The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset

The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset Ltd

Struggling with self-esteem, confidence, or the fear of being heard?

The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset Podcast helps you build genuine confidence, strengthen your mindset, and find the courage to share your voice.

Hosted by Jonny Pardoe, each episode combines honest personal lessons with powerful guest stories about overcoming self-doubt, being seen, and speaking with confidence. A top 1 % Podcast with many guests and episodes with over 3.5 million downloads .

Share your voice with confidence.

Speaking and enquiries: speaking@jonnypardoe.com

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 12 min
5 Mental Strength Habits That Will Get You Through Tough Times
Ready to stop hiding and own your voice? To grow in your business or career. Grab my free Visibility Starter Kit: ⁠https://the-self-esteem-and-confidence-mindset.kit.com/shareyourvoice Life will test you. The question is: how will you respond? In this solo episode, I share five practical habits that have helped me—and countless others—build mental strength during life's most challenging seasons. Mental strength isn't about pretending everything is okay or never feeling fear. It's about learning how to think clearly, stay grounded, and keep moving forward when life feels uncertain. Whether you're dealing with setbacks, loss, self-doubt, burnout, or simply feeling overwhelmed, these five habits will help you develop the resilience to face adversity without losing yourself in the process. In this episode, you'll learn: The daily habits that build genuine mental strength How to stay resilient when life feels overwhelming Why your mindset shapes your response to adversity How to stop negative thoughts from controlling your actions The importance of taking small, consistent steps forward How to protect your confidence during difficult seasons Why mental strength helps you trust yourself and your voice Tough times don't have to define your future. They can become the moments that strengthen your character, deepen your resilience, and prepare you for the impact you're meant to make. If you're ready to build lasting mental resilience and continue showing up with confidence—even when life is difficult—this episode is for you.
Wednesday · 14 min
You Don't Need More Confidence—You Need More Courage
Ready to stop hiding and own your voice? To grow in your business or career. Grab my free Visibility Starter Kit: https://the-self-esteem-and-confidence-mindset.kit.com/shareyourvoice Connect with me here: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pardoe-08148b194/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jonnycpardoe/ What if confidence isn't the thing you've been missing? For years, we've been told to "build confidence" before taking the next step—before speaking up in meetings, launching a business, starting a podcast, sharing our ideas, or putting ourselves out there. But what if that's backwards? In this solo episode, I explore why confidence is often the result of action—not the prerequisite. If you've been waiting until you feel ready, this conversation will challenge the way you think about fear, self-doubt, and personal growth. You'll discover why courage is the first step, how confidence is built through experience, and what you can do today to stop holding yourself back and start sharing your authentic voice. In this episode, you'll learn: Why confidence isn't where your journey begins The difference between confidence and courage How fear keeps talented people silent Why action creates confidence—not the other way around Practical ways to build courage in everyday life How to stop waiting for the "perfect" moment What it takes to trust your voice and share it with the world If you've been putting off a difficult conversation, delaying a big decision, or waiting until you feel more confident before pursuing your goals, this episode is for you. Because the people who make the greatest impact aren't fearless. They're courageous enough to act while fear is still present. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe for more conversations on finding your voice, overcoming self-doubt, building confidence, authentic communication, personal growth, and creating meaningful impact.
July 27 · 31 min
Mike Gomoll: How One Voice Turned Tragedy Into Hope
You can find more from Mike here: https://www.joeyssong.org/ In this episode, I sit down with Mike Gomoll, whose life changed forever after losing his five-year-old son, Joey, to Dravet Syndrome—a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Rather than allowing grief to have the final word, Mike chose to honour Joey's life by creating a small acoustic music night in his memory. What began as a heartfelt tribute has grown into Freezing Man, a remarkable annual festival that brings together world-class musicians who donate their time to support a cause greater than themselves. But this conversation isn't just about music or fundraising. It's about finding the courage to use your story, transforming pain into purpose, and discovering that your voice can create hope for others—even in life's darkest moments. In this episode, we discuss: How to find purpose after unimaginable loss Why sharing your story can help others heal Turning grief into meaningful action The power of community, connection, and compassion Building a legacy that outlives tragedy How one small idea grew into a movement Why your voice matters, even when life feels broken Choosing hope when giving up would be easier Whether you're navigating loss, facing a difficult season, or wondering if your story can make a difference, Mike's journey is a powerful reminder that purpose can emerge from even the deepest pain. Because your greatest impact often begins with the story you never thought you could tell. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations on finding your voice, sharing your story, building confidence, overcoming adversity, personal growth, resilience, and creating meaningful impact.
July 24 · 44 min
Dr. Cristi Bundukamara: How to Trust Yourself Again After Life Breaks You
