

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 17, 2025 • 23min
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 McFaddenTheme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic

Feb 11, 2025 • 19min
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 uncertaintyTake 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 McFaddenTheme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic

Feb 4, 2025 • 18min
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 McFaddenTheme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic

Jan 31, 2025 • 20min
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 • 17min
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 • 22min
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 McFaddenTheme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic

Jan 10, 2025 • 21min
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 • 43min
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 • 18min
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 • 23min
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


