Self-Worth in Times of Chaos

John Niland
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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.

  1. 3D AGO

    Digital overwhelm, with Kerry Lynch

    Summary   In this episode, John Niland and Kerry Lynch explore the chaos and disruption caused by digital overwhelm, particularly in the context of social media and its impact on self-worth and creativity. Kerry shares her personal experiences with digital chaos, the effects on her daily life, and the psychological implications of maintaining a digital avatar. They discuss the importance of intrinsic self-worth and how it can influence one's approach to social media and performance. Additionally, they delve into the challenges faced by performers in a competitive environment and the work they do through The Confident Performer program to help individuals navigate performance anxiety and embrace their authentic selves. Takeaways Digital overwhelm leads to chaos and distraction.Social media can disrupt focus and creativity.The digital avatar can create a split self.Self-worth should not be tied to social media validation.Authenticity in performance is more valuable than perfection.Social media can meet human needs but can also be damaging.Awareness of self-worth can change social media engagement.The Confident Performer program helps demystify performance anxiety.Comparison in the arts can hinder creativity.Raw and unfiltered performances can be more impactful.Chapters 00:00 Kerry's experience of digital overwhelm 03:38 Impact on the self 06:23 The dilemma of the digital avatar 10:19 Understanding self-worth in the digital age 13:50 The Confident Performer Keywords digital overwhelm, social media, self-worth, performance anxiety, creative process, digital chaos, musician challenges, confident performer, mental health, digital identity Guest Contact Details: Kerry can be contacted by email on music.kerrylynch@gmail.com Thanks to Jacopo Lazaratti for the intro/outro music, see:  https://jacopolazzaretti.bandcamp.com/album/secret-love For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

    17 min

  2. MAR 2

    Life after layoff, with Maria Goranova

    Summary   In this conversation, Maria Goranova shares her journey through unexpected career turbulence after experiencing her first layoff. She discusses the emotional impact of this event, the importance of self-worth, and how community support can provide hope and perspective during challenging times. Maria also explains her current role as a transformation catalyst, helping organisations navigate turbulence and develop resilience in their teams. Takeaways Maria experienced her first layoff, prompting a career reevaluation.Emotional responses to job loss can include tension and uncertainty.Community support is crucial during times of career turbulence.Self-worth is foundational for navigating change and uncertainty.Freedom is a key value that drives Maria's professional choices.Joining professional communities can provide resources and support.Recognising the need for external intervention can lead to positive change.People in regulated industries often need guidance during turbulent times.Transformation catalysts help organisations adapt to change effectively.New careers and roles will emerge from the chaos of disruption.Chapters 00:00 Sudden layoff 04:11 Inspiration from other people 09:16 The power of community 13:00 The role of a transformation catalyst 21:13 Challenges of people in regulated professions Keywords career change, self-worth, transformation, community support, emotional resilience, redundancy, personal growth, change management, professional development, coping strategies Guest Contact Details: Maria can be contacted by email on mg_goranova@yahoo.co.uk  For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

    24 min

  3. FEB 28

    Navigating chaos to a new professional identity, with Richard Ayling

    Summary In this conversation, John Niland and Richard Ayling explore the themes of chaos, disruption, and the importance of human connection when navigating life's challenges. Rich shares his personal experiences of upheaval during COVID-19, the impact on his self-worth, and the role of social media in his professional life. They discuss the significance of relational dynamics in both personal and professional contexts, emphasizing the need for authentic connections and the evolution of Rich's work life towards a more relational approach. Takeaways What happens when life stops following the plan?Chaos can be a great descriptor of life changes.Isolation can lead to struggles with self-worth.Self-worth is not solely linked to external success.Human connection is essential for emotional well-being. We are not monks!Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy.Understanding personal values is crucial during tough times.Relational dynamics are key to professional fulfillment.Building authentic relationships can lead to personal growth.Navigating chaos can lead to rediscovery of connection.Chapters 00:00 Navigating Chaos and Disruption 10:51 The Importance of Human Connection 16:31 Evolving Work Life and Relational Dynamics Keywords chaos, disruption, self-worth, leadership development, human connection, social media, mental health, personal growth, emotional intelligence, team dynamics Guest Contact Details: Richard can be contacted via www.re-align.co and richard.ayling@re-align.co For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

    18 min

  4. FEB 26

    Letting go of parts of me, with Karis McCabe

    Summary In this conversation, Karis McCabe shares her journey through significant life changes, including career shifts, personal loss, and the challenges of redefining her identity. She discusses the chaos that comes with multiple disruptions and the emotional turmoil that accompanies such transitions. Our conversation explores themes of letting go of past identities, the struggle with self-belief, and the importance of finding safety within oneself amidst discomfort. Ultimately, Karis emphasizes the power of self-acceptance and the realization that one can navigate through chaos by embracing change and creating the safety that comes from “I’ve got me.” Takeaways Karis experienced multiple life disruptions in a 10-day period.She is now redefining her identity after a career change.Letting go of past roles is a significant challenge.Self-belief is a constant struggle for her and many people.Finding safety within oneself is crucial during chaos.Karis emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance.Discomfort is a natural part of growth and change.Coping strategies can help manage emotional turmoil.Karis encourages embracing new identities and roles.The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and evolving.Chapters 00:00: Lots of disruption in a short period 05:07: Impact on Identity 07:05: Letting go 17:54: Self-acceptance and self-belief Keywords chaos, identity, self-belief, reinvention, personal growth, emotional turmoil, career change, letting go, self-acceptance, coping strategies Guest Contact Details: Karis can be contacted by email on karismccabe@gmail.com  For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

    26 min

  5. JAN 23

    Self-Worth in Times of Rupture and Chaos

    As Mark Carney said in Davos: “We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.” Life feels that way now—chaotic, unpredictable, and messy. In this transition episode to Self-Worth in Times of Chaos, I set the scene for the series, exploring how life’s ruptures spill across work, relationships, family, and health—and how a strong sense of self-worth can act as a stabiliser. I share reflections from people living through their own ruptures, and invite you to join the conversation. This series isn’t about quick fixes or frameworks; it’s about real stories from the messy middle, where life is challenging, and insights about self-worth can be most powerful. Do you have a story to share? Know someone navigating chaos? Reach out and let’s explore what it takes to hold onto your self-worth when the world feels out of control. Listen in to understand: Why chaos rarely stays in one corner of your lifeHow self-worth helps people navigate uncertaintyHow this podcast will explore real stories from those living through life’s rupturesFor all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

    7 min

  6. 07/26/2024

    24 Things that Do Not Define Your Self-Worth

    Life has a habit of creating conditions for our relationship with ourselves. In this short episode John Niland recaps 24 things that do not define our self-worth—even when some of them sound very "worthy" indeed! For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

    5 min

  7. 07/05/2022

    Building a Professional Identity at University with Dr. Clare Forder from Brighton University

    In this episode John Niland speaks with Dr Clare Forder on the challenges faced by students and how Professional Identity is relevant. For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

    23 min

  8. 09/29/2021

    Building a Professional Identity in Intentional Culture

    My guest today is Tracy Phillips, who has built her professional identity by partnering with leaders and their teams to intentionally create their culture. By magnifying each person’s strengths, this results in an increase in trust, collaboration and performance. For all contact details (including our Associates) and useful self-worth resources, see www.SelfWorthAcademy.com

    24 min
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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
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Self-Worth in Times of Chaos
  • Show Website
    Self-Worth in Times of Chaos