Say It Skillfully®

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 57 is Graham Weaver’s humor-filled, inspiring and at times unbelievable journey. His youth in blue-collar, small town Ohio laid the foundation for an insatiable appetite to learn, grow and push the limits. 1000’s of hours of self-help cassettes—listened to while mowing lawns—and wrestling ignited in Graham the magic of pursuing big goals. Disbelief in first jobs out of college paves the way for a remarkable journey founding Alpine Investors, a 19-year old PE firm putting people first. He talks of conversations on diversity and asks about helping his Stanford students navigate to their true north. Feel the aliveness, passion & make-it-happen zeal that propels Graham & Alpine to lift people and businesses to new heights. Tune in 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 151, Molly is joined by Christina Rahm, who shares her story, persevering through more personal and health issues than you might imagine, and making a positive change in the world in her unique way. Growing up in a small Missouri town where she felt like an outsider and was bullied by other kids and even a teacher, Christina talks about learning to see the bright side of things. Thankful to her parents for exposing her to a wide variety of music, sports, travel, and higher learning, she tells us about how—though seeming overly harsh at times—her parents taught her many important lessons in perseverance, dedication and humility. Christina’s passion for helping others was cultivated from a young age. As early as age five, she recalls aspirations to make change in the world and help humanity as she’d seen by figures such as Gandhi and Mother Teresa. She talks about her first instance of helping people professionally, an internship helping gang members and abused children—something her parents didn’t agree with for fear of her safety and even temporarily cut her off! Christina describes how her passion evolved from wanting people to feel good, to wanting people to achieve their absolute best in life. She opens up about her battle with lyme disease throughout college and how, with motivation from her parents, she pushed through (which includes working as a hotel maid). She describes that, while extremely tough at the time, she is grateful for the wisdom and mental toughness gained. Moving past lyme disease, Christina faced myriad of issues while advancing in the pharmaceutical and biotechnical industries, including a brain tumor, cancer, miscarriages, divorces, and multiple unplanned pregnanices. She talks about how her drive and dedication helped her to always be an outstanding performer in ultra-competitive environments while facing these problems head on. We can all draw inspiration from Christina’s struggles and take her story as proof that, even with the odds stacked against us, we can find ways to prosper and positively impact the world. Don’t miss Christina’s learnings on what we can do to lead healthier lives and find physical and mental wellness from within. She also offers how listening to and embracing ideas and different points of view from everyone has been key in her success growing companies. Christina 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: Look forward more than you look back. Check out https://drchristinarahm.com/, and her new book, “Cure the Causes”.

