The Good Think

Keywords: leadership, emotional intelligence, Persephone, Mayan calendar, artificial intelligence, timing, systems thinking, personal growth, mythology, productivity Summary: In this episode of Emotional Organization, Dr. Denaige McDonnell explores the concept of timing through three distinct systems: the myth of Persephone, the Mayan calendar, and artificial intelligence. Each system offers uniqu...

When you hear the word risk , do you immediately think danger, loss, or threat? In this episode, we flip the script and take a deep dive into the real meaning of risk —and how your perception of it is silently influencing your decisions, leadership, energy, and opportunities. Using a systems thinking lens, Dr. Denaige McDonnell walks you through a powerful reframe of risk as neutral data , not emo...

In this deeply practical and perspective-shifting episode, we explore a powerful truth: freedom doesn’t come from avoiding structure — it comes from understanding and designing your systems. From decision fatigue to emotional burnout, so many of our struggles stem not from personal flaws, but from unexamined systems. In this episode, Dr. Denaige McDonnell introduces the concept of scales and syste...

Welcome to The Emotional Organization, where strategy meets soul—and today, we’re blending project management with personal transformation. In this episode, host Dr. Denaige McDonnell reframes the five traditional phases of project management (Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing) as a powerful, emotionally intelligent framework for managing not just your busi...

If your marketing feels flat, your message feels forced, or your ideal clients keep ghosting you—it might not be your funnel. It might be your frequency . In this episode, we dismantle the myth that market research and client avatars are the starting point for great marketing. Instead, we dive deep into the real foundation of magnetic messaging: self-discovery. Through a blend of emotional in...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Denaige McDonnell confronts one of the most painful realities in modern work life—what it means to lead inside a toxic workplace. From politics and power dynamics to the silencing of dissent and the betrayal of values, she shares not only her lived experience of being fired for standing up but also the hidden emotional labor behind everyday leaders...

In the final installment of our 4-part entrepreneurial mindset series, Dr. Denaige McDonnell dives into the five most common (and most disruptive) mindset challenges that business builders face—not in theory, but in the emotional trenches of real-life transition. This is the episode where we pull the curtain all the way back. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure whether you're cut out fo...

(Part 3 of 4 in the Mindset of Entrepreneurship Series) Episode Summary: Leaving behind a 28-year corporate career in oil and gas isn’t easy, but for Stacey Kelley (find here here ), it was the right move. After decades in a structured corporate environment, she made the leap from chemical engineering technology to the highly dynamic world of real estate. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ The defi...

Episode Summary: Building a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about mindset, confidence, and personal growth. In this episode, I sit down with my sister, Lola Shanks, a certified counselor and founder of Beyond the Break , to explore the mental and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. Lola brings a unique perspective—blending her experience in corporate leadership, multiple business ven...

Leaving corporate life isn’t just a career move—it’s a complete mental and emotional transformation. The decision to step into entrepreneurship brings a wave of self-doubt, fear, excitement, and uncertainty. In this episode, we’re breaking down the psychological shifts that happen before, during, and after leaving to help you understand what to expect and how to navigate the transition. What We Co...

In this episode of Emotional Organization , host Dr. Denaige McDonnell explores one of the most crucial decisions business owners face: Should you remain a solopreneur or scale into entrepreneurship? Over the past few episodes, we’ve explored different perspectives on this topic. We heard from Christina Seitz, a solopreneur who values autonomy and alignment, Keith McDonnell, a seasoned entrepreneu...

In this episode of Emotional Organization , I’m joined by Rebecca Innes , founder of Rebecca Innes Consulting , an expert in emergency response consulting, resilience planning, and strategic leadership. Rebecca’s journey from a solo consultant to a firm owner provides a fascinating look at what it takes to build, expand, and sustain a consulting business. We dive deep into: ✔️ The difference betwe...

In this episode of Emotional Organization, Denaige McDonnell interviews her husband, Keith McDonnell, about his journey into entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the role of community and culture in business, and how Keith is navigating the transition from corporate life to hands-on entrepreneurship in a new province. The conversation highlights th...

