Shows
Emotional Organization036 | Strategic Friendship: Beyond Proximity and PlayWhat happens to our friendships when we leave the structures that used to shape them—like school, work, or parenting schedules? And what if we stopped trying to recreate those old patterns and instead built something better?
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Denaige McDonnell explores the emotional, strategic, and psychological dimensions of adult friendship. If you’ve ever felt the quiet ache of disconnection in midlife—or wondered how to create nourishing, aligned friendships that match the person you’re becoming—this episode offers a new way forward.
We’re not just talking about friend...2025-06-0540 min
Emotional Organization035 | Slow Leadership: The Antidote We All Need Right NowIn a world racing to optimize, automate, and accelerate—what happens to leadership, to communication, to meaning?
In this soul-stirring episode of Emotional Organization, Dr. Denaige McDonnell steps away from the panic around AI and instead holds up a mirror. What she reflects back isn’t just about tech—it’s about us.
We explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping how we think and learn, and how it reflects our fractured relationship with time, truth, and each other. From the erosion of dialogue to the loss of critical thinking, Denaige unpacks what it means to stay hum...2025-05-2941 min
Emotional Organization034 | Burnout and the Psychological Contract Between You and Your EmployerIn this episode of Emotional Organization, Dr. Denaige McDonnell explores burnout through the lens of the psychological contract—the invisible but powerful set of expectations between workers and their organizations.
Burnout is not just exhaustion or stress. It’s what happens when the unspoken agreements that underpin motivation, purpose, and trust are broken. And in 2025, nearly half of Canadian workers say they’re experiencing it.
This episode pulls together academic theory, government data, and real-world stories to explore how the quiet breach of the psychological contract leads to emotional fatigue, disconnection, and workplace withdrawal. And more i...2025-05-2330 min
Emotional Organization033 | Workplace Mental Health: The Silent StrainIn this episode of Emotional Organization, Dr. Denaige McDonnell explores the invisible emotional weight many people carry at work—especially in environments where silence is rewarded, emotional labor is misunderstood, and psychosocial risks are ignored. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, her doctoral research in psychosocial risk management, and hundreds of real-life case studies, Denaige connects the dots between system design, leadership behavior, and the quiet harm so many workers endure.
This episode isn’t just about joining the conversation around mental health. It’s about challenging the system that made silence feel safer than honesty.
🧠 In...2025-05-1528 min
Emotional Organization032 | The Rhythm of Leadership: Lessons from Myth and Science
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 unique insights into leadership and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of understanding and honoring our natural rhythms. The conversation highlights how mythology provides emotional depth, science offers structure, and AI reflects our patterns, ultimately guiding us to lead with intention and awareness.
Takeaways:2025-05-0830 min
Emotional Organization031 | Getting to the Heart of Risk: A Systems Approach to Upgrading Your Decision-Making ConfidenceWhen 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 emotional drama—and explains why understanding your personal risk lens is one of the most strategic moves you can make.
Whether you're managing a business, a family, a big...2025-05-0252 min
Emotional Organization030 | The Myth of Freedom — Why Systems Are the Secret to Feeling FreeIn 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 systems as tools to help us make better decisions, recover from setbacks, and move through life with more clarity, confidence, and emotional regulation.
🔍 In this episode, we explore:
Why scale isn't static — and how your emot...2025-04-2543 min
Emotional Organization029 | Project Life: How to Manage Yourself Like a Million-Dollar ProjectWelcome 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 business—but your life.
This one’s for the solopreneurs, system-seekers, and soulful leaders building something meaningful from the inside out.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How to treat your life like the million-dollar project it is
Why so many g...2025-04-1838 min
Emotional Organization028 | Finding Your Audience Starts with Finding YourselfIf 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 intelligence, business strategy, and universal law, Dr. Denaige McDonnell explores how identity, energy, and alignment shape not only your brand—but the clients you attract. You’ll hear raw stories, powerful metapho...2025-04-1031 min
Emotional Organization027 | Leading Through Toxic Culture: How To Find Calm, Clarity, and ConfidenceIn 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 leadership in dysfunctional systems.
Whether you’re the one speaking up, the one staying silent, or the one holding power—this episode challenges you to reflect, act, and lead with integrity.
2025-04-0448 min
Emotional Organization026 | Mastering the Entrepreneurial Mindset: 5 Challenges Every Business Builder Must OvercomeIn 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 for entrepreneurship—this one's for you.
Here's what we cover:
Seeking Permission – Why you keep waiting for someone to say “you’re allowed to lead” (and how to stop).
Fea...2025-03-2839 min
Emotional Organization025 | Reinventing Yourself—Overcoming Fear & Uncertainty with Special Guest: Stacey Kelley, Royal Lepage Benchmark Realtor(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 defining moment that led Stacey to switch careers.✅ How she identified transferable skills that set her up for success.✅ The unexpected challenges of going from corporat...2025-03-2040 min
Emotional Organization024 | The Entrepreneurial Mindset with Lola Shanks of Beyond the BreakEpisode 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 ventures, and professional counseling—to help us understand how to navigate self-doubt, leadership, and resilience when stepping into business ownership.