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 198, Molly is joined by her friend Jason Castano, a shining example of a young person who took the bull by the horns, found his passions and never stopped believing in what was possible. For Jason’s parents the only way to leave Colombia with hope of America was entrusting a total stranger with their lives and life savings to fly to Mexico, swim across a river at night with their young daughter, fly to California, and then to New York. His father made $3/hour washing dishes and his mother was a maid. Jason overwhelmingly recalls gratitude for their “hard work” and a happy childhood, always having what he needed. Admittedly shy, skinny and insecure as a child, Jason talks about being bullied and then transformed by being part of a karate fight team. He reflects about the opportunity to be top 8 out of 300 as the first time he really wanted something. The good fortune of joining a military program for high schoolers completed his metamorphosis to a self-confident, strong youth with a new lease on life. Hear how Jason played the long game in boldly embarking on his first career as a physical trainer, which took him on private jets and a chance to see the world. Living his core values with his clients, endless work ethic and penchant to always exceed expectations helped him break through. And in 2015 when a client offered him an opportunity to move into real estate, Jason found his “dream job” as portfolio asset manager and agent for River 2 River Realty. Hear how he now supports family members to immigrate and make better lives for themselves. Many nuggets to be gleaned from Jason’s journey! Don’t miss how he was “chest up, shoulders back” and always grateful when people entrusted him. Jason inspires us to be the very best versions of ourselves. Molly’s thought for the week – a quote from his uncle that keeps Jason alive and motivated, “Be a creature of progression”. p.s. Jason is on his way to leading with his full potential. To help you do the same, check out Molly’s 1st LinkedIn Learning course, “Leadership Communication in the Flow of Work.” Here’s the link for free 24-hr 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 197 is the 39th 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 global humanitarian volunteer, Alison Thompson, whose journey inspires us to serve our community and world in ways we may never have imagined! Growing up in Australia, her father a preacher, Alison moved frequently in a missionary lifestyle and she found herself most comfortable in her early habitats of developing world and jungle.. She recalls her parents’ unconditional love and beaming love into the eyes of those in need, though she thought she’d grow up, have a candy store and four kids, vs. immerse herself in helping people in refugee camps! Along her way to her dream role, Alison’s career took her to nursing, math teacher, investment banker and film school. She implores, “Don’t be scared to take a new path!” On September 11th, 2001 Alison lost 64 friends and that day changed her life trajectory. She worked for 9 months as a first responder at Ground Zero and shares how she managed to cope and then to thrive after something so senseless. In founding “Third Wave Volunteers”—30,000 medical and non-medical volunteers on the ground responding to disasters globally—Alison takes you through mistakes, learnings and the highs and lows. Hear how each of us can make a difference! She shares her experience with large aid organizations and the power of a hug that doesn’t let go. Hers is a love story (and how she met the love of life—hear how they make their relationship work). No surprise, Alison believes that the secret to happiness is service to others. Don’t miss this moving episode. She inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Learn more and support here: https://thirdwavevolunteers.com/ (including her award-winning documentary “The Third Wave” that chronicles her volunteering in Sri Lanka after the tsunami and book). Molly’s thought for the week—Thank you Alison! “It’s easy to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it’s leadership to be at the wrong place at the right time. P.S. Alison leads to her full potential by communicating 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-hr 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 196, Molly is joined by one of the world’s greatest leaders, Alan Mulally, who led Boeing to the global leader of commercial airplanes and Ford to the #1 automotive brand in the USA. Alan shares his leadership journey and his “Working Together” System, honed as he’s led hundreds of thousands of people in creating value for all the stakeholders and the greater good. We dedicate this episode to the indomitable Frances Hesselbein, who taught us: “Work is love made visible.” “Who you are as a person is going to have more to do with your leadership, service and contribution than anything else.” The foundation of Alan’s life of service started at home in Lawrence, Kansas. He reminisces about the daily words impressed upon him by his parents, not least of which included: “Remember Alan, to serve is to live.” “Seek to understand before you seek to be understood.” “It's nice to be important. But it's more important to be nice.” If you don’t hear it for yourself, it may be hard to believe Alan’s career path… He recounts an early epiphany as bag checker at the grocery store—from humble beginnings and struggling to fit in, to the very top echelons of business Alan was *always* guided by humility, love and service. He delves into how being grounded in your authentic self is the key to saying it skillfully (authenticity = alignment between your beliefs, values and behaviors). And Alan offers how being who you are and developing an integrated life (vs. balancing work and life) has made all the difference! Don’t miss learning about Alan’s Working Together Strategic, Operational and Stakeholder-center System, which has underpinned his and his organizations’ success. Reference materials will be available on Molly’s LinkedIn post https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollytschang/ for you to follow along and help you put the system into practice. Join Alan and Molly in being the change you want to see in our world! Be a “Working Together” Leader—I to we and me to service! Molly’s thought for the week (Thank you Alan’s Mom): The purpose of life: love and be loved—in that order! P.S. To help you in “Working Together”, amp up how you communicate as a leader! Take Molly’s 1st LinkedIn Learning course, “Leadership Communication in the Flow of Work.” Here’s the link for free 24-hr 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 195 is another edition of “Top Talks from the Top”. Do yourself a big favor and take in the many, many gems that Harry Kraemer generously shares, not least of which is tapping into the power of self-reflection. Over a 23-year career at Baxter International, he went from finance whiz literally to Chairman & CEO. The eldest of 5, Harry recalls moving every few years as his dad was a salesman and growing up “fairly religious.” His Uncle Francis was a priest, which was his first career choice (that didn’t exactly manifest). Harry shares the pivotal moment with his to-be father-in-law that set him on a trajectory he’d never imagined! Young Harry learned how silence can be a pretty good thing, such that for the past 4+ decades, he self-reflects for 15 minutes every single day. It’s made all the difference as he doesn’t suffer from “worry, fear, anxiety, pressure, and stress!” Harry talks openly about how to be when things are going well, AND to consider the inevitability of when things go downhill. He’s all about “no surprises”. He walks the walk of truly valuing people and relationships and recollects fondly the opportunity to be constantly meeting people and learning from them in the 140 countries Baxter operated in. I’ve never known anyone to thrive as much in relating human to human! Don’t be surprised how Harry’s people focus contributed to his ascent at Baxter (something he NEVER envisioned). And his values-based leadership made any “tough talks” less so! Hear how he embraced his privilege and responsibility to set an example of what a good person to his 55,000 team members. You’ll be better for tuning into this refreshing conversation. Harry inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true and very best selves! And no time like the present to amp up your leadership communications, a core component to Harry’s sustained success in all his endeavors. Don’t miss taking Molly’s 1st LinkedIn Learning course, “Leadership Communication in the Flow of Work.” Here’s a link for free 24-hr access https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mollytschang_sayitskillfully-communicationskills-passion-activity-7099873982077657088-L-qC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Hope it helps you lead to your full potential. Happy learning!

