Self-Worth in Times of Chaos

John Niland

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. Aug 12

    Embracing Your Own Purgatory, with Geoff Curtis

    In a very honest conversation, Geoff Curtis shares his personal journey through identity collapse, depression, and finding new purpose after leaving his corporate career. We explore the importance of vulnerability, redefining success, and the role of purpose in navigating times of chaos. Topics Identity collapse and its impactRedefining success on personal terms rather than societal expectationsThe relationship between purpose and identityStrategies for navigating career transitions and chaosUnderstanding how identity is often tied to external roles and metricsThe importance of vulnerability in leadership and personal growthUsing purpose as a guiding light during times of chaos and changeThe value of self-awareness and presence outside of professional rolesChapters 00:00 Introduction to Geoff Curtis and the Purgatory 02:57 Experiencing Depression and Identity Collapse 06:39 Finding New Purpose and Meaning 11:15 The Complexity of Identity and Purpose 16:28 Vulnerability and Its Importance in Leadership 21:41 Advice for Young Professionals Facing Uncertainty Keywords identity, purpose, vulnerability, career transition, mental health, self-discovery, leadership, resilience, non-profit, personal growth Guest Contact Details: Geoff’s book, “Embracing Your Own Purgatory” is available on Amazon. He may be contacted via geoffcurtis1@gmail.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

  2. Jul 29

    Thoughtload, with Liane Davey

    In this conversation, Dr. Liane Davey discusses the concept of 'thought load' and its impact on individuals, particularly in chaotic environments. She emphasizes the distinction between cognitive load and emotional burden, highlighting the multiplicative nature of chaos in modern life. The discussion covers coping strategies for executives, the importance of discerning what really matters, and the necessity of managing energy reserves to combat overwhelm. Liane also shares personal strategies for recharging and emotional recentering amidst the chaos. Topics Thought load is the cognitive and emotional burden we carry.Chaos is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to a single source.Executives often cope by increasing their workload, which is ineffective.Effective coping involves discerning the most important tasks.Tuning out distractions is as crucial as tuning in to important signals.Emotional burdens can derail cognitive processes in the workplace.Managing energy reserves is essential for handling thought load.Personal strategies for recharging can include social interactions and creative activities.Creating time for reflection helps in processing emotions and thoughts.Finding flow in work can significantly enhance productivity and energy. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Thought Load and Chaos 02:38 Coping Mechanisms for Executives 05:55 The Importance of Focus and Discernment 08:09 Tuning In and Tuning Out 10:53 The Emotional Burden of Thought Load 14:45 Managing Energy Reserves 15:45 Personal Strategies for Recharging Keywords thought load, chaos, emotional burden, cognitive load, executive coping strategies, discernment, energy management, focus, tuning in, tuning out Guest Contact Details: For more information about Dr Liane Davey’s work and books, including the assessment she mentioned, see https://lianedavey.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 22

    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

  4. 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

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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.