You can find more from Dr B here: mindset.mentallystrong.com In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cristi Bundukamara (Dr. B)—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, veteran, educator, author, and creator of the Mentally STRONG Method—to explore how we rebuild mental strength, restore self-trust, and find purpose after life's most difficult experiences. After enduring the heartbreaking loss of three of her children, Dr. B transformed unimaginable grief into a mission to help others navigate burnout, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. Through her practical Mentally STRONG Method, she teaches people how to organise their thoughts, manage emotions, and develop the resilience needed to move forward with confidence. In this episode, we discuss: How to rebuild self-trust after loss or adversity Practical ways to strengthen your mental resilience Why emotional awareness is essential for personal growth Overcoming burnout and navigating major life transitions How to quiet self-doubt and think with greater clarity The connection between mental strength and authentic confidence Finding purpose through pain without letting it define you How trusting yourself helps you live and lead more authentically Whether you're facing grief, burnout, a career change, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation offers practical insights to help you regain confidence, reconnect with your authentic voice, and take your next step with courage. Because finding your voice doesn't mean life has been easy. It means you've learned to trust yourself enough to keep moving forward.
July 22 · 26 min
Leslie Walter Haas: The Story Only You Can Tell
You can find Fes's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Twice-Saved-Death-Unforgettable-Redemption-ebook/dp/B0G36QJ2J8/ref=sr_1_1 What if the story you've been reluctant to tell is the one someone else needs to hear most? In this episode, I sit down with author, musician, and storyteller Leslie Walter Haas, affectionately known as "Fes," to explore how our life experiences—both joyful and painful—shape the voice we're meant to share with the world. Drawing from his memoir, Twice Saved by Death, Leslie shares an honest and inspiring journey of resilience, redemption, creativity, and self-discovery. Through storytelling and music, he's learned that our greatest struggles don't have to define us—they can become the foundation for purpose, connection, and hope. In this conversation, we explore: Why your story matters more than you think How adversity can shape your authentic voice Finding purpose through creativity and storytelling Overcoming fear, shame, and self-doubt The healing power of music and self-expression How vulnerability creates genuine connection Turning life's hardest moments into opportunities for growth Why sharing your voice can change someone else's life Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, creative, or someone who's been holding back because of fear or uncertainty, this episode will encourage you to embrace your story and speak with greater confidence. Because your voice isn't powerful despite your experiences. It's powerful because of them.
July 20 · 38 min
Dr. Joy Kong: Why Self-Trust Changes Everything
You can find more from Dr Joy Kong here: Website: https://charahealth.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjoykong Memoir (Tiger of Beijing): https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Beijing-Inspirational-Regenerative-Physician/dp/1647139546 In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joy Kong—physician, educator, and internationally recognised stem cell expert—to explore the life experiences that shaped her confidence, resilience, and unwavering self-trust. Growing up in post-Cultural Revolution Beijing, immigrating to the United States with very little, and rebuilding her life after escaping an abusive marriage, Dr. Kong shares how she learned that true confidence isn't built through external validation—it's built by taking courageous action and learning to trust yourself. This conversation isn't just about overcoming adversity. It's about discovering your authentic voice, believing in your own judgment, and creating a life that's aligned with who you truly are. In this episode, we discuss: How to build self-trust when life feels uncertain Why confidence comes from action, not perfection Overcoming self-doubt and the need for validation Finding your authentic voice through life's challenges Lessons from resilience, adversity, and personal transformation How to speak with conviction and lead with authenticity Why your past doesn't have to define your future The mindset shifts that create lasting confidence Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, professional, or someone who wants to stop second-guessing yourself and start making a greater impact, this episode will inspire you to trust your voice and take the next courageous step. Because confidence isn't about knowing you'll never fail. It's about trusting yourself enough to keep moving forward.
July 17 · 33 min
Paige Gordon: The Shame That Keeps So Many People Silent
You can find more from Paige here: Website https://paigegordonauthor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigegordonauthor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigegordon/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paigegordonauthor What if the biggest thing stopping you from sharing your voice isn't fear—but shame? In this episode, I sit down with Paige Gordon, live experience advocate, speaker, and author of the forthcoming memoir Searching for Full, to explore how shame shapes our identity, silences our voice, and keeps us from living authentically. After struggling with bulimia for more than 22 years, Paige transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a leading advocate for eating disorder research, patient-centred healthcare, and mental health awareness. Today, she helps others understand that healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about rediscovering who you've always been. In this conversation, we explore: How shame keeps us small and silent • Why self-worth is the foundation of confidence • Finding your authentic voice after years of self-doubt • Healing from perfectionism and self-blame • The connection between mental health and personal growth • How vulnerability becomes a strength, not a weakness • Turning your story into purpose and impact • Why your past doesn't have to define your future If you've ever struggled with self-worth, hidden parts of yourself, or felt afraid to be fully seen, this conversation will encourage you to step into your authentic voice with greater courage and compassion. Because your story isn't something to hide. It may be the very thing that helps someone else find theirs.
