Viewing emotions like this will only weigh us down further, so learning how best to deal with negative emotions, and how to harness them effectively, will allow us to use them as a driving force in achieving success.
Three steps to harnessing your emotions to achieve success
As a society, we tend to automatically categorise emotions into either positive or negative. Emotions such as joy, love and excitement are naturally classed as positive, while sadness, anger and fear are automatically assumed to be negative. These labels create the baggage that becomes attributed to these emotions.
In reality, no emotion is either good or bad. All emotions act as a useful feedback mechanism to let us know whether we are moving towards, or away from, what we want to achieve for ourselves. We need to learn to accept all emotions, even the uncomfortable ones and not fear them. Because fearing painful emotions just layers on more pain!
When we prevent ourselves from feeling these emotions, and from validating them, it is difficult for us to take action that may help us. We use emotions as information to guide us to take action that will move us towards what we want, and away from what we don’t want. Negative emotions that are the result of past trauma need to be released or they skew and confuse our emotional guidance system. Trauma occurs when events in the past permanently change our neurology in ways that limit us. We know we have trauma if remembering events from the past triggers painful emotions in the present.
Our emotional response cycles can take us one of two ways. Either, we learn from the mistake and perform better next time, or, we internalise the negativity and adopt self limiting beliefs as a result of the situation and the emotions triggered by it, which leads to a downward spiral.
Common responses and coping mechanisms such as avoidance, passing blame, and over analysing, are often preventing us from moving on from these emotions. This prevents success. We must accept our emotional responses as they come, and recognise that they are normal in order to use them to drive positive change. Finding an effective outlet for these feelings helps reduce the impact that they have on us; whether this is physical movement, creative hobbies, or journaling.
‘Negative’ emotions and success are not polarised concepts, as much as they may seem so. It is important to try and understand our emotional response cycle, so that we can better manage them. With an emotional response, initially something stimulates us, which is followed by thoughts about this stimulus, then emotion, then action. An experience has taught us something and that knowledge empowers us and our future actions and decisions.
The frustration and stress we may feel in response to making a professional mistake or oversight, acts as a driving force to prevent this kind of error in the future, as we do not want to feel these emotions again. In this context, the emotive response, although challenging at the time, is serving us in achieving our goals.
Dr Lisa Turner is a trauma expert and the Founder of CETfreedom, a spiritual and consciousness awakening organisation, specialising in training professional coaches and practitioners in trauma recovery. CETfreedom aims to revolutionise the coaching and therapy industry by ensuring that every practitioner has the Conscious Emotional Transformation (CET) method in their toolbox to help them guide others to leading a life free from emotional pain.
With a PhD in mathematical modelling and aero-acoustics, Lisa made the transition from scientist to spiritual teacher through her own journey to become free from her past, in which she was kept as a house prisoner for 5 years by a paedophile from the age of 15. Lisa’s book ‘I Loved a Paedophile’ is currently being adapted for film.
May
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free