My Emotional Work Life

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...

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,...

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...

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 succes...

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 drai...

Why does resentment quietly build up at work and what can we do before it takes over? In this episode, Jennifer explores where it comes from, how it shows up, and practical ways to move through it. She draws on her coaching expertise and personal experience to uncover common triggers such as lack of recognition, unfair treatment, and blurred boundaries, as well as the stories we tell ourselves tha...

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 epi...

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...

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...

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 leader...

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. T...

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 creatin...

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 emot...

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 energ...

Join your host, Jennifer McCanna, along with guest Emotional Freedom Technique whizz and menopause coach Louisa Hussey, as they explore the emotional complexities of menopause and its impact on work life. Whether you're experiencing it personally or supporting a colleague, this episode unravels the intricacies of menopause and its myriad of emotions. Gain practical strategies to foster understandi...

Is a difficult team member more than just a drain on your energy? What if they are actually a reflection of complex emotional dynamics at play? Join your host, Jennifer McCanna, as she explores the intricate world of workplace relationships. Tune in to hear about some of the lenses Jen uses in her coaching practice to decode the mysteries behind challenging colleagues, and learn how embracing dive...

What happens when you have a colleague who is experiencing bereavement and you don’t know what to say? We're taking a look at emotional support in the workplace with host Jennifer McCanna and her guest Toby Oliver, a seasoned therapist and grief counsellor. Discover Toby's unique approach to understanding and navigating loss, from personal bereavement experiences to reshaping grief literacy in pro...

Navigating professional relationships can be daunting and a tricky boss can make your work life especially challenging. This week your host, Jennifer McCanna, skillfully unravels the challenges and complexities of dealing with difficult managers. Join her as she explores the emotional exhaustion that often accompanies inconsistent leadership and offers strategies to help you feel calmer and more i...

Have you recently had a horrible work experience, like a restructure or redundancy or a work relationship that impacted your self-belief? Are you now struggling to navigate a rollercoaster of a job hunt? Join your host, Jennifer McCanna, as she sits down with Suzie Henriques, a career coach who specialises in supporting leaders to get seen by prospective new employers, whilst lifting their spirits...

Have you been told to leave your emotions at the office door? What if embracing them could actually enhance your leadership and performance? Welcome to the first ever episode of My Emotional Work. Meet your host Jennifer McCanna, and join her as she gives an insight to what she’s learnt in 15 years of coaching human beings at work and as she dispels the myth that emotions have no place in the work...

Have you ever been told to "leave your emotions at the door" at work? Jennifer McCanna has coached hundreds of leaders in workplaces around the world since 2011, and she's here with a revolutionary message: your emotions belong in the workplace. Welcome to "My Emotional Work Life" – the podcast where you're encouraged to have emotions at work and about work. Jennifer brings her trademark down-to-e...