My Emotional Work Life

Jennifer McCanna
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT

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/

  1. S2 Ep 04: Showing Up at Work (Even When You’re Scared!) performance nerves and visibility with actor Chloe Newsome

    4D AGO

    S2 Ep 04: Showing Up at Work (Even When You’re Scared!) performance nerves and visibility with actor Chloe Newsome

    Performance nerves, imposter feelings, and the pressure of being seen sound familiar? In this episode, Jen chats with her friend actress Chloe Newsome about managing visibility, self-doubt, and workplace pressure. From child stardom to job interviews, Chloe shares how consistent preparation and practice help turn nerves into confidence. If you’ve ever felt exposed or out of place at work, this episode offers relatable insights and practical strategies to help you show up with courage every time. (If you’ve ever caught an episode of Coronation Street you’ll also be keen to listen in!) Here are some Highlights: Imposter feelings pop up for all of us sometimes, but how we handle them makes a difference. Managing energy and knowing your needs sets you up for successLet go of controlling every outcome and stay presentKnowing where to focus your attention when showing up to something scary - and remembering you have choice about that And who is Chloe’s famous actor friend who she always used to see at auditions? Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tap to Support You A quick tap to help you just before, or a few days before, the big thing that you have some nerves about. Give it a go! https://vimeo.com/1152250915?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci A note from Jennifer and McCanna Coaching Ltd: 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. When she’s not recording podcasts she’s busy working with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designing and delivering leadership development programmes for leaders at all levels. 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 McCanna Follow her on LinkedIn here a...

    42 min
  2. S2 Ep 03: How To Say No at Work (and be heard!)

    FEB 1

    S2 Ep 03: How To Say No at Work (and be heard!)

    We’ve all said “yes” at work when we really wanted to say “no.” In this episode of My Emotional Work Life, Jennifer McCanna welcomes back coach Lucy Gower to share practical strategies for setting boundaries without burning bridges. They explore why we default to pleasing others, the impact on our time and energy, and tools like the “yes, if…” approach to decline requests confidently. If you want to protect your energy while staying professional, make sure you tune in. Here are the Highlights: Pause before answering to check your capacityBuy time by asking to come back with an answerUse “Yes, if…” to clarify priorities instead of a flat noLucy’s formula for saying no in a way that feels goodThe importance of practising saying the words out loudFocus on when you are available, not when you’re notLet your no stand without over-explaining. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tap to Support You This short tap will boost your comfort around saying no. Let me know what resonates? https://vimeo.com/1140019128?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci A note from Jennifer and McCanna Coaching Ltd: 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. When she’s not recording podcasts she’s busy working with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designing and delivering leadership development programmes for leaders at all levels. Connect with Jennifer: Download free resources here Resources and Insights | Jen McCanna Explore more about Jen’s coaching here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCanna Follow her on LinkedIn Jennifer McCanna PCC |...

    16 min
  3. S2 Ep 02: Restructure, Redundancy & Rage

    JAN 18

    S2 Ep 02: Restructure, Redundancy & Rage

    Redundancy can feel devastating, yet the emotional impact is often brushed aside. Host Jennifer McCanna is joined by facilitator and coach Lucy Gower to unpack the real feelings behind workplace restructures from shame and fear to self-doubt and share practical ways to move forward with clarity and confidence. If you’re facing redundancy, or still carrying its emotional weight, this episode is for you. Here are the Highlights: Redundancy brings messy emotions even when it’s not personalTalking about feelings at work isn’t unprofessional — it’s essentialPoorly handled redundancies deepen the emotional impactConfidence doesn’t protect leaders from self-doubtThere’s no “right” way to respond to job lossSupport networks matter more than ever during transitionThe single most important thing managers can do during changeWhy leaving well, when possible, really helps Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tap to Support You This short video shows you a tap that will support you surf the many emotions you may feel whilst navigating change at work. Come back to it as many times as you like! https://vimeo.com/1152238428?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci A note from Jennifer and McCanna Coaching Ltd: 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 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. When she’s not recording podcasts she’s busy working with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designing and delivering leadership development programmes for leaders at all levels. Connect with Jennifer: Download free resources here Resources and Insights | Jen McCanna Explore her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen...

