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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding

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Follow Danny for more communication insights:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyfontaine

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My book Pitch: How to Captivate and Convince Any Audience on the Planet is available now on Amazon and from most bookshops. Find out more at https://pitchguy.co.uk

#pitchmasters #MelodyWilding #ManagingUp #podcast #businesspodcasts #pitching

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