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My Emotional Work Life

My Emotional Work Life

Written by: Jennifer McCanna
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If you’ve ever been told to ‘leave your emotions at the door’ to your workplace, and thought ‘how? What? Really?’ This podcast is for you. Guess what, it’s ok for you to have emotions about your work. It’s even ok for you to have emotions at work too. But how do we navigate the often challenging, overwhelming, frustrating, but also brilliant, world of work in the 21st century, whilst maintaining our energy and motivation? Jennifer McCanna PCC has been coaching leaders around the world since 2011, and brings her trademark down-to-earth, practical strategies as well as inspiring stories to help you surf your emotional life at work (rather than bottle it all up and pretending it doesn’t exist.) Jennifer’s clients work in big multi-nationals, tiny local charities, government departments, think tanks, global banks and everything in between. They have something in common - they are all human and helping humans navigate their emotional work lives is something she does daily, along with helping them transform tricky relationships and feel energised at work. My (Emotional) Work Life is a mix of stories and strategies to help you navigate your own emotional work life. As an emotional freedom technique practitioner and emotional human being, as well as a leadership coach, Jen shares the approaches she’s seen work with countless clients, to help you navigate some of the most challenging work situations. Enjoy conversations with guest experts who share stories around topics such as returning to work after maternity leave, grief, job hunting after a particularly toxic job experience and navigating the menopause. My guests will share their top tips for navigating the very real challenges many of us face at work. Do you need some practical strategies for that difficult colleague who is bringing up all the feelings? Want to reflect on how to support a colleague through a challenging period in their lives? My Emotional Work Life has got you covered. If you enjoy My (Emotional) Work Life, please make sure you follow, rate and review the show and share it with your work colleagues and anyone else you think may benefit from the podcast. Find out more at https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/Copyright 2026 Jennifer McCanna Alternative & Complementary Medicine Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Management Management & Leadership Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • S2 Ep 10: It’s lonely at the top, or is it? Insight from a CEO

    S2 Ep 10: It’s lonely at the top, or is it? Insight from a CEO
    May 10 2026
    What does it really feel like to lead an organisation? In this episode, Jennifer McCanna gets behind the mic with former hospice CEO Claire Irving to explore the often unseen emotional side of leadership in the third sector. From pressure and uncertainty to moments of isolation especially during the turbulence of the pandemic, Claire opens up about the reality behind the job title. She also shares her personal journey to becoming a hospice CEO, and why building strong support systems is vital for leadership success.Here are the highlights:Becoming a CEO on the brink of a global pandemicThe hidden loneliness of leadership Practical ways CEOs can overcome isolationWhy the CEO–board relationship can make or break successThe true cost of burnout and why wellbeing isn’t optionalBalancing compassion with high performanceHow early role models shape lasting leadership stylesEmotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tap to support you In this episode we speak about the importance as a senior leader of creating space to think so this tap is to help you do just that https://vimeo.com/1177425505?fl=pl&fe=shA note from Jen: I invite you to tap along to the videos alongside these episodes whilst taking full responsibility for your health and wellbeing. EFT is a fantastic self help tool with ever growing credibility due to positive results from scientific studies and now used by the NHS in trauma therapy. Self help is not a substitution for seeking professional advice. If you are concerned about your physical or mental health please consult a qualified medical professional. If you would like to explore EFT with a qualified practitioner, get in touch.Meet your host Jennifer McCanna:Jen has been coaching leaders in organisations around the world since 2011. From the UN Refugee Agency to HSBC, government departments to national and local charities, she specialises in supporting clients to work through the often messy, emotional challenges of leadership so they feel calm, energised and able to have a real impact in the world. If you’ve experienced a challenging relationship, restructure or other difficult period in your working life, and as a result your self-belief has taken a hit, Jennifer’s blend of pure coaching, emotional freedom technique and Resilience Dynamic® approaches will help you process the emotional fallout, as well as equipping you with tools to stay energised and effective as a leader. She works with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designs and delivers insightful leadership development and away days. Connect with Jennifer:Download free resources at Resources and Insights | Jen McCanna Read about her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCannaFollow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedInAnd on Instagram here Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videosDon’t forget to follow this podcast so you don’t miss an episode.About Claire Irving:Claire Irving is the co-founder and Director of Better Strategic Consultancy, where she partners with charity leaders, trustees and senior teams to shape strategy that is clear, practical and rooted in how organisations really function. With senior-level experience across organisational strategy, leadership development, income generation and complex stakeholder environments, Claire has supported organisations through periods of growth, merger, cultural change and uncertainty. Her work brings together rigorous strategic thinking with emotional intelligence, helping leaders make better decisions and navigate pressure without losing sight of their people. Claire is known for her thoughtful and human approach, trusted counsel and ability to turn complexity into calm, shared direction. Connect with Claire:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-irving-64017515/https://www.betterconsult.co.uk/Produced by Winter Audio
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    38 mins
  • S2 Ep 09: Avoiding Sunday night dread

