you make an existing solution a bit better? Alice’s latest invention, transparent, soft, self-adhesive and CLEAR masks will transform protecting healthcare workers. Alice lives her passion and demonstrates the power of never giving up with admirable humility and self-belief!

Thought for the week. Thank you Alice! Be a fighter, not with your fists or words—fight with the light of your mind, imagination and heart.

Tune in to hear her journey, inspiring 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.

Learn more at:
Https://solight-design.com
Https://seesu-95.com

And follow Alice's inventions at IG @solight_design IG @seeus95

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 202 is the 40th 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 Nozipho Tshabalala, a conversation strategist and global moderator. Nozi reflects on growing up in South Africa under Nelson Mandela, and how she inherited her parents’ strident work ethic. Their dedication to her education helped Nozi always set the highest bar for herself, fueled by “failing was not an option for me.” You’ll be surprised by how she picked her major! Her inner confidence stems from what her parents instilled: “I am smart, but I am capable, and I’m teachable.”

Hear Nozi’s unlikely foray into one of the world’s biggest conglomerates, Tata Group (from none other than its chairman)! This led to unexpectedly shooting a documentary for CNBC Africa. She was on screen for only 15 seconds, but those 15 seconds changed her life. Only two weeks after the documentary aired, she was offered a news anchor position with CNBC Africa, covering development and finance (compelling her to delve into topics she knew zero about). Nozi knew the first time she moderated live that it was her calling. “Conversations are the birthplace of action, and in the absence of conversation, we absolutely get nothing done.”

Today, family reigns supreme for Nozi. She has an intellectual match in her husband and a gift of a son. With her hard-earned stability, she paid for her mother to return to and graduate college as a newly certified teacher. Balancing motherhood on top of her constant travel for business is one of Nozi’s self-described top accomplishments.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode. Nozi empowers us all to aim high and land high. Learn more at: http://www.theconversationstrategist.com/ and follow @therealnozi

Molly’s thought for the week – a lyric that inspires Nozi, from Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey:
“We were moving mountains long before we knew could.”

P.S. Nozi leads to her full potential by communication to influence and inspire! To help you do the same, Molly created a 1st LinkedIn Learning course, “Leadership Communication in the Flow of Work.” Here’s the link for free 24-hour access bit.ly/3sETIgg

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 77, Molly’s first caller, Kathy, is keen to understand “metaskills”—your intentional energy or vibe—that impact how people perceive you, and how work gets done. Next, Kevin calls in about how to respond when asked for his thoughts on working from home and “how would you like to work going forward?” He also asks about a personal dilemma around preserving friendships when politically polarized and neither side appears to value diversity (11:40). Then Ed, who’s in charge of security and safety for a retail-based organization, asks about how best to have sensitive conversations with store staff to alert him if they sense any risk of workplace violence (32:25). Lastly, Cathy raises an observation of unconscious bias and asks for ways to approach a professor when they unintentionally may have offended a bunch of folks (41:40). Molly closes by encouraging parents that it’s never too early to help our youths find their voices – using an example of how a teenager making a food delivery might respond to an irate customer (50:55). Molly’s thought for the week, from tennis pro Jorge Capestany: There’s no failure… there’s only feedback. Tune in and learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself.

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 76, Molly is joined by Matt Giordano, who shares an enthralling journey to his passion and purpose as internationally-known yoga instructor. He talks of a pivotal guide in art teacher Mrs. Walk, and the painful wake-up call of an intervention of friends saying they didn’t like who he was becoming. Hear of Matt’s remarkable curiosity, self-reflection and open-mindedness from a young age, which helped him first land on a yoga mat; there was no turning back! He’s upfront about travel burnout and working 4 a.m. to midnight, leading him to intentionally shift his business approach (which luckily set him up well to adapt to Covid times). Matt also adds perspective for those who might consider yoga, and those for whom it may not be a fit. Don't miss his wisdom around embracing change, the power of observing your own thoughts and behaviors and keeping your ego in check. Then, Keishla joins Molly keen to help a friend confront her micromanaging boss in a positive and productive way. Tune in and learn how to navigate life while being invaluable and true to yourself.

Thought for the week, inspired by Matt: Build humble confidence.

Learn more:
https://www.instagram.com/theyogimatt/
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheYogiMatt
https://www.facebook.com/TheYogiMatt
https://twitter.com/TheYogiMatt

Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within, by Kenny Werner was an “a-ha” read for Matt!

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 75, master storyteller and one of the most influential leaders on the day-to-day management of people and companies, Ken Blanchard joins Molly for inside look into what’s most shape him and his success. He chronicles his parents’ profound impact and not exactly planful academic and career paths! Being the 7th grade “compromise candidate” for president started his leadership training, his Dad noting: “Don’t ever use your position—leaders are great because people trust and respect them, not because they have power.” From his Mother, “don’t you act like you’re better than anybody else, and don’t let anyone act like they’re better than you. There’s a pearl of goodness in every human being–dig for it and you’ll find it.”

Being a dormitory counselor at Cornell had Ken wanting to be a dean of students, so he earned masters and doctorate degrees (by the way, he was told “you can’t write!”). A magnificent personal and professional partnership with wife Margie led to a family enterprise with humility, humor and love as constants. Hear how The One Minute Manager came to be, opening his eyes to servant leadership and a lifetime of joyful collaboration with authors. Co-founder of the Lead like Jesus ministry—teaching people about servant leadership worldwide—Ken shares how servant leadership is especially vital now, and how this was demonstrated in his own firm so that they could navigate challenging Covid times. Gems galore! The most important thing about leadership is what people do when you’re not around. Keep your head up and listen. Worst thing that can happen is you learn… Ken inspires us to be the best version of ourselves. Tune in and learn how to navigate life while being invaluable and true to yourself.

Thought for the week from Ken: None of us is as smart as all of us.

Learn more at: www.kenblanchard.com www.kenblanchardbooks.com