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 194 features callers earlier in their professional careers and what’s top of mind for them. My first caller, Henry, is right out of college and into his first ever full-time job! He’s wondering about approaching superiors and peers, how to bring up new ideas, find ways to shine and add in a meaningful way to the culture. Hear the incredible maturity of someone new to the workforce (and enjoy a hit of optimism for the future of work). Henry also shares tips for how organizations ensure they don’t miss out on top talent! Then Robert, who’s been working about nine years, opens up about leaving a company when he realized he wasn’t perceived or treated the way he wanted to be (after attempting to turn things around). Should he have tried harder to change groups vs. change jobs? Did he leave in the right way? We revisit his experience and talk about what he might have considered and what to take into his new role (26:45). Tune in and hear what’s top of mind for early-in-career professionals—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: Do or do not. There is no try. —Yoda And for leaders, please don’t miss taking Molly’s 1st LinkedIn Learning course, “Leadership Communication in the Flow of Work.” Here’s a link for free 24-hr access https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mollytschang_sayitskillfully-communicationskills-passion-activity-7099873982077657088-L-qC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Hope it helps you to lead to your full potential. Happy learning!

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 193 Molly’s guest is Nashville Hall of Fame singer-songwriter, Tony Arata, and his unexpected journey to the limelight of his craft, without that ever being his intention. Being “last of the litter” with 4 older siblings, Tony shares, “my parents were the best role models ever… mom with a 5th, and dad, a 3rd grade education.” Pivotal moments are a theme—a chance gift of a $50 guitar from his brother with a treasure trove of all his siblings’ albums are what ignited Tony’s musical interest and “fancying to be songwriter.” Hear how Aretha Franklin’s R-E-S-P-E-C-T and 11th grade English teacher Sally Scott putting Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath in his hands were pivotal in his epiphany: “Songs come from people, not the radio or albums.” Moving from Columbia, SC to Tybee, GA in 11th grade, Tony recalls, “I had no friends in Tybee; my guitar and music were my friends.” He learned by voraciously listening to music and reading lyrics. Chuckle as you hear how Tony (journalism major in college) lied his way to his first job as writer… about buses. And the rest is history. A few of many gems: * True peace is found when doing what you enjoy for no other reason than it helps define you and brings you peace * That kid learning to play guitar at Tybee island is the same old man amazed by the 12 notes and 26 letters. This world of music is an ever evolving process….Nobody says, “I’ve arrived”. * Music is my peace, my outlet – I never had to ask permission from anyone (to write music) * … do it regardless of fame—no hollow pursuit—waiting on validation to come from somewhere else. Tony gives insight into his creative process: “Write for the best idea, best song you can at the time.” And watching a lot of people “break the rules” made all the difference. He talks about his cherished family, including wife Jaymi’s game-changing role. Hear about his Tony Bennett encounter and a “do over” if he had the chance. Finally, Garth Brooks has recorded, to date, 7 of Tony’s songs. Here’s what Garth said about Tony, “He has to be one of my favorite songwriters. He’s a cat who doesn’t care about appearances. He doesn’t care about money. He cares about his children, his wife & his music. That’s neat.” Don’t miss the inspiration of Tony pursuing his craft without an end in sight… no ulterior motive, and staying true to himself as #1 songs, #1 albums and Grammy nominations manifested. Learn about succeeding in and navigating life on your terms. Molly’s thought for the week: Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something. —Tony Arata