July 15 · 36 min
Amber Vilhauer: Why the World Needs Your Authentic Voice
You can find more from Amber here: Website: https://choosethelight.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambervilhauer/ What if the message you're holding back is exactly the message someone else needs to hear? In this episode, I sit down with Amber Vilhauer, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of NGNG Enterprises, to explore what it really means to find your authentic voice, trust your message, and confidently share it with the world. Amber helps impact-driven leaders amplify their message and bring more of their authentic voice into their work. Together, we discuss why so many capable professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders struggle to speak up, become visible, and fully own the value of what they have to say. We also explore the powerful lessons behind What Nature Teaches Us: A Book About Being the Light, co-authored by Amber, and what nature can teach us about resilience, belonging, self-worth, and having the courage to be who we really are. In this conversation, we explore: How to find and trust your authentic voice • Why capable people often hold back their message • Overcoming self-doubt and the fear of being seen • How to share your ideas with greater confidence • Why authenticity is essential for personal branding and thought leadership • The connection between self-worth, belonging, and visibility • How to amplify your message without becoming someone you're not • Why your story and perspective matter • Lessons from nature on resilience, courage, and being the light If you're a professional, entrepreneur, leader, or aspiring thought leader who knows you have something meaningful to say but struggles to put yourself out there, this conversation is for you. You don't need to become louder to make an impact. You need to trust your voice enough to share it.
July 13 · 35 min
Sharmaine Dobson: The Voice You Lost Is Still Within You
You can find Sharmaine's book here: https://www.amazon.com/WHISPER-STORM-Sharmaine-Anna-Dobson-ebook/dp/B0GWS6W34F Have you ever felt like you've lost your voice? Not your ability to speak—but your confidence to express who you truly are. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sharmaine Dobson, counsellor, author, speaker, and creative, to explore how life's challenges can silence our voice—and how healing, courage, and purpose can help us find it again. From writing poetry and music to counselling others through life's most difficult seasons, Sharmaine shares a deeply personal perspective on using your story, your creativity, and your voice to bring hope and make a difference. In this conversation, we explore: • How to reconnect with your authentic voice • Why pain often shapes our greatest purpose • Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and feeling unseen • The role of creativity in healing and personal growth • Why your story matters more than you think • How to speak with courage, compassion, and conviction • Finding purpose by using your voice to serve others If you're a professional, leader, entrepreneur, or someone who knows they have something meaningful to contribute but has struggled to share it with confidence, this conversation will encourage you to stop hiding and start speaking. Because the world doesn't need a different version of you. It needs your authentic voice.
July 10 · 30 min
Phillip Nazak: How Great Leaders Create Lasting Change
You can find more from Phillip here: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/17QyeZKAx9/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/phillip-nazak-m-s-ed-80579025b YouTube https://youtube.com/@growthculturesolutions?si=pfjjIJ5AEBgBJIP5 What separates great leaders from everyone else? In this episode, I sit down with Phillip Nazak, experienced educator, business leader, and expert in instructional leadership, to explore what it really takes to lead people through change, build trust, and create lasting impact. Drawing on more than 20 years of business experience and over a decade in education, Phillip shares practical leadership lessons that apply whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or developing your own confidence as a professional. In this conversation, we explore: • How great leaders create lasting change • Why leadership starts with trust and relationships • The leadership skills every professional should develop • How to influence people without relying on authority • Building confidence as a leader during uncertainty • Creating high-performing teams through effective communication • Lessons from education that every business leader can apply • How sustainable leadership creates long-term success If you're an entrepreneur, manager, executive, or ambitious professional looking to improve your leadership skills, communicate with greater confidence, and create meaningful change, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about helping others grow while continuing to grow yourself. Subscribe for more conversations on confidence, leadership, visibility, personal growth, and high-performance living.
July 8 · 44 min
Judi Holler: Stop Waiting to Feel Confident
You can find more from Judi here: https://judiholler.com/ https://youtu.be/pUrYjBTuRAM?si=hZVcjmTBt8zgaptg https://holleratyourdreams.com/ https://judiholler.com/book/ https://www.instagram.com/judiholler/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/judiholler/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thejudiholler?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://stan.store/HOLLAVERSE Are you waiting to feel confident before you take action? In this episode, I sit down with keynote speaker, USA TODAY bestselling author, and creator of The HOLLER (Me)THOD™, Judi Holler, to explore why confidence isn't something you wait for—it's something you build through courageous action. Drawing on her background in corporate leadership and professional improvisation with The Second City, Judi shares practical strategies to help you overcome fear, perfectionism, overthinking, and self-doubt so you can step into the opportunities you've been avoiding. In this conversation, we discuss: • Why confidence is built through action—not before it • How to overcome fear of failure and self-doubt • The surprising lessons improv can teach us about leadership • Why perfectionism keeps high achievers stuck • How to stop overthinking and trust yourself more • Practical ways to develop courage in everyday life • The mindset shift that helps you become more visible and impactful If you're a high-achieving professional, entrepreneur, or leader who knows you're capable of more but keeps waiting until you feel "ready," this episode will challenge you to think differently about confidence. Because confidence doesn't come before action. It comes because of it.