    S2 Ep 09: Avoiding Sunday night dread
    Apr 26 2026
    Why does that sinking feeling show up before the work week starts and what can you actually do about it? In this honest solo episode, Jennifer McCanna discusses the experience of “Sunday night dread,” exploring why uncertainty and unknown challenges trigger our nerves, and sharing eight practical strategies to move from catastrophising to calm.You’ll hear why power dynamics, psychological safety, and habitual worry can make stress worse, and how you can gently reclaim control over your emotions and your week. Whether your dreaded day is Sunday, Monday, or any other, this episode is full of real-life strategies to help you.Here are the Highlights:Naming your emotions and reframing anxiety as a temporary feelingCatching spiralling thoughts and interrupting catastrophising with calmer scriptsIs your worry based on habit or current reality?Creating a “soft landing” for your week, think treats, routines, or simple plansThe role of check-ins and social supportA straightforward language swap to reduce guilt and reclaim choiceTips for calming your nervous system and tapping with EFT (see the video below)Logging your emotions to help you notice patterns and give you evidence you need to challenge habitual thinking.Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tap to Support YouThis simple tap is designed simply to help give you space to notice where you’re feeling the dread and reduce those stress hormones. https://vimeo.com/1177343482Depending on whether your dread is linked to a difficult meeting or relationship, you may want to also check out the EFT taps on other episodes including season 1: episode 3 - The Difficult Boss Survival Guide, season 1: episode 5 - Tension in the office? Managing a difficult team member or season 2: episode 7 - difficult meetings - do them your way.A note from Jen: I invite you to tap along to the videos alongside these episodes whilst taking full responsibility for your health and wellbeing. EFT is a fantastic self help tool with ever growing credibility due to positive results from scientific studies and now used by the NHS in trauma therapy. Self help is not a substitution for seeking professional advice. If you are concerned about your physical or mental health please consult a qualified medical professional. If you would like to explore EFT with a qualified practitioner, get in touch.Meet your host Jennifer McCanna:Jennifer McCanna has been coaching leaders in organisations around the world since 2011. From the UN Refugee Agency to HSBC, government departments to national and local charities, she specialises in supporting clients to work through the often messy, emotional challenges of leadership so they feel calm, energised and able to have a real impact in the world.If you’ve experienced a challenging relationship, restructure or other difficult period in your working life, and as a result your self-belief has taken a hit, Jennifer’s blend of pure coaching, emotional freedom technique and Resilience Dynamic® approaches will help you process the emotional fallout, as well as equipping you with tools to stay energised and effective as a leader.She works with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designs and delivers insightful and engaging leadership development and away days.Download free resources at Resources and Insights | Jen McCannaExplore more about Jen and her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCannaFollow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedInAnd on Instagram here Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videosDon’t forget to follow this podcast so you don’t miss an episode.Produced by Winter Audio
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    14 mins
  • S2 Ep 08: How to be human – the messiness of life as a leader with Joshua Okunlola

    S2 Ep 08: How to be human – the messiness of life as a leader with Joshua Okunlola
    Apr 12 2026
    What does it really mean to be human at work, especially as a leader? In this episode, Jennifer is joined by coach, mediator, and facilitator Joshua Okunlola to explore the realities behind the façade of professional perfection. They candidly discuss the power of naming vulnerabilities, the courage it takes to admit you don’t always have the answers, and why embracing the “messiness” of leadership is more impactful than pretending to have it all together.Here are the Highlights:How to build work relationships that feel real and *buzzword alert* authenticJoshua and Jen’s stories of being messy as leadersHow being human impacts what the group can achieve togetherWhen and why we keep ourselves small for fear of rocking the boatThe difference between pretending to be perfect and being truly humanHow mediation can help in a difficult relationship (and why the need for it might be on the rise)How to help someone else, a colleague or team member, find their voiceEmotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tap to support you This is a gentle 5 minute tap to help you play around with the idea that it’s ok to put some stuff down, it’s ok to be messy and to be human. Do let me know what resonates with you?https://vimeo.com/1153557948?fl=pl&fe=shA note from Jennifer: I invite you to tap along to the videos alongside these episodes whilst taking full responsibility for your health and wellbeing. EFT is a fantastic self help tool with ever growing credibility due to positive results from scientific studies. It is not a substitution for seeking professional advice. If you are concerned about your physical or mental health please consult a qualified medical professional. If you would prefer to explore EFT with a qualified practitioner, get in touch and I’ll share some options.Meet your host Jennifer McCanna:Jennifer McCanna has been coaching leaders in organisations around the world since 2011. From the UN Refugee Agency to HSBC, government departments to national and local charities, she specialises in supporting clients to work through the often messy, emotional challenges of leadership so they feel calm, energised and able to have a real impact in the world. If you’ve experienced a challenging relationship, restructure or other difficult period in your working life, and as a result your self-belief has taken a hit, Jennifer’s blend of pure coaching, emotional freedom technique and Resilience Dynamic® approaches will help you process the emotional fallout, as well as equipping you with tools to stay energised and effective as a leader. Connect with Jennifer:Download free resources from Jen at Resources and Insights | Jen McCanna Explore more about Jen and her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCannaFollow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedInAnd on Instagram here Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videosDon’t forget to follow this podcast so you don’t miss an episode.About Joshua Okunlola:Joshua is a coach, facilitator and mediator who cares deeply about helping people find clarity in the places where life and leadership feel tangled. His work often begins with simple but human questions: Who am I becoming? What role am I really here to play? And how do I lead without losing myself?He brings over a decade of experience across schools, charities, corporate teams and faith communities, but what shapes his work most is his belief that leadership is personal before it’s positional. His approach blends psychological insight with grounded, reflective conversation. He helps leaders slow down, see themselves more clearly, and reconnect with their own values, voice, and purpose. As a mediator he supports people through conflict, tension, and relational strain, helping teams rebuild trust and communicate in healthy, sustainable ways.Connect with Joshua:Follow him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaokunlola/ Website: https://reclaimingpotential.com/ Produced by Winter Audio
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    34 mins
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