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 192 is proof our passions in life can come seemingly out of nowhere. Molly’s friend Mark Axelowitz takes us behind the scenes of his life journey—making his way to and excelling in a Wall Street career and then (when least expected) a surprise acting career, starring opposite none other than Robert De Niro three times! When Mark was 9, his father lost the entire family savings in the stock market. All 4 kids had no choice but to work. Mark delivered newspapers and caddied, and it was his flourishing landscaping business over a decade that covered his clothes, cars and saving for college. He recalls the deep embarrassment—worst house, worst car, having almost no furniture. While his father, who lived until 101, said losing everything was the best thing that could have happened because he had 4 children who weren’t spoiled, Mark learned at a young age the necessity of making money. Staying home for college was the only option, taking 3 jobs: mowing lawns, packing trucks for UPS and working in the Hofstra computer center. Hear Mark recount his early roles and never looking back after his brash foray onto Wall Street. He became a top financial advisor, working with many of the most successful hedge funds, private equity funds and key players in entertainment. I won’t spoil how Mark’s 2nd career in acting transpired—you have to hear it to believe it. Don’t miss how Mark epitomizes leaning into discomfort (a.k.a. freakin’ out) as the path to growth. Married 34 years, in business with a partner he’s known 43, relationships have been Mark’s bedrock, as has serving his community. Mark shares (while not his intention) “100%—I owe my success to giving back … without philanthropy I’d never have met Ray Dalio, Bill Ackman, … or been an actor.” The moral of Mark’s amazing journey: “helping others is the best way to help yourself.” Tune in for his many inspiring learnings to succeed on your terms and learn how to navigate life while being invaluable and true to yourself. And be on the lookout for Mark in the release of Wise Guys February 2024 (bit.ly/3qkXtXr) Molly’s thought for the week (a favorite of Mark’s) The true measure of a man is not by how many servants he has but how many men he serves.” —D.L. Moody

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 191 is a juicy one: handling when leaders bad mouth one another and won’t embrace change in themselves, and a candid conversation re: big corporate communication blunders—is the pendulum on inclusion swinging too far … anything the rank and file might do? Molly’s first caller Mary is a clear example of “being part of the solution”. Prioritizing creating 1:1 connections, no surprise she’s trusted by folks senior and junior—they tell it like it is to her. She shares her frustration with the authoritative/directive style of a leader (that’s not serving him or the team), and flagrant “bad behaviors” of leaders that everyone knows don’t get along! Molly offers options to take this head on. Then Phyllis calls in with how she can approach her CEO and co-founder, who unapologetically treats junior staff in ways where they don’t feel respected. She and Molly discuss how to ascertain what drives the CEO, enabling Phyllis to confront the situation and serve both the organization’s culture and its ability to deliver both financial results and social impact (23:50). Next Gary bravely raises the elephant on the table—when a big corporate campaign intended to advocate for greater inclusion falls completely flat, so much so that the fall-out results in *very bad* PR, brand damage and plummeting sales. The conversation turns to how such “catastrophes” happen and what brave souls can do to potentially avoid such impending train crashes. They get real about understandable fear “white males” have about using their voices and how to settle the pendulum swing to perhaps less extremes (33:50). Molly’s thought for the week: You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass. —Warren Buffet (Thanks to the culture coach, the brilliant Garry Ridge, for sharing)