What We Cover in This Episode:
✅ How Lola’s entrepreneurial journey started at age...2025-03-1351 min
Emotional Organization023 | The Leap—Understanding the Mental Journey of Leaving Corporate LifeLeaving 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 Cover in This Episode:✔️ Why people leave corporate life—Push vs. Pull factors and what drives the shift.✔️ The mental obstacles before leaving—Fear, identity shifts, and analysis paralysis.✔️ The emotional rollercoaster...2025-03-0732 min
Emotional Organization022 | The Business Builder's Dilemma: Solopreneur vs EntrepreneurIn 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 entrepreneur with years of leadership experience, and Rebecca Innes, who transitioned from solopreneurship into full-scale entrepreneurship. Today, we break down the fundamental differences, challenges, and benefits of each path to help you make an aligned decision for your business an...2025-02-2727 min
Emotional Organization021 | Building a Business That Works for You: Lessons in Leadership and Growth with Rebecca Innes of Rebecca Innes ConsultingIn 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 between solopreneurship and entrepreneurship✔️ How Rebecca scaled her business from working alone to leading a team✔️ The mindset shift from technical expert to business leader✔️ Overcoming branding challenges and finding your authentic voice✔️ The huma...2025-02-2130 min
Emotional Organization020 | Principles Before Profits: Business Building with Keith McDonnell, The Honey-Do CrewIn 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 the significance of building trust in a new market, identifying service needs, and the impact of family legacy on business values. In this conversation, Keith shares his journey as a solopreneur, emphasizing the importance of competence, customer experience, and building a positive culture in...2025-02-1354 min
Emotional Organization019 | Embracing Self-Awareness in Entrepreneurship: Christina Seitz, Ignite CopyIn 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 and how astrology can serve as a tool for self-discovery, emphasizing that understanding oneself is crucial for success in business.
Takeaways
Doubt and fear of failure are part of the entrepreneurial process.
Self-awareness is key to building a fulfilling business.
Creating a business...2025-02-0641 min
Emotional Organization018 | Sea Captains, Ballast, and Mind-Body Connection: Getting Right After Being WrongIn 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 wrong vs. being wronged, and how these experiences shape our resilience. She shares her own journey of rebuilding after major life shifts and offers practical, actionable ways to develop personal ballast—through core values, relationships, boundaries, and mind...2025-01-3028 min
Emotional Organization017 | Quick Wins for Mental Clarity: Taking Inspiration from Carl LinnaeusIn 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 decision-making, and help you align your actions with your priorities.
From understanding how your brain is already a natural filing system to learning actionable steps for improving it, this episode is packed with practical tips and relatabl...2025-01-2322 min
Emotional Organization016 | Navigating Change, Discovering YouIn 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 true potential.
What You’ll Learn:
The Power of Adaptability:
What is adaptability, and why is it critical for self-discovery?
The role of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral flexibility in navigating life’s chal...2025-01-1624 min
Emotional Organization015 | Harnessing the Power of ChangeEpisode 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 strategies to build trust with yourself, use handover notes to maintain momentum, and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and intention. Whether you’re setting goals, managing change, or simply looking for a new way to approach personal development, this episod...2025-01-1027 min
Emotional Organization014 | Fresh Starts: Harnessing the Power of New BeginningsIn 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 tools for reflection and goal-setting, and shares strategies for sustaining momentum throughout the year.
Key Topics Discussed
Why We Crave Fresh Starts
Psychology of Fresh Starts: The "temporal landmark" effect...2025-01-0235 min
Emotional Organization013 | Beyond the Echo Chamber: Rethinking ParadigmsIn 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 into how worldviews shape actions and outcomes in both personal and professional contexts.
What You’ll Learn:
What is a Paradigm?
Explore the three core components of paradigms:
Ontology: How you perceive reality.
Epistemology: How you determine what’s true.
Axiology: What you valu...2024-12-2627 min
Emotional Organization012 | Leadership in Toxic WorkplacesIn 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 Workplace:
How systemic behaviors—not just bad bosses—erode trust and safety over time.
The silent struggles leaders and employees face in these environments.
The Reality of Systemic Toxicity:
Why quick fixes don’t work and the deeper str...2024-12-1948 min
Emotional Organization011 | Culture Under Construction: How We Build EverydayWorkplace 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 actions ripple through an organization, the role of trust and integrity, and why addressing systems—not just people—is the key to creating meaningful and lasting cultural change. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders, managers...2024-12-1243 min
Emotional Organization010 | Workplace Harassment: The Cost of Staying SilentShow 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.
Through stories, research insights, and psychological analysis, Dr. McDonnell explores why silence persists, its emotional and organizational impacts, and actionable strategies to foster safer, more inclusive workplaces.
This episode offers clarity, courage...2024-12-0525 min
Emotional Organization009 | Mapping Emotional PathwaysEmotions 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 intense or last longer than others.
How emotional patterns show up differently at work and home.
Practical tools to track, understand, and navigate your emotional experiences.
By the end, you’ll gain d...2024-11-2825 min
Emotional Organization008 | Trust: How We Build, Break, and Build AgainTrust 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 underpinnings of trust to recognizing its role in personal and professional relationships, this episode offers insights and practical tools to help you navigate trust in all its forms.
Why This Episode Matters:
...2024-11-2119 min
Emotional Organization007 | Finding + Creating Confidence: Strategies for Turning Vulnerability Into StrengthIn this episode, we’re unpacking the true essence of confidence—not just as a fleeting feeling, but as a steady, resilient trust in ourselves. We’ll explore the difference between situational confidence and holistic, lasting self-worth, and discover how confidence intersects with emotions like courage, pride, and excitement. Through personal insights and psychology-backed strategies, we’ll dive into the powerful Self-Efficacy Mapping Exercise, a practical tool designed to help you strengthen confidence in challenging situations by drawing on your own strengths and past successes. Whether you’re facing big decisions, stepping into leadership, or coaching yourself through life’s complexiti...2024-11-1532 min
Emotional Organization006 | Personal Strategy: The Compounding Interest of Self-InvestmentExplore the art of personal strategy—building a solid foundation for who you are and who you aspire to become. Going beyond just reaching goals, Dr. McDonnell dives into how we often hold ourselves back by erecting barriers rooted in deep fears. Through insightful metaphors and practical wisdom, she shows how to take a more objective, strategic approach to self-investment. This episode isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it’s about embracing the journey, navigating it authentically, and laying the groundwork for lasting personal growth. If you're ready to step into a more intentional, empowered versio...2024-11-0834 min
Emotional Organization005 | Leadership vs Management: How They Differ and Why It MattersUnpack the essential differences between leadership and management and how mastering both can empower you in your personal and professional life. We explore key theories on leadership as a driver of change and management as a stabilizer, and bring these concepts to life with the dynamic story of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook at Apple. Listeners will learn when to adopt a leadership mindset versus a management approach, and how to apply these skills through self-coaching (management) and self-leadership (vision). Dr. McDonnell shares practical strategies for navigating common pitfalls in each area, helping you balance big-picture vision with structured...2024-10-3142 min
Emotional Organization004 | Decision Making + EthicsIn this episode, we’re diving deep into decision-making and how our values, ethics, and personal beliefs shape every choice we make. We explore core frameworks—like utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics—helping you uncover your natural approach to ethical decision-making. You’ll also learn practical strategies for overcoming decision paralysis, plus techniques to align your decisions with your goals and inner values. Whether you’re navigating career moves or personal choices, this episode is packed with insights to help you make confident, value-driven decisions. Find the full show notes on my website!2024-10-2454 min
Emotional Organization003 | Understanding Personal Values and Decision MakingIn this episode, we dive into the power of personal values and why they are the cornerstone of your life and leadership strategy. Learn how to identify your core values, align them with your long-term goals, and make better decisions both personally and professionally. Discover the essential role values play in building consistency, trust, and authenticity in leadership, and get practical tips for creating a values-driven decision-making process. Whether you're seeking clarity in life or business, this episode will guide you toward a more purposeful and aligned future.
Discover Your Core Values: Learn how to identify yo...2024-10-1725 min
Emotional Organization002 | Emotional Mastery: Transforming Feelings Into StrengthsIn this episode, we explore the transformative power of emotional mastery and how it can turn our feelings into leadership strengths. Whether you're leading a team or striving to better lead yourself, emotional mastery helps you navigate challenging situations with confidence and clarity. You'll discover:
the importance of naming your emotions
how to flip the script and reframe feelings
practical strategies to respond with intention rather than react impulsively.
Visit my website for detailed show notes, bonus resources, and exclusive content to help you dive deeper into emotional mastery. Whether you're looking for actionable tips, worksheets, or...2024-10-1026 min
Emotional Organization001 | Unpacking Resiliency: The Key to Inner StrengthFeeling overwhelmed, stuck in the grind, or questioning your ability to bounce back when life hits hard? You’re not alone. In this episode of Emotional Organization, we’re diving deep into one of the most crucial skills for success—resilience.
Discover the 7 (plus 1) Cs of Resilience: Learn how Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, Contribution, Coping, Control, and Compassion form the building blocks of inner strength and help you thrive in any situation.
Actionable Strategies for Bouncing Back: Gain practical tools to build resilience, manage stress, and lead with confidence, whether you're facing personal challenges or workplace setbacks.
Shift from Su...2024-10-0321 min