    46 min
  4. S2 Ep 01: Festive Special – Why Do We Say Yes When We Mean No?

    12/07/2025

    S2 Ep 01: Festive Special – Why Do We Say Yes When We Mean No?

    Ever found yourself agreeing to things, festive gatherings, extra work, even another helping of trifle when every fibre of your being is shouting “No!”? Join host Jennifer McCanna for the Season Two opener of My Emotional Work Life, a festive special exploring why we struggle to say no, especially during times of heightened expectations and family traditions. Jen draws on her expertise as a leadership coach and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner to break down the beliefs and cultural conditioning that drive our reflex to please others at the expense of our own wellbeing. She considers workplace and family scenarios, explains why saying yes too often leads to resentment and offers practical strategies for setting compassionate boundaries in and outside of work. If you want this holiday season to feel less overwhelming and more meaningful, this episode is for you. Here are the Highlights: Introduction: Welcome to Season Two and the festive pinch point for boundariesThe universal struggle of saying yes when we mean no (at home and at work)How beliefs and upbringing shape our boundaries especially for womenRecognising the consequences: resentment, stress, and masking resource problemsHow to shift unhelpful beliefs using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)The five types of energy and how holiday periods drain or restore usTips for maintaining your energy and honouring your boundaries this festive seasonValuing your time (and why it helps others)What to expect in Season Two. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tap to Support You Jen says: "If you find yourself saying yes when you want to say no, check out the EFT video in the show notes. In just a few minutes, you can tap along and start shifting those automatic responses and unhelpful beliefs that make it hard to set boundaries." Watch a short EFT (tapping) video here for a welcome moment of pause and to start to give yourself permission to no, if you want to https://vimeo.com/1140014774?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci A note from Jennifer and McCanna Coaching Ltd: 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.  When she’s not recording podcasts she’s busy working with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designing and delivering leadership development programmes for leaders at all levels. Connect with Jennifer: Download free...

    15 min
  5. Ep 10: Returning to work after becoming a parent

    08/24/2025

    Ep 10: Returning to work after becoming a parent

    What happens when the transition to work after parental leave doesn’t go as planned? Step into the world of working parents with your host Jennifer McCanna as she chats to Charlotte Speak, the dynamic force behind Power of the Parent. Charlotte shares her story and the challenges she faced returning to work, which has insight for all of us to empower parents and organisations to thrive together. This episode holds wisdom for parents, leaders, and anyone striving for meaningful work-life balance. Join us to discover how redefining success and supporting parents can transform workspaces for everyone. Here are the Highlights: IntroductionFacing biases and challenges as a mother in the workplaceCharlotte's career change into coachingHow our language around emotions has evolved for the betterWhat Charlotte wished she knew before returning to work Work-life balance and the frustrating 50/50 myth Helping organisations integrate impactful parental policies that meet parents’ lived reality. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tap to support you  Jen says ‘This is a short tap to build your confidence in your version of success. If, like Charlotte, you have had a challenging return to work, and you have some anger or frustration about that, however long ago that was, you might find the tap in the show notes of ‘The difficult boss survival guide’ helpful. Watch our Emotional Freedom Technique Video  A note from Jennifer and McCanna Coaching Ltd: 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.  When she’s not recording podcasts she’s busy working with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designing and delivering leadership development programmes for leaders at all levels. 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 McCanna Follow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedIn And on Instagram...