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 190 professionals who know their boundaries call in with how they’re willing to “say no” when something is not ok and to make career transitions to stay true to themselves! Working in IT, Alex calls in about a dodgy situation in which his boss and boss’s boss are at odds—with Alex in the middle (sigh). “Transparency is our friend” proves again to be the answer. Hear how transparency of both bosses’ “radio silence” also helped Alex make a brave, and right, call to leave a culture that wasn’t consistent with his values. Hear how he let one door close to open an unexpected new one, and has not looked back! Then Mary, who has worked in many aspects of healthcare, takes us through her own epiphany working for an executive who seemed to have two very different personalities (warm and harsh). Crediting her foray into studying (and teaching) mindfulness, she shares how she was able to deliberately step back—with an open heart— and pivot her approach with this leader to create a dramatically different relationship, both 1:1 and in group meetings. Mary also shares how she made the call to leave a “bad boss” (22:40). Finally, Tony, who works in the public sector, opens up about his own journey as he’s a “leader of leaders” and developing what that looks like. He’s candid about his areas of growth—ceding control, setting expectations and engendering trust. In building Tony’s team, he and Molly talk about vulnerability as a must for trust, and connecting as human beings (all with strengths and weaknesses) to support each other’s success. “Measuring” our degree of connection/relationship also came up, and Molly offers ways to consider this both quantitatively and qualitatively (39:20). Enjoy these thought-provoking conversations—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: “Mindset is everything. The way you look at the world is the way it appears. Telling yourself you are capable, confident and going to crush the day with kindness not only lets you change your world but the world of everyone around you..” —Garry Ridge

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 189 is the 38th 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, you’ll 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, Molly is joined by Abeer Abu Ghaith, a champion in social activism and creating economic opportunities for her fellow Palestinians and people in the MENA region through her entrepreneurial ventures and technological knowledge. Abeer joins the show to share her story, living in a refugee camp until age 12 and being in a conflict zone the majority of her life. She opens up about personal struggles and the ups and downs of being the “first high-tech women entrepreneur” in Palestine. Don’t miss insights from a bright soul who sees doors where others see walls. Abeer inspires us to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard.

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 188, Molly’s long-time friend and former Cisco colleague Larry McManus shares how he made a mid-career change from big corporate life to running his own show, and has never looked back! As a youth, Larry learned work ethos and drive to chart his own path. His dad, growing up poor in NYC and trained as a doctor through the US Army, was *very* hard on him and 3 siblings; his mom provided business sense as the firm household manager. Moving 5 times in just 7-½ years, Larry learned adapting and starting over. This was also reinforced by a pivotal time in 7th grade. Partners of his father’s medical practice reneged on their promise to make him partner. At that point, his parents chose to control their destiny—to leave Columbia, SC for the town of Newbury and start a private practice. Struggling in school with the prospect of a nightmare 8th grade, Larry made the ask to be in Newbury before the rest of the family joined. He recounts fondly of being roommates with his dad. They lived just above the office and Larry did the cooking! Entrepreneurship was part of growing up. Larry and his brother always had money-making schemes, like collecting aluminum cans out of golf course trash cans or selling golf balls, and learned first-hand about financing a business as their parents signed a 13% note! Following his father’s footsteps, Larry opens up about facing that medicine was NOT going to be his thing, and how to tell his dad. Thanks to cultivating strong mentors, Larry got his real estate license during college. Don’t miss his remarkable ascent from intern to managing his mentors’ firm at age 20—the power of speaking up! More twists and turns led Larry to international real estate and then into mergers and acquisitions! Always, his keen business sense, practical problem-solving, and strong people skills opened new doors. Larry talks about the reality in balancing family and work and one of his hardest life decisions, to leave corporate life at Cisco and embark on his own investment advisory firm (which in hindsight he was purpose-built to do). Tune in for many inspiring learnings to succeed on his terms and learn how to navigate life while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: Mistakes are the portals of discovery –James Joyce Listen to the full episode here: *Say It Skillfully: https://www.sayitskillfully.com/podcast *Spotify: bit.ly/44kVotr *Apple: bit.ly/3XRBrYO *Audible: bit.ly/3rsskBB And learn more about Larry and his firm’s financial planning and investment management! https://lfmwm.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 June, 2023 Molly spent three glorious days immersed in an intensive yoga anatomy program, led by the exceptional and internationally-known Matt Giordano, aka “TheYogiMatt.” Yoga (meaning 'to yoke' or 'to unite') changed Molly and her life for the better. While balance, flexibility and strength are part of yoga, she describes it as “getting to know yourself for who you really are… truly feeling what it’s like to be you!). In Episode 76, Matt shares an enthralling journey to his passion and purpose. 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. Episode 187 is the 37th 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 Farhana Hasan, a technology and data specialist who was a senior leader in global aviation for almost 20 years. At Delta Air Lines she led the technology implementation for partnership development, responsible for technology implementation with 23 different airlines around the world. She joins the show to talk about her journey and give an inside look at HerWILL, which she founded to highlight and elevate talented women for better opportunities. Don’t miss insights from a long-time leader and advocate for women. Farhana inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Molly’s thought for the week: When there’s a WILL, there’s a way.

