My Emotional Work Life

S2 Ep 10: It’s lonely at the top, or is it? Insight from a CEO

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 pandemic * The hidden loneliness of leadership * Practical ways CEOs can overcome isolation * Why the CEO–board relationship can make or break success * The true cost of burnout and why wellbeing isn’t optional * Balancing compassion with high performance * How early role models shape lasting leadership styles Emotional 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=sh [https://vimeo.com/1177425505?fl=pl&fe=sh] 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: 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 [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/resources/] Read about her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCanna [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/] Follow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mccanna-pcc-2b96361/] And on Instagram here Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/jen_the_leadership_coach/] Don’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.linkedin.com/in/claire-irving-64017515/] https://www.betterconsult.co.uk/ [https://www.betterconsult.co.uk/] Produced by Winter Audio [https://winteraudio.co.uk/]

S2 Ep 09: Avoiding Sunday night dread

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 feeling * Catching spiralling thoughts and interrupting catastrophising with calmer scripts * Is your worry based on habit or current reality? * Creating a “soft landing” for your week, think treats, routines, or simple plans * The role of check-ins and social support * A straightforward language swap to reduce guilt and reclaim choice * Tips 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 You This 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/1177343482 [https://vimeo.com/1177343482] Depending 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 McCanna [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/resources/] Explore more about Jen and her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCanna [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/] Follow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mccanna-pcc-2b96361/] And on Instagram here Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/jen_the_leadership_coach/] Don’t forget to follow this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Produced by Winter Audio [https://winteraudio.co.uk/]

S2 Ep 08: How to be human – the messiness of life as a leader with Joshua Okunlola

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: 1. How to build work relationships that feel real and *buzzword alert* authentic 2. Joshua and Jen’s stories of being messy as leaders 3. How being human impacts what the group can achieve together 4. When and why we keep ourselves small for fear of rocking the boat 5. The difference between pretending to be perfect and being truly human 6. How mediation can help in a difficult relationship (and why the need for it might be on the rise) 7. How to help someone else, a colleague or team member, find their voice Emotional 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=sh [https://vimeo.com/1153557948?fl=pl&fe=sh] A 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 [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/resources/] Explore more about Jen and her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCanna [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/] Follow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mccanna-pcc-2b96361/] And on Instagram here Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/jen_the_leadership_coach/] Don’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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaokunlola/] Website: https://reclaimingpotential.com/ [https://reclaimingpotential.com/] Produced by Winter Audio [https://winteraudio.co.uk/]

S2 Ep 07: Difficult meetings: do them your way

Ever been in a meeting where you felt frustrated, anxious, exasperated or under pressure? Of course you have. In this solo episode, Jennifer explores meetings which feel difficult because of challenging dynamics, not just tough decisions, and shares practical strategies for handling the emotional ups and downs they bring. You’ll get actionable guidance to help you define your own version of success, stay grounded when the conversation gets heated, and use tools like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to calm your nerves. This isn’t about “positive vibes only”. It’s about embracing discomfort with curiosity, building trust, and setting yourself up for resilience, even when meetings feel overwhelming. Here are the Highlights: * Why difficult meetings often signal tough dynamics, not just hard decisions * One way to turn tough meetings into manageable conversations * Taking control of how you define meeting success * How quietly influence, if taking centre stage isn’t your jam * To to stay stay grounded in tense moments * A key strategy to creating space for honest, difficult conversations without falling into “positive vibes only” traps * Insider info on team trust and resilience. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tap to support you: Here’s a 4 minute long tap to help you feel grounded before a difficult meeting - give it a go and let me know how it helps? https://vimeo.com/1164693080?fl=tl&fe=ec [https://vimeo.com/1164693080?fl=tl&fe=ec] A 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 [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/resources/] Explore more about Jen and her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCanna [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/] Follow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mccanna-pcc-2b96361/] And on Instagram here Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/jen_the_leadership_coach/]

S2 Ep 06: Burnout boundaries and an introduction to breath work with Mia Walker

Why does burnout creep in, even when we love what we do? How can we spot the early warning signs? In this episode of My Emotional Work Life, Jennifer talks with coach and breathwork practitioner Mia Walker about burnout, boundaries, and self-care in demanding roles. Mia shares her journey from high-pressure humanitarian work, to helping people navigate life’s turning points that can leave us drained and disconnected. Together, they explore what burnout really looks like, and why it’s not a personal failure but a signal. With the right awareness and support, it’s possible to reset, reconnect, and feel like yourself again. Here are the highlights 1. Do you know the warning signs your body and mind give before burnout hits? 2. What are your personal ‘tells’ that stress is becoming dangerous? 3. Why do small triggers sometimes make you explode and what is that really telling you? 4. What’s in your personal ‘burnout emergency kit’? 5. Is your workplace fueling burnout or protecting you from it? 6. Could reconnecting with others be the key to recovering from burnout? 7. How do you help someone through burnout without losing yourself in the process? Have a go at breathwork with Mia and Jen here: https://vimeo.com/1142401691?fl=ip&fe=ec [https://vimeo.com/1142401691?fl=ip&fe=ec] A note from Jen: I invite you explore the videos alongside these episodes whilst taking full responsibility for your health and wellbeing. EFT and breathwork are both fantastic self help tools. Neither are 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 either with a practitioner, get in touch with Mia or I. 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 [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/resources/] Explore more about Jen and her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCanna [https://mccannacoaching.co.uk/] Follow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mccanna-pcc-2b96361/] And on Instagram here Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/jen_the_leadership_coach/] About Mia Walker: Mia is an ex-aid-worker turned coach and breath work practitioner who helps capable people through life’s big, unchosen transitions - the kind that knocks you sideways while the world still expects you to turn up for work on Monday. She supports clients through grief, unexpected caring responsibilities, health upheavals, breakups, burnout, and all the other moments that turn life inside out. She’s been doing this work for years, and not just professionally. Life has kindly (and repeatedly) offered her the “full sampler platter” of major transitions - which means she knows, in her bones, what it’s like to function through chaos while still doing the school run. She helps people who are holding everything together on the outside actually feel okay on the inside - by bringing mind, body and breath back into the same room. Because what might become possible if you felt like yourself again? You can access her gift four-week mini-course, The Practical Guide to Navigating Burnout, here. [https://mailchi.mp/f18fd584583b/practical-guide-to-navigating-burnout] Connect with Mia: Website: www.changefoundry.org.uk [http://www.changefoundry.org.uk]