July 6 · 30 min
Ron Millicent: Why Self-Doubt Is Holding You Back
Website: https://ronmillicent.com About Ron: https://ronmillicent.com/about-the-author/ Books: https://ronmillicent.com/my-books/ About the Self-Esteem Series: https://ronmillicent.com/about-the-book/ Contact Ron: https://ronmillicent.com/contact/ Why do so many capable, successful people still struggle with self-doubt? In this episode, I sit down with Ron Millicent to explore why confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build through the way you think, act, and respond to life's challenges. Together, we discuss practical ways to overcome negative thinking, strengthen self-esteem, and develop lasting confidence without pretending to be someone you're not. Ron also shares how humour, perspective, and everyday habits can transform the way you see yourself and the opportunities around you. In this conversation, we explore: • Why self-doubt holds so many high achievers back • Practical ways to build genuine confidence every day • How to challenge negative thinking patterns • Why humour can be one of the most powerful mindset tools • The connection between emotional wellness and leadership • How small daily habits create lasting self-esteem • Why confidence grows through action, not perfection If you're an ambitious professional, leader, or entrepreneur looking to build greater confidence, stop second-guessing yourself, and show up with more impact, this episode is for you. Because confidence isn't about becoming someone else. It's about becoming more of who you already are.
July 3 · 9 min
How to Become Impossible to Ignore
Connect with me here: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pardoe-08148b194/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jonnycpardoe/ Feel like you've been ignored?Me too! We go through some points today.
July 1 · 22 min
Promoting your Health & Wellness with Dr Tina Fournier
Dr Tina Fournier, Ed.D., is an educator, wellness advocate, and health promotion professional with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and communities achieve healthier, more balanced lives. She serves as a professor at the University of Findlay, where she teaches health and wellness courses, mentors future health professionals, and specializes in wellness education, prevention programming, and positive youth development. Dr. Fournier is also an author and speaker dedicated to empowering people of all ages through evidence-based wellness practices that support lifelong health and well-being.
June 29 · 50 min
Emotional Freedom with Peter Sage (Blast from the Past)
Most of us get trapped in our own minds a lot of the time, but today's guest Peter Sage shares his experience of this. Today we talk about emotional freedom. Peter is a world class speaker, best selling author and teacher who has worked with some of the world's top performers and has his own experience of going to prison and really living the key principles he teaches to stay in an emotionally free state. You can find more from Peter on Instagram: @petersage007
June 26 · 13 min
Why Some Smart People Stay Invisible
Connect with me here: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pardoe-08148b194/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jonnycpardoe/ You work hard. You get results. You know you're capable. So why do so many smart, talented professionals remain invisible? In this solo episode, I explore one of the biggest barriers to confidence, influence, and career growth: the tendency to stay hidden. Many high achievers believe that great work should speak for itself. But in today's world, visibility matters. If people don't know who you are, what you stand for, or the value you bring, opportunities can pass you by—regardless of how talented you are. In this episode, I share: • Why intelligent and capable people often stay invisible • The hidden fears that stop us from putting ourselves out there • How perfectionism and self-doubt hold back visibility • Why confidence is built through action, not certainty • The difference between self-promotion and authentic leadership • How to become more visible without becoming someone you're not • Practical steps to build your presence, influence, and impact If you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or hesitant to share your voice, this episode is for you. The world doesn't need more talented people hiding. It needs more capable people willing to be seen.
June 24 · 24 min
Dr. Haley Perlus: The Mental Edge High Performers Need Most
You can find more from Dr Haley Perlus here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-haley-perlus-33ab2219/ https://drhaleyperlus.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@drhaleyperlus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZYJVBWG What separates top performers from everyone else when the pressure is highest? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Haley Perlus, performance psychology expert, speaker, author, and coach, to explore the mindset and mental strategies that help elite athletes, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and high achievers perform at their best when it matters most. With a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and decades of experience helping people thrive in high-pressure environments, Dr. Perlus shares how the principles of peak performance can be applied far beyond sports—to leadership, confidence, communication, visibility, and success in everyday life. In this conversation, we explore: • How elite performers build confidence under pressure • The psychology of peak performance • Why mental toughness is often misunderstood • How to overcome self-doubt and fear of failure • The habits that separate top performers from everyone else • How leaders can perform consistently in high-stakes situations • Practical tools for building resilience and focus • The mindