The Grey Areas Podcast with Kelsey Donlon

Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge with Melody Wilding

Kelsey Donlon Episode 6

Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! This week, we’re joined by Melody Wilding, a human behaviour professor, award-winning executive career coach, and the author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge. Recognized as one of Insider’s most innovative career coaches, Melody blends psychology, neuroscience, and professional development to empower leaders to build trust, influence, and authority at work.

In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for managing up, setting healthy boundaries, and taking control of your career—without changing your job title.

Highlights include:
• 3:45 – Discover the mindset shift that turns managing up into a tool for career empowerment.
• 5:30 – Learn how women can advocate for themselves without coming off as manipulative.
• 10:15 – Find out how to become a strategic partner to your boss and elevate your influence.
• 18:30 – Tackle micromanagement head-on with actionable upward feedback techniques.
• 22:15 – Master the “quitting conversation” framework to leave gracefully while protecting your reputation.
• 28:15 – Set boundaries effectively to safeguard your mental health in high-stress environments.
• 36:50 – Handle credit-stealing and difficult conversations with confidence and tact.

Tune in now to hear Melody’s expert advice on transforming workplace challenges into opportunities for growth and influence!

Melody’s Links
Website - https://melodywilding.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding
Book: Managing Up - https://melodywilding.com/managingup

Kelsey's Links For You:
Website
Grey Areas Instagram
Kelsey's Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok

People on this episode