    40 min
  6. Ep 09: Why joy and laughter makes business sense

    08/10/2025

    Ep 09: Why joy and laughter makes business sense

    Could laughter be the secret ingredient for business success? Learn about the surprising power of joy in the workplace with your host, Jennifer McCanna. She explores the science of laughter, uncovers how it can enhance team bonding and performance, and takes a look at how to balance lightheartedness whilst tackling challenges head-on. With practical advice and real-life examples, learn why creating space for silliness can transform team dynamics and drive exceptional results. Tune in and embrace the lighter side of your emotional life at work and learn how it really does make good business sense. Here are the Highlights: Introduction The benefits of a lighthearted work environmentJennifer’s example of when silliness had a real impactHow to balance lightness with uncomfortable challenges If you need permission to make space for joy and laughter at work, because it can feel counter intuitive, check out this Emotional Freedom Technique video.  Jen says: ‘work being fun can feel a bit risky. A bit not allowed. A bit frivolous. Especially if we work with serious or difficult subject matter. This is a tap to gently give yourself permission to enjoy yourself at work.’  A note from Jennifer and McCanna Coaching Ltd: 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.  When she’s not recording podcasts she’s busy working with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designing and delivering leadership development programmes for leaders at all levels. 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 McCanna If you’d like to discuss working with Jen, you can book in a call with her here Contact Us | Jen McCanna Follow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedIn And on Instagram here a href="https://www.instagram.com/jen_the_leadership_coach/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    9 min
  7. Ep 08: Navigating your mental health at work

    07/27/2025

    Ep 08: Navigating your mental health at work

    Have you ever wondered how emotions impact your professional journey and workplace environment? Join your host Jennifer McCanna as she interviews Nick Basannavar, a social historian, author and leadership coach who specialises in supporting leaders to build inclusive teams. They explore the intricate intersection of emotions and professional life, from navigating the challenges of suppressing emotions to understanding cultural impacts on workplace dynamics. Nick shares his profound insights and stories taken from an interesting and diverse career. Make sure you listen to explore strategies to better understand and navigate your emotional life at work.  Here are the Highlights: IntroductionThe personal journey to self-awarenessIntellectualising your feelings doesn't lead to emotional healingHow to embrace uncertainty within team dynamicsLetting go of the answers and creating an open spaceA look at evolving workplace cultures in JapanHow to start building inclusive, ethical work culturesLeadership in the social sector and supporting mental health Want to support your own emotional wellbeing at work? Watch Jen’s Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Video  A note from Jen: This is the kind of tap I might do before even getting out of bed in the morning if I’m struggling to do so. It won’t solve everything, but it might create a moment of space to make some choices about how to address the day. A note from Jennifer and McCanna Coaching Ltd: 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.  When she’s not recording podcasts she’s busy working with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designing and delivering leadership development programmes for leaders at all levels. 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 McCanna Follow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedIn And on Instagram here a...

    36 min
  8. Ep 07: Protecting your energy when you’re feeling overwhelmed at work

    07/13/2025

    Ep 07: Protecting your energy when you’re feeling overwhelmed at work

    The world of work in 2025 can feel overwhelming. Heck - the world as a whole can feel overwhelming, and so much of it is way beyond our pay grade to control. So, what to do?   Join your host, Jennifer McCanna, as she takes a look at how we might maintain our emotional equilibrium in spite of the pace and uncertainty of modern working life. Learn practical strategies to protect your energy, set crucial boundaries, and create a workspace that encourages breathing room for thought and creativity. From mastering the art of emotional acceptance to exploring the stress bucket concept, this episode offers to help you manage your energy and control your stressors.  Jen mentions The Resilience Dynamic® in this episode, which is years of studies into human resilience, and a book by Jenny Campbell. You can read more here.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed try out this Emotional Freedom Technique to help. Jen says ‘When we feel overwhelmed it can be about all the things and nothing in particular, so this tap is to help us notice where we might be holding tension in our body and a bit of permission to delegate, to say no, and to find the space we need.’ A note from Jennifer and McCanna Coaching Ltd: 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. Here are the Highlights: IntroductionNavigating the pressures of work and leadershipTechniques to help you enhance your emotional resilienceAcknowledge the stress, and release the rest 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.  When she’s not recording podcasts she’s busy working with leaders 1-1, or as part of their leadership team, and designing and delivering leadership development programmes for leaders at all levels. 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 McCanna If you’d like to discuss working with Jen, you can book in a call with her here Contact Us |...

    14 min
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Trailer

About

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/

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer McCanna
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jennifer McCanna
  • Show Website
    My Emotional Work Life

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