In this conversation, Denaige McDonnell and Christina Seitz explore the importance of self-awareness in entrepreneurship, the journey of building Ignite Copy, and the unique challenges faced by spiritual entrepreneurs. They discuss the significance of alignment in business, setting boundaries for growth, and the evolution of self-confidence. Christina shares insights on the mind-body connection an...

In this episode of Emotional Organization , Dr. Denaige McDonnell explores the concept of ballast —the stabilizing force that keeps us steady in turbulent times. Using historical stories of Nova Scotia’s privateers, she draws powerful parallels between life’s storms and the strategies we use to regain balance after setbacks. Denaige dives deep into the emotional and psychological impact of being w...

In this episode of Emotional Organization , we’re diving into the fascinating world of thinking about your thinking. Inspired by Carl Linnaeus—the 18th-century naturalist who organized the natural world—we’ll explore how creating your own mental taxonomy can bring clarity and focus to your life. Discover how a simple, structured approach to organizing your thoughts can reduce stress, enhance decis...

In this episode of Emotional Organization , we explore why adaptability is essential for self-discovery and personal growth. From real-life lessons drawn from the inspiring story of Michael Wrayton to practical tips on cultivating adaptability in your own life, we dive deep into what it takes to thrive amidst change. Learn how emotional awareness and a flexible mindset can help you unlock your tru...

Episode Summary: In this episode of  Emotional Organization , Dr. Denaige McDonnell introduces the  Team of One  model—a transformative approach to personal growth and change management. Drawing from her expertise in leadership and emotional intelligence, Dr. McDonnell explains how you can align your past, present, and future selves to work as a cohesive team. You’ll learn practical...

In this episode of Emotional Organization , host Dr. Denaige McDonnell dives into the concept of fresh starts and why they hold such transformative power. Whether it’s the New Year, a new week, or a major life transition, fresh starts are more than just a cultural tradition—they’re a psychological phenomenon. This episode explores the science behind why we crave fresh starts, offers practical tool...

In this thought-provoking episode of Emotional Organization , Dr. Denaige McDonnell unpacks the concept of paradigms—your unique mental framework for seeing and interpreting the world—and explores how it impacts your leadership style, relationships, and decision-making. From understanding your own paradigm to recognizing the paradigms of those around you, this episode provides powerful insights in...

In this powerful episode of Emotional Organization , Dr. Denaige McDonnell confronts the realities of leading in toxic workplaces. Whether it’s navigating systemic dysfunction, overcoming personal fears, or advocating for change, Dr. McDonnell dives deep into the challenges and strategies for finding clarity, integrity, and courage in hostile environments. What You’ll Learn: What Defines a Toxic W...

Workplace culture isn’t just about corporate policies or glossy mission statements—it’s a reflection of the collective behaviors, values, and emotional energy of the people who make up the organization. In this episode, we dive into the dynamic interplay between internal culture (the emotions and values we carry) and external culture (the workplace dynamics we experience). We explore how personal...

Show Notes for Podcast Episode Title: Breaking the Silence: Harassment and Silence at Work Podcast: Emotional Organization Host: Dr. Denaige McDonnell Episode Overview In this episode, Dr. Denaige McDonnell shares two powerful personal stories of workplace harassment, spanning 25 years, and connects them to her professional research on workplace harassment and silence in male-dominated industries....

Emotions are powerful guides, influencing our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions every day. But they don’t have to control us. By learning to map your emotional pathways, you can identify the patterns behind how emotions rise, peak, and fade—empowering you to respond with greater intention and clarity. In this episode, we explore the science and complexity of emotions: Why some emotions feel more...

Trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship—whether with others or yourself. But trust is also fragile. It takes time to build, seconds to break, and significant effort to rebuild. In this episode, we explore the dynamics of trust: how it grows, why it sometimes fails, and what it takes to rebuild it stronger than before.  From understanding the emotional and biological underpinn...