Confident At Work

Anna Manning

Confident at Work is a weekly podcast by Confidence Coach Anna Manning, designed to help professionals feel calm, capable, and confident at work. Each episode explores the real challenges behind self-doubt, overthinking, and imposter feelings - and gives you practical tools to manage your mind, handle pressure, and show up with confidence.

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198 episodes
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Episodes198

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Apr 8, 2025 · 14 min
139. How To Give Feedback And Have Difficult Conversations When You Have Feelings
In this episode we’re talking about something that comes up all the time - avoiding difficult conversations because we don’t want to upset someone. You might tell yourself it’s about their feelings… but is it really? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reason we shy away from being direct, giving feedback, or speaking up - because we’re trying to protect ourselves from our own discomfort. This episode is an invitation to be radically honest with yourself about what’s really holding you back - so you can start to move through it towards saying those difficult things clearly and kindly. If you’ve ever fluffed around an issue, softened a message so much it lost all clarity, or avoided a conversation entirely… this one’s for you. You will learn: Why telling yourself it’s about them is a trap How to spot the real emotions you’re trying to avoid What makes hard conversations harder (and what makes them easier) The truth about control - and why you never really had it anyway! How to step into clarity, kindness, and courage by telling yourself the truth first Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the ⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Apr 1, 2025 · 17 min
138. The Perfectionist’s PR Agency: Monitoring And Managing Perceptions
If you believe you have to be perfect, you’ll end up spending a lot of time trying to manage how others perceive you. Before you know it, you’re running a one-person PR agency - carefully curating every word, every email, every interaction to ensure you’re seen in the “right” way. This relentless focus on perception management pulls you away from the actual work. It drains your energy, fuels overthinking, and ironically, makes you less effective. In this episode, we’re diving into: ✅ Why perfectionists get stuck in perception management ✅ How this feeds the Low Confidence Cycle ✅ The hidden cost of avoiding risks and overthinking interactions ✅ How to shift your focus from looking confident to actually feeling confident If you feel like you’re constantly on high alert, curating your every move, this episode will show you how to break free - so you can reclaim your time, energy, and confidence at work. Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the ⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Mar 25, 2025 · 10 min
137. New Levels, New Devils
If you ever played a computer game you know the deal - you beat a level, progress, then face a brand-new challenge only to have to start learning all over again! Confidence at work is exactly the same. Just when you think you’ve mastered something, you move up a level, so a new obstacle appears. In this episode, we’re talking about: ✅ Why confidence isn’t about reaching a place where everything feels easy✅ How to spot the challenges that show you’re levelling up✅ How to keep going when every new level brings new doubts Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the ⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Mar 18, 2025 · 12 min
136. Your Internal Manager Needs Training
If your internal manager was up for review… would they be getting a raise or a performance improvement plan? 😬 Overthinking, procrastinating, and second-guessing yourself aren’t personality traits - they’re signs that your self-management needs an upgrade. In this episode, we’re diving into: ✅ Why self-management is the foundation of confidence ✅ The sneaky habits that drain your energy and self-trust ✅ Small shifts that make a big difference in how you show up at work 🚀 Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: Take our free Confidence Assessment Get private support—book a call to explore coaching Join the Confident At Work Membership for ongoing support Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Mar 11, 2025 · 13 min
