S2 E07 VIDEO VERSION: Melody Wilding, Executive Coach and Author of Managing Up

About this episode

In this episode, Melody Wilding discusses the importance of managing up and how effective communication can enhance influence within organizations.

If pitching is about persuading people to act, then the workplace version of that skill often comes down to something quieter: managing up. In this episode of Pitch Masters, I speak with executive coach and bestselling author Melody Wilding about how influence really works inside organisations. Many capable professionals assume strong work will naturally be recognised. But when ideas fail to gain traction with senior leaders, the issue is often communication rather than competence. Drawing on insights from her book Managing Up, Melody explains how understanding your manager’s priorities, communication style, and pressures can change the way your ideas land — whether you’re proposing a new initiative, advocating for resources, or simply trying to make your work visible. In this conversation we explore: Why strong work doesn’t always translate into influence The problem of “silent competence” in organisations How to understand your manager’s decision-making style Practical ways to navigate difficult conversations with leaders Why managing up is often the hidden form of pitching inside companies Learn more about Melody Wilding: Website: https://melodywilding.com LinkedIn…

People in this episode

Host: Danny Fontaine

Guest: Melody Wilding

Topics covered

• managing up
• influence in organizations
• communication skills
• workplace dynamics
• executive coaching

Keywords

• pitching
• influence
• communication style
• decision-making
• silent competence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LinkedIn, Website

Books & works: Managing Up

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