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* authentic
- Joshua and Jen’s stories of being messy as leaders
- How being human impacts what the group can achieve together
- When and why we keep ourselves small for fear of rocking the boat
- The difference between pretending to be perfect and being truly human
- How 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 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
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
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 Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videos
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/
Website: https://reclaimingpotential.com/
Produced by Winter Audio
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