38. Rise Above Victim Mindset at Work with Scott Barry Kaufman

Whether you've experienced a colleague who blames every mistake on someone else, work for a boss who can't take feedback, or you've caught yourself taking things too personally, this episode provides practical tools for breaking free from victim mindsets without denying real challenges. Renowned psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman joins Melody to discuss how our mindset expands or limits our options. You’ll discover: How to snap yourself out of a victim mindset with a simple word swapThe uncomfortable truth that "people just don't care about you" – and why that's actually liberating for your career growthSurprising ways to manage your emotions at work when you start getting angry, indignant, or personalizing situationsThe controversial connection between high sensitivity and narcissismAbout Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D., is a cognitive psychologist who is among the top one percent most cited scientists in the world for his groundbreaking research on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. He is the host of The Psychology Podcast, which has received more than 30 million downloads and is frequently ranked the #1 psychology podcast in the world. Dr. Kaufman’s writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review, and he is the author of ten previous books, including Transcend, Wired to Create, and Ungifted. https://scottbarrykaufman.com/ May 6, 2025 MC — Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Is your resume ready for today's job market? Former executive recruiter and resume expert Lisa Rangel reveals what actually makes hiring managers take notice in 2025. As the founder of Chameleon Resumes and creator of the M.E.T.A. job search process, Lisa has helped professionals in 88+ countries land their dream roles. She shares insider knowledge about what's changed in hiring, how to make your experience stand out (even when it doesn't seem like a perfect match), and practical strategies for quantifying your achievements in ways that capture attention.You’ll Discover:Shifts in hiring practices over the last 4-5 years and how to adapt your approachSimple tips to update your long-dormant resume without getting overwhelmedHow to turn seemingly "unmeasurable" achievements into compelling metrics that grab attentionThe truth about cover letters (and how to write one that actually works)About Lisa  Lisa Rangel is the Founder/CEO of ChameleonResumes.com, the premier executive resume writing and job landing consulting firm, with client success in 88+ countries. Lisa’s mission in life is to continue to make the world a happier place with one fulfilling, well-paying job change at a time using her 4-Step M.E.T.A. Job Landing System. She is a graduate of Cornell University and the first in her family to graduate from college. She is a trusted senior-level job landing expert who has been featured or published over 200+ times in media outlets including Fortune, Forbes, Newsweek, Fast Company, Business Insider, LinkedIn, BBC, Investor's Business Daily, Crain's New York, Chicago Tribune, Good Morning America & more.  She has also been selected by a number of private recruitment and executive search firms as an expert to provide guidance on how to land a fulfilling six-figure role. Download resume samples at: https://chameleonresumes.com/executive-resume-samples May 6, 2025 MC — Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Celebrating one month since Managing Up hit shelves, Melody shares the rarely-discussed struggles behind the book’s release. She pulls back the curtain on the messy reality of creating something meaningful – from crushing setbacks to unexpected breakthroughs and the mindsets, habits, and strategies that helped her along the way. You'll discover:The shocking job termination that became the foundation for Melody's managing up frameworkWhy hundreds of thousands of words ended up in the trash – and how she found the courage to start overThe one-star reviews of her first book that completely transformed her approach to writing this oneHow she balances running a business full-time with book writing — Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

You work hard, get promoted, receive praise—but there’s still a part of you that feels like it’s all temporary, that maybe it happened by chance. In this episode, Melody reveals how imposter syndrome goes beyond simple self-doubt. It's about how we process positive experiences, often attributing success to luck while internalizing every small misstep as proof of inadequacy. She shares four actionable steps to help you shift your thinkingWhat You’ll Discover:Why your successes often feel fleeting or undeserved—and what you can do to make them truly stickHow imposter syndrome tricks you into downplaying achievements and amplifying self-doubtHow to rewire your brain to see success as a reflection of your skills rather than pure luckThe neuroscience behind why praise feels uncomfortable for high achievers and how to overcome it.Four proven techniques to reframe how you see your achievements and start owning your success.May 6, 2025 MC — Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

In this episode, Jefferson Fisher, trial attorney and social media’s go-to expert on communication, shares practical, counterintuitive strategies to handle tough conversations with confidence. Jefferson’s short, no-nonsense videos have helped millions learn how to argue less, communicate more effectively, and stay in control under pressure.You’ll discover:✔ How to sound strong and assertive without stepping on toes ✔ What to say when someone takes credit for your work ✔ Tactful ways to disagree with someone more senior ✔ The exact words to use when delivering bad news ✔ His three-part framework: say it with control, say it with confidence, say it to connectAbout Jefferson  Jefferson Fisher is a trial lawyer, writer, and speaker whose work to help people communicate during life’s everyday arguments and conversations, with his practical videos and authentic presence, has gained millions of followers around the world, including celebrities and global leaders. He is a sought-after speaker on communication at Fortune 500 companies and governmental agencies, and hundreds of thousands of people subscribe to his actionable email newsletter and podcast. Fisher is a Texas board-certified personal injury attorney and the founder of Fisher Firm, where he helps people all over the United States connect to trusted legal services. Learn more at https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/ — Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Tired of feeling powerless in your job search? HR insider and career coach, Madeline Mann, is here to flip the script on traditional job hunting. Madeline shares her revolutionary approach that transforms frustrated job seekers into confident job shoppers. Drawing from her experience in HR and recruiting at top companies, she breaks down exactly how to take control of your career journey and land roles at dream companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.You’ll Discover:The psychology behind what actually makes hiring managers take notice How to shift from being a desperate job seeker to becoming an empowered job shopperPractical strategies for managing an effective job search while working full-timeAbout Madeline  Madeline Mann is an HR & Recruiting leader and the author of Reverse the Search, who spun her insider knowledge of the hiring process into an award-winning career coaching empire, called Self Made Millennial, where she has reached millions. Through her platforms and coaching, Mann works to turn job seekers into Job Shoppers, enabling any professional to land high-paying job offers, with many landing roles at competitive Fortune 500 companies. Mann has been featured in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and ABC News, and is recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice.— Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

In this candid episode, Melody shares the behind-the-scenes story of her bold new direction and introduces a brand new concept: your Professional Power Position. She opens up about the personal wake-up calls that led to this evolution, including why she stopped softening her message and what happened when she did. Through compelling examples and personal confessions, Melody shows why mastering both your own psychology AND others' is the key to getting the recognition, respect, and results you deserve. This conversation will change how you think about power, influence, and success at work. — Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Today is a big day! Melody’s new book, Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge, is officially out in the world 🎉 To celebrate, you get exclusive first listen to the Introduction, where you’ll hear why managing up isn’t something you do for your boss—it’s something you do for yourself. Grab your copy at managingup.com. Your support on launch day will help bring this book to as many professionals as possible who need it.Audio courtesy of Penguin Random House Audio from  MANAGING UP by Melody Wilding, read by the author. — Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

In this exclusive segment from her recent Managing Up Mastery training, Melody reveals the final five conversations from her new book – the ones that help you build strategic relationships, make your work visible, and position yourself for the opportunities you deserve.🚨 EXPIRES 3/4/25: Pre-order Melody’s new book, Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. Get over $400 worth of bonuses at: https://managingup.com— Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Think your hard work and careful preparation is enough to influence decisions at work? Think again. In this special episode, get an exclusive peek at the framework from Melody's new book "Managing Up" as she reveals the invisible workplace dynamics most professionals miss. Learn the first five essential conversations that transform how leaders see and treat you at work. From getting clear on priorities to setting boundaries that stick, discover exactly when and how to have the conversations that shape your success. 🚨EXPIRES 3/4/25: Pre-order Melody’s new book, Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. Get over $400 worth of bonuses at: https://managingup.com— Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up