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 186 features Brian Requarth, who joins the show to share his rollercoaster entrepreneurial journey, including the ups and downs of co-founding Viva Real, which faced early fundraising problems, saw Brian step down as CEO to be more present in his family life, and eventually sold for over $600 million. He also talks about what he’s up to nowadays, such as how he enables other entrepreneurs to succeed. Don’t miss insights from his long career, including the importance of being comfortable with rejection (which he learned from working a telemarketer job), how necessity forces creative solutions, and the power of vulnerability and transparency as an entrepreneur. Brian inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves. Molly’s thought for the week: If you want money, ask for advice; if you want advice, ask for money. We don’t get there alone.

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 185 features callers from around the world unpacking their challenging conversations with Molly. First, Grace rejoins the show after two years, having earned her PhD, which included time in Los Angeles and South Africa. She compares and contrasts her experiences as a Chinese academic professional. While her US education was primarily with white men and women, she gained greater appreciation for how diverse the US is compared to her time in Africa. Then Natalie, who hails from Malta and currently lives in Qatar, shares her myriad transitions in supporting her husband’s career moves—a bounty of learnings in earning two master degrees, numerous career shifts and raising two boys. She talks about the power of self-reflection in her journey, struggles to prioritize her own self-care, and how service and philanthropy have ultimately given her more than she feels she’s given to others (16:05). And Roger exudes gratitude for finally landing his dream job in academia, which includes creating opportunities to support underrepresented youths and create on ramps to higher education. Many unexpected twists, turns and disappointments along the way to his latest triumph. In his latest move, while being the lone male on a team with 11 women might not seem so easy, hear what presented the most challenge for Roger in taking on his latest role (30:30)! The show wraps with everyone’s thoughts on how diversity is a win-win. Indeed we best “serve the whole” by learning to embrace our differences and gain empathy for each other’s human experience. Enjoy these thought-provoking conversations.—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: “Energy flows from commitment.” —George Leonard

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 184 features the inspiring Dave Clark. Dave joins the show to share a healthy dose of inspiration with his story of overcoming the odds. He was diagnosed with Polio at 10 months old but didn’t let that stop him from dreaming AND doing. Through hard work and dedication, Dave proved himself worthy of a shot in the minor leagues where he had a 17 year playing career, finding success as the only player in professional sports history to pitch from crutches. Don’t miss insights and stories from Dave’s journey, including his mindset as a child with Polio, how he found brotherhood in his teammates after being just “tolerated” to start, and what went down in his career highlight game. Dave inspires us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves.

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 183 features callers from around the world unpacking their challenging conversations with Molly. Amanda calls in first, and her company has thrived the past few years by embracing change and continues to be in high growth mode. She’s excited about change, though has team members who seem averse to it. Amanda and Molly talk through how to understand the root of the disagreement, and the difference between all “agreeing” vs “aligning” on change. They also review key conditions for successful change. Next Ray, who works in government and leads a high-performing team, is charged up about innovating around feedback, including introducing a way to solicit 360 input from stakeholders across the organization. He’s mindful though, of not overstepping as has been in his new role for a year. Ray and Molly start with his own attitude on performance conversations, including worries, and how “transparency is our friend.” They also offer the aspirational opportunity of feedforward (Thank you Marshall Goldsmith!). (12:05) Then, Staci, who realized college wasn’t for her, and entered the trades inquiries about “climbing the corporate ladder” in a male-dominated profession without a college degree. Staci and Molly talk about her self-confidence and willingness to take the bull by the horn as tremendous assets. Keen to have her ideas taken seriously and feel heard, we go through what and how to communicate in ways where this comes through (34:10)! Don’t miss these top-of-mind conversations on all career phases—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: “Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path.” —Anonymous

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 182 Molly talks with entrepreneur, executive and early-stage investor Naveed Lalani. He joins the show to share his story, starting his entrepreneurial ventures at just 10 years old after moving to the US from Pakistan. Don’t miss a heartwarming account of how Naveed took risks in pursuit of the American dream and found his own path to success. He inspires us to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true best selves.