How can “managing up” help you to have more impact and influence?

Why is managing up a critical leadership skill for all HR leaders?

My guest on this episode is Melody Wilding, author of “Managing Up”, keynote speaker, and executive coach.

During our conversation, Melody and I discuss the following:

• The biggest misconceptions about managing up and why they are wrong
• Why managing up is a core leadership skill that every HR leader needs to learn
• Practical tools and questions HR leaders can use to help clarify priorities and expectations with leaders.
• The four main communication styles leaders need to recognize to build trust and influence across the organization.
• How to structure upward feedback for your boss to ensure it lands diplomatically and productively.

Connecting with Melody:

Connect with Melody Wilding on LinkedIn

Learn more about Managing Up and Melody’s work

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

The "Best of 2025" episode features fourteen don't miss moments from HR executives and thought leaders who…

So, who can you expect to learn from on this episode?

• Monique Herena, Chief Colleague Experience Officer, American Express
• Wanda Wallace, Managing Partner, Leadership Forum & Darren Overfield, EVP, Coaching & Consulting at Kaiser Leadership Solutions
• Riina Hellström, Founder, Agile HR Community
• Dave Ulrich, Partner at The RBL Group
• Marcia Avedon, 3X CHRO, Board Director, Human Capital Expert, and Executive Coach
• Lisa Chang, EVP & Chief People Officer, The Coca-Cola Company
• Christina Norris-Watts, Head of Assessment & People Practices, Johnson & Johnson
• Anita Graham, EVP & CHRO, Labcorp
• Christy Pambianchi, CHRO, Caterpillar Inc.
• Ani Huang, Senior EVP, CHRO Association & Anthony Nyberg, Director, Center for Executive Succession at University of South Carolina
• Brandon Sammut, Chief People & AI Transformation Officer, Zapier
• Tina Gupta, SVP, Talent Management, New York Life Insurance
• Brian Miller, Chief Talent and D&I Officer, Levi Strauss & Co
• Jennifer Wilson & Brad Warga, Partners and Global Co-Heads of the Human Resources Officers Practice at Heidrick & Struggles

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

My guests on this special holiday episode are Ian Ziskin, Lori Heffelfinger, Bill Baker, lead author and co-contributors to “Lives Lost and Leadership Found.”

During our conversation, Ian, Lori, Bill and I discuss the following:

• The inspiration behind the book "Lives Lost and Leadership Found" and how personal loss can serve as a foundation for personal growth.
• The neuroscience behind grief: how loss rewires your brain and why that matters for leaders.
• What research reveals about the role of intentionality in healing after loss and becoming a stronger leader.
• The power of storytelling and reflection—why writing about a special someone can be transformative

Connecting with Ian, Lori, and Bill:

Learn more or buy Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons From Special Somebodies

Connect with Ian Ziskin, Lori Heffelfinger, and Bill Baker

Episode Sponsor:

Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leaders

HR Leader’s Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.

Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.