135. What's In Your Control?
Workplace frustrations are inevitable - whether it’s a difficult colleague, unclear expectations, or overwhelming workloads. And when things aren’t going your way, it’s easy to get lost in emotions and stories that keep you stuck. In this episode, we explore a powerful question that can shift your perspective and put you back in control: What’s in your control? 🔹 What We Cover in This Episode: Common workplace challenges that make you feel powerless. The key distinction: What you can vs. can’t control. How this simple question shifts you from frustration to action. Some real-life examples of how this question created a breakthrough. The cost of avoiding it. Next time you feel stuck, pause and ask yourself: What’s in my control here? This small shift can lead to greater confidence and clearer decision-making. 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or colleague who needs this reminder! And don’t forget to subscribe for more confidence-building insights every week. Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the ⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Mar 4, 2025 · 20 min
134. How To Stay Confident When Someone Disagrees With You at Work
Ever shared your opinion at work, only to immediately back down the moment someone disagrees? In this episode of Confident at Work, we’re tackling a common struggle: feeling like disagreement is a sign that you’re wrong - or worse, that you’re not good enough. ✔ Disagreement doesn’t mean they’re wrong. ✔ Their competence isn’t on trial (even if someone else thinks it is!) ✔ They can consider new perspectives without automatically backing down. Tune in to learn: 🎯 Why disagreement feels so uncomfortable 🎯 How a low-confidence cycle makes it harder to hold your ground 🎯 What confident professionals do when someone pushes back 🎯 How to stop overthinking and second-guessing yourself after a tough conversation 💡 Plus, a simple mindset shift to help you stay in the discussion instead of shutting down. Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the ⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Feb 25, 2025 · 19 min
133. Welcoming The Wispy Ghost: A New Way to Handle Difficult Emotions
In this episode of Confident at Work, Anna shares a powerful and personal approach to dealing with difficult emotions - one that goes beyond ignoring, suppressing, or logically explaining them away. Anna opens up about her experience with prolonged anxiety and the game-changing visualisation technique she learned during a challenging period. Inspired by the Inside Out movies and somatic therapy, she introduces "The Wispy Ghost"—a simple yet profound exercise that transformed how she relates to emotions like worry and anxiety. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why traditional ways of "managing" emotions often don’t work ✔️ How seeing your emotions as separate characters can change your relationship with them ✔️ A practical visualisation exercise to acknowledge and soothe difficult feelings With thanks to Sarah Rot and Chelsea Horton at Healing Embodied. Tune in to discover a more compassionate way to take care of yourself - especially on the days when confidence feels out of reach. 👉 Loved this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear it! Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the ⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Feb 17, 2025 · 22 min
132. How To Get It Done And Get On With Your Day Without Overthinking Slowing You Down
Ever find yourself second-guessing and thinking about tasks you did and conversations you had hours ago? In this episode of Confident at Work, I dive into the struggle of not being able to move on from work and why it drains your energy, slows you down, and chips away at your confidence. We’ll explore: ✅ Why we get stuck in mental noise and overthinking even after the work or the conversation is done ✅ How you can stop replaying past interactions and decisions ✅ How trusting your judgment reduces decision fatigue and leaves you feeling more clear and confident If overworking and overthinking are keeping you from feeling in control of your work and your time, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to break the cycle, boost your confidence, and just get it done, so you can get on with your day! Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- find out whether you are stuck in a low confidence cycle; and how to get out of it! Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the ⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Feb 11, 2025 · 19 min
131. Having The Confidence To Say - I Don't Know
Ever feel like admitting you don’t know something is the worst possible thing you could do at work? You’re not alone. In this episode ofConfident at Work, we’re tackling the fear, pressure, and self-doubt that come with saying"I don't know." We’ll explore why uncertainty feels so uncomfortable, how low confidence can make it even harder to admit when we don’t know something, and why pretending to have all the answers only leads to more stress. But here’s the twist - owning what youdon’t know is actually a sign of confidence and credibility. We will take a look at: ✔ Why saying“I don’t know” can feel so scary✔ How imposter syndrome makes it harder to admit uncertainty✔ The hidden costs of over-preparing to avoid not knowing✔ Why real confidence includes embracing what youdon’t know✔ How practicing in low-stakes situations builds your comfort with uncertainty Take away some new ways of thinking and some practical strategies to reframe uncertainty and start using"I don’t know" as a powerful tool rather than a confidence killer. Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- find out whether you are stuck in a low confidence cycle; and how to get out of it! Get private support to feel confident at work -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the⁠⁠⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠⁠⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Feb 4, 2025 · 17 min
130. Staying Out Of Shame Shell Hell
