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 pandemicThe hidden loneliness of leadership Practical ways CEOs can overcome isolationWhy the CEO–board relationship can make or break successThe true cost of burnout and why wellbeing isn’t optionalBalancing compassion with high performanceHow early role models shape lasting leadership stylesEmotional 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=shA 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 Read about her coaching services here Effective, Trusted Leadership Coaching | Jen McCannaFollow her on LinkedIn here Jennifer McCanna PCC | LinkedInAnd on Instagram here Jen McCanna ⚡️Leadership Coach ⚡️EFT (@jen_the_leadership_coach) • Instagram photos and videosDon’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.betterconsult.co.uk/Produced by Winter Audio