Self-Worth in Times of Chaos

John Niland
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

How do people keep going in times of rupture, when life stops following the rules? Through honest, unhurried conversations with people who have faced redundancy, burnout, health challenges, loss, financial strain, career disruption, and major life transitions, the podcast explores what sustains us when confidence, success and certainty fall away. This is not about positive thinking or quick fixes. It is about the deeper fuel of self-worth — the inner source of dignity, energy, and resilience that allows people to live, work, and relate with clarity and humanity in chaotic times. Each episode invites reflection on how living from self-worth cultivates both hope and strength — the kind that endures when outcomes, roles, and approval can no longer carry us.

  1. 1d ago

    Structure in Chaotic Times, with Catie Young

    In this episode, Catie Young shares her experience navigating chaos during her husband's health crises, emphasising the lessons learned about planning, self-care, and structured routines for independence and stability. Topics The impact of personal health crises on professional lifeHow work can be a stabilising force in turbulent times.The importance of self-care for independenceStructured routines as a tool for stability during chaosThe evolving role of AI in communication and workLessons learned from navigating family health challenges​​Why planning and routine are crucial during times of chaos.Chapters 00:00 Navigating Chaos: Family Health Challenges 02:28 The Impact of Crisis on Self-Identity and Relationships 05:04 The Importance of Self-Care in Independent Work 07:47 Work as an Anchor During Turbulent Times 10:23 The Role of Structure in Managing Chaos 13:14 Communications in the Age of AI 16:03 Lessons Learned: Planning and Structure during Chaos Keywords chaos, independence, self-care, planning, communication, AI, career transition, resilience, mental health, work stability Guest Contact Details: For more information about Catie’s work and webinars on communication, see https://catie-young.com/ or follow Catie Young on LinkedIn: be.linkedin.com/in/catieyoung Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  2. Jul 15

    Wicked World, with Sonja Wekema

    In this episode, Sonja Wekema shares insights from her book 'Leading in a Wicked World' and discusses her experience of navigating chaos, self-awareness, and leadership in turbulent times. She reflects on personal chaos, the importance of coming together, and how to foster resilience and understanding in a complex world. Topics What makes a world 'wicked' and how to navigate itThe importance of self-awareness and understanding personal scriptsThe role of coming together and community in turbulent timesLessons from personal experiences with chaos and lossStrategies for building resilience and self-worthThe impact of culture on leadership and vulnerabilityThe significance of asking questions and embracing different perspectivesThe influence of technology, fake news, and AI on perception and trustParenting and passing on values in a digital ageThe importance of asking deep questions to understand oneself and othersChapters 00:00 Introduction: Other Perspectives 02:48 Navigating the Chaos of the Book Launch 05:54 The Importance of Connection in a Wicked World 08:21 Getting help when hitting walls 11:28 Self-Reflection and Personal Scripts 16:22 Building Resilience and Self-Worth 19:06 Embracing Different Perspectives to Humanize 20:43 Parenting in a Complex World Keywords Wicked World, Leadership, Self-Worth, Chaos, Resilience, Personal Development, Sonja Wekema Guest Contact Details: For more information about Sonja’s work, speaker services and books, see https://sonjawekema.com/  Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  3. Jul 8

    Future of Work, with Dan Pontefract

    Dan Pontefract, a Canadian leadership and culture change strategist, shares insights on navigating chaos, from his personal experience of career transitions.  We talk about the future of work, where Dan emphasises the importance of adaptability, purpose and leveraging age diversity in organisations. Topics Chaos and disruption in personal and professional lifeCareer transitions and the entrepreneurial journeyThe concept of age debt and experience dividendStrategies for an age-inclusive workplaceThe future of work and organizational cultureChapters 00:00 Navigating Chaos: Personal and Professional Experiences 07:26 Questioning Identity 10:11 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Ups and Downs 14:15 The Future of Work is Gray: Understanding Age Debt 19:03 The Experience Dividend 22:07 Opportunities for Older Workers in a Changing Landscape Keywords Future of Work, Chaos Management, Career Transition, Age Diversity, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Solopreneurship, Age Debt, Experience Dividend Guest Contact Details: For more information about Dan’s work, speaker services and books, see https://www.danpontefract.com/  Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  4. Jul 1

    Hope as a Daily Choice, with Scott Lackey

    In this lively interview, Scott Lackey shares his personal experiences with chaos, resilience, and hope. He illustrates how chaos can be a catalyst for growth, makes a distinction between power and control and outlines practical lessons for navigating through life's lightning-strikes and storms.  Topics Chaos as a catalyst for growthResilience and bouncing back from setbacksStewardship- versus ownership- mindset"Lightning strikes change us instantaneously"Choosing hope rather than finding hope: a daily choiceTurning Storms into Growth OpportunitiesThe Power of ResilienceChapters 00:00 Introduction to Chaos and Hope 01:44 Personal Experiences of Chaos 04:31 Understanding Lightning Strikes in Life 06:35 The Impact of Chaos on Self-Identity 10:06 Stewardship vs. Ownership 13:32 Lessons Learned from Chaos 16:03 Resilience in the Face of Chaos 18:31 Choosing Hope Amidst Chaos Keywords chaos, resilience, hope, leadership, personal growth, control vs stewardship, lightning strikes, adaptability, mental toughness, life lessons Guest Contact Details: For more information about Scott Lackey, see his website https://www.scottlackey.com. Scott’s book “Wake Up to Die Again” is available from Amazon.  Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  5. Jun 24

    From Chaos to Self-Worth at 20, with Lawrence Harris

    In this inspiring interview, 20-year-old keynote speaker and author Lawrence C Harris shares his powerful journey through childhood chaos, the importance of self-worth, and practical tools like journaling to transform pain into empowerment. Discover how self-awareness and resilience can shape a fulfilling life. Topics Childhood trauma and abuseThe role of self-worth in personal growthHow journaling helps unpack emotions and build self-awareness.Self-worth is rooted in who you are, not what you have.Social media often portrays a false image of success.Living authentically involves understanding what you truly want.Consistent self-reflection can lead to profound personal insights."Most people on social media are lying."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chaos and Childhood Violence 02:34 Navigating Personal Chaos 05:05 The Power of Journaling 08:26 Youth Empowerment and Self-Worth 11:33 Challenges Facing Today's Youth 14:22 The Importance of Self-Worth 17:24 Living Authentically: What do I really want? 20:16 The Journey of Self-Discovery Keywords self-worth, resilience, journaling, youth empowerment, mental health, personal development, overcoming trauma, self-awareness, motivation, young leaders Guest Contact Details: For more information about Lawrence C Harris, see his website https://www.lawrencecharris.com/. You can access the free journal prompts here: https://speakerhub.com/cta/sfQk95  Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  6. Jun 17

    Being a Friend to Yourself, with Claudia Vettore

    Claudia Vettore shares her experience and insights on managing stress, self-worth and resilience in times of chaos. She discusses the importance of mindfulness, language, and cultural perspectives in understanding ourselves and navigating uncertainty, especially for professionals in high-pressure environments. Topics The challenges of perfectionism Stress and chaos managementThe role of language and culture in self-worthFacing difficult feedbackMindfulness and self-compassion techniquesLanguage shapes our reality and self-perceptionBefriending ourselves is key to resilienceAcceptance is the first step to facing realityChapters 00:00 Navigating Chaos and Uncertainty 03:22 Finding skillful language with the self 08:13 Dealing with Judgmental Culture 10:09 Facing Harsh Feedback in Tough Environments 15:54 Specific challenges for conscientious people 18:13 Resilience and Acknowledging Reality 21:40 Claudia's Work with Corporates and Students Keywords stress management, self-worth, mindfulness, resilience, chaos, culture, language, professional stress, mental health, uncertainty Guest Contact Details: For more information about Claudia Vettore, see her website https://www.claudiavettore.com/themindfulcloud/ Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  7. Jun 10

    Meditation in Times of Chaos, with Laurence Freeman OSB

    In a deep and insightful conversation, Fr. Laurence Freeman shares his original journey into meditation, its relevance in times of chaos, and how it can foster inner peace and resilience. He distinguishes between crisis and chaos; shares some practical insights on integrating meditation into daily life; as well as the role of meditation in healing societal divisions in this current "age of contempt".  Topics Meditation as a tool for inner peace in times of chaosThe difference between crisis and chaosChaos as the path to creativity and new beginningsMeditation helps access a deeper level of consciousness beyond the mind.The role of wisdom traditions in modern societyPracticing meditation regularly can improve patience, empathy and inner peace.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fr. Laurence Freeman 02:58 His Personal Journey into Meditation 05:40 Head and Heart Consciousness 07:43 Distinction: Crisis and Chaos  12:17 The significance of meditation in chaos/crisis 16:13 Experience is the Teacher 21:23 WCCM and its communities Keywords Meditation, Chaos, Inner Peace, Spirituality, Leadership, WCCM, Mindfulness, Personal Growth, Wisdom Traditions, Crisis Management Guest Info: For more information about WCCM, tools to learn to meditate, community events (both online and in-person) see https://wccm.org/  Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

  8. Jun 3

    The Art of the Meaningful Few, with Matt Day

    In this insightful interview, Matt Day, founder of Meaningful Few, shares his perspectives on navigating chaos in marketing and personal life. Topics include humility in marketing, changes of consumer behavior during economic downturns, the impact of AI and strategies for staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. Topics Finding stability in self-employment by tuning into client needHumility in marketing and leadership: "Learning on the job is humbling."Consumer behavior changes during economic downturnsImpact of AI on marketing strategiesPromotion is just one part of marketing"AI can be dangerous if misused."The significance of the “meaningful few” to drive momentumChapters 00:00 Lots going on, everything moving 03:20 Shifting Consumer Trends 07:34 Finding stability in self-employment 10:45 Mitigating Risks in Independent Business 13:39 Learning Through Vulnerability and Humility 22:26 The Role of AI in Marketing's Future 26:15 Finding Meaning in a Changing World 29:48 The Art of the Meaningful Few Keywords Marketing, Humility, Consumer Behavior, AI, Business Resilience, Personal Growth, Change Management Guest Contact Details: Matt Day can be contacted by email on matt@meaningfulfew.com  Thanks to Jacopo Lazzaretti for the intro/outro music:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

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About

How do people keep going in times of rupture, when life stops following the rules? Through honest, unhurried conversations with people who have faced redundancy, burnout, health challenges, loss, financial strain, career disruption, and major life transitions, the podcast explores what sustains us when confidence, success and certainty fall away. This is not about positive thinking or quick fixes. It is about the deeper fuel of self-worth — the inner source of dignity, energy, and resilience that allows people to live, work, and relate with clarity and humanity in chaotic times. Each episode invites reflection on how living from self-worth cultivates both hope and strength — the kind that endures when outcomes, roles, and approval can no longer carry us.

Information

  • Creator
    John Niland
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Self-Worth in Times of Chaos
  • Show Website
    Self-Worth in Times of Chaos