In this episode we discuss the concept of the 'shame shell' - a metaphor for the tendency to retreat into a state of shame and self-criticism when faced with our mistakes or weaknesses! We explore the emotional consequences of retreating inside the shame shell and find out how it inhibits your growth and your confidence. This episode will help you recognise your own tendencies around the shame and remind you about the choices you have when it comes to responding to setbacks. Here's what we cover: - The shame shell is a metaphor for retreating into a place of self-criticism, doubt and thinking because we got something wrong, we are wrong or bad as a person. - Being in the shame shell can lead to isolation and disconnection. - Self-criticism and self-doubt are common inside the shame shell. - Learning cannot occur effectively in a shame shell environment. - You have a choice about whether to get into a shame shell. - Recognising the shame shell can help in personal growth. - We challenge the belief that mistakes or weaknesses make you somehow unworthy or bad. - You can decide to respond differently to mistakes. Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the ⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Jan 31, 2025 · 19 min
129. Not Necessarily Loud - But Still Proud: Owning Your Strengths
This week, we’re diving into a topic that many of us shy away from: confidently owning our strengths. Why is it so hard to acknowledge what we’re great at? Whether it’s cultural expectations around staying humble or the fear of seeming arrogant, many of us downplay the very qualities that actually make us shine. But here’s the truth: embracing your strengths - proudly, if not loudly -is one of the keys to unlocking real confidence and creating cool opportunities. Here's what we cover: - How owning your strengths isn’t arrogance; it’s good self-awareness. - Confidence grows when you acknowledge and celebrate what you’re good at; who knew? - Sharing your strengths might just inspire others to do the same. - Embracing your strengths doesn’t have to be loud - but you still get to be proud! Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Explore and join the Confident At Work Membership Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Jan 24, 2025 · 17 min
128. Oops, I Did It Again: Embracing Your Weaknesses
In this episode, I’m talking about a topic that’s close to my heart: how embracing your weaknesses can lead to real confidence. For so many of us, there’s a strong urge to hide our weaknesses and imperfections - I’ve certainly been there. But what I’ve learned - and what I share in this episode - is that acknowledging your weaknesses without shame isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a powerful step toward self-acceptance and the freedom that leads to true self-confidence. We’ll explore how being honest about our struggles can deepen your connection with yourself and others. You’ll hear why confidence isn’t about being flawless but about building a supportive relationship with yourself - one that allows for both growth and embracing your weaknesses. Key Takeaways: - Admitting your weaknesses is essential for authentic confidence. - Hiding imperfections can create feelings of shame and inadequacy. - Accepting your flaws can be liberating and empowering. - Being open about your struggles can encourage others to do the same. - Confidence isn’t about perfection - it’s rooted in self-acceptance. - How acknowledging your weaknesses actually creates the right environment for development and personal growth. Want to be more Confident At Work? ⁠Sign up to join our free training: Grow Your Confidence In 2025⁠⁠⁠ Start here: ⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Jan 16, 2025 · 22 min
127. How To Banish Background Babble
I’m this episode we discuss the pervasive issue of 'background babble' - the constant mental chatter that can undermine confidence and mental clarity at work. We explore its impact on self-doubt, decision-making, and emotional well-being and explore the strategies that combat the mental noise. Background babble is that persistent internal dialogue that influences your mood, decisions, and your confidence levels at work. Unchecked background babble increases self-doubt and uncertainty, drains your mental energy and clarity and can be emotionally exhausting. Even if you have experienced background babble your whole career, support from a professional can help to reduce it so you can have clearer mind and improved confidence. Want to be more Confident At Work? Sign up to join our free training: Grow Your Confidence In 2025⁠⁠ Start here: ⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Jan 10, 2025 · 21 min
126. When Pressure Backfires: The Confidence Killer You Didn’t See Coming
Sign up to join our free training: Grow Your Confidence In 2025 In this episode of Confident at Work, we’re uncovering why putting too much pressure on yourself may be holding you back from building lasting, authentic confidence. If you’ve ever felt stressed, panicked, or overwhelmed while trying to speak up in meetings, present flawlessly, or handle senior colleagues with ease, this episode is for you. Discover why pressure creates fear and worry instead of the clarity and calm you need, and learn practical strategies to take the pressure off. What You’ll Learn: How putting the pressure on yourself sabotages your confidence How to create a lower-stakes mindset Practical tips for speaking up, presenting, and interacting with senior people - without the stress. Press play to start your journey toward a calmer, more confident 2025. ⁠Sign up to join our free training: Grow Your Confidence In 2025⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Dec 20, 2024 · 42 min
125. The Power of Play in Your Professional Life - A Conversation With Jennie Cashman
