Say It Skillfully, featuring Molly Tschang

Molly Tschang doesn’t sugarcoat it: most workplaces don’t suffer from a lack of talent—they suffer from people holding back what they really think. In this episode, host Dr. Michelle K. Johnston sits down with Molly—co-author of Say It Skillfully with Marshall Goldsmith—to talk about the real reason teams stall: disconnection, fear, and leaders who unknowingly make it unsafe to speak up. Michelle and Molly also explore seismic shifts in leadership: the rise of leaders willing to lead when it’s inconvenient, and the growing urgency for workplaces where truth can be spoken without punishment. Molly ends with a mic-drop reminder for anyone feeling stuck: you have choices—find environments that deserve you, then bring your full voice to the table. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome + meet Molly Tschang and Say It Skillfully 01:28 Molly’s origin story: belonging, shyness, and finding her voice 03:45 Cornell, chemical engineering, and early identity pressure 05:40 The IBM pivot: choosing growth over the bigger paycheck 07:35 Deloitte consulting + the power of learning through people 08:30 U.S. Filter: integrating acquisitions and leading through change 10:02 Burnout, “In Transition,” and getting connected to yourself 11:01 Cisco’s heyday: high trust teams and “set the container” 13:22 Philanthropy, Ethiopia/Uganda, and a perspective-reset on work 16:39 Relationship systems coaching and the role of vulnerability 18:10 Abella Consulting: helping senior teams “Win as One” 18:26 Meeting Marshall Goldsmith + the videos that took off 23:03 Radio show to podcast: reverse-engineering the skillful model 26:32 Connection, empathy, and why it starts within 29:10 When it isn’t safe: choosing workplaces that deserve you 32:41 Seismic shifts in leadership + courage at every level 37:14 Final advice: the energy you bring is the message 39:00 Wrap + where to find the book Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season! Track Title: My Heart's On Fire Follow Michelle for more inspiring content: Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeismicShiftwithMichelle  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-johnston-0264b5b Instagram: instagram.com/michellekjohnston  Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/