I sit down with Jennie Cashman explore the significance of play in both personal and professional settings. Jennie shares her journey from a creative background to becoming a playful coach, emphasising the importance of creativity and play in fostering connection, trust, and productivity within teams. We discuss practical the applications of play in various industries, the barriers to embracing playfulness, and how reconnecting with your playful nature can enhance your work life. As it turns out: Play is essential for creativity and connection. Embracing play can lead to higher productivity. Building trust through playful activities enhances teamwork. Work environments should encourage playfulness. Reconnecting with play can improve mental health. If you want to bring more play into your day, or get expert facilitation support for work with teams or individuals, get in touch with Jennie Contact Jennie Get some free stuff Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Give yourself a gift this Christmas - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore and join The Members Club!⁠⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Dec 13, 2024 · 17 min
124. Resgining From Mental Drama - How To Quit Your Second Job
In this episode, we’re tackling the “hidden second job” that so many of us are unknowingly juggling: the mental drama of overthinking, analysing, panicking, and ruminating. If you’ve ever felt like your confidence and your energy is being drained, it might be time to quit that second job - for good. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - How to recognise if you are managing two jobs: your actual work and the mental drama about the job. - Why working harder or longer hours only reinforces the problem. - How you can quit the second job, reclaim your energy, reduce mental drama and start enjoying your job again! - How to set yourself up for a confident, drama-free 2025 with the right support. Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here -⁠ take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get help - ⁠⁠Book a call with Anna to explore options for 2025 Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Dec 6, 2024 · 22 min
123. How To Get More Good Feedback
Have you ever considered what kind of feedback you need to feel confident at work? We often focus on feedback from others - managers, peers, or clients, but the feedback we receive most frequently comes from within. In this episode, we dive into the surprising impact of self-feedback and why it matters. If your internal commentary is harsh, unfair, or overly critical, it can wreak havoc on your confidence. Learn how to transform your inner dialogue into a powerful tool that boosts your confidence, motivation, and success. What You'll Learn: - Why self-feedback is more influential than external feedback. - How negative self-talk undermines your confidence and performance. - Practical strategies to replace harsh self-criticism with constructive, supportive feedback. Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: ⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Give yourself a gift this Christmas - ⁠⁠⁠Explore and join The Members Club!⁠ Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Nov 29, 2024 · 22 min
122. Coaching The Unconscious Mind
In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of Beth's coaching journey to uncover the hidden thoughts that were preventing her from speaking up confidently in meetings - thoughts she didn't even know she was thinking! You'll see how we identified her unconscious barriers and changed them to create lasting effortless change and loads more confidence. We take a look at the real process of transformation - how change actually works beneath the surface. Discover how shifting unconscious beliefs can unlock confidence in many areas of your work life! Want to be more Confident At Work? Start here: take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Give yourself a gift this Christmas - ⁠⁠Explore and join The Members Club! Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Nov 15, 2024 · 29 min
121. What To Do When You Get Talked Over, Dismissed, or Ignored
Ever felt sidelined in a meeting, dismissed, or like your ideas don’t get the credit they deserve? In this episode, we’re digging into the all-too-common experience of being talked over, dismissed, or ignored in professional settings. These moments can be frustrating and disheartening and of course, impact our confidence and our willingness to keep contributing and sharing our ideas. We’ll explore why this happens, the role of unconscious bias, and the toll it can take on you. Through relatable examples, we’ll look at how you can identify these situations and strategies you can use to keep taking - including assertive re-entry techniques to building allies in the room. I hope this episode equips you with tools to confidently hold your space and be heard, because we need you to stay in the conversation if things are going to change! Want to be more Confident At Work? ⁠⁠Take our free: Confidence Assessment⁠ ⁠⁠Explore and join The Members Club ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠ Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic
Nov 8, 2024 · 8 min
120. One Thing You Can Always Be Confident In
Imagine if there was one thing you could always be confident in, no matter what? One person who you could always rely on to support you no matter how things went? You can. You can be the one. You can make a commitment to support yourself, no matter what. While outcomes at work can be unpredictable, what if you could be 100% confident in how you will respond to themselves after the experience? You might not know what will go right or wrong, but what if you could trust that you'll be treated with kindness, perspective, and support, whatever the outcome? You'd ask for it from a good working relationship; in this week's episode I'm suggesting that you also ask for it from yourself and find out much your confidence can grow. Listen on to find out how. Want to be more Confident At Work? ⁠⁠⁠Take our free: Confidence Assessment⁠⁠ - answer a few simple questions and get personalised support in your inbox to help you start feeling more confident right away. ⁠⁠⁠Explore and join The Members Club ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- a place for women professionals to find confidence and community. ⁠⁠⁠Book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠ with Anna, we'll explore your challenges and figure out how coaching can help you feel confident at work. Cover art by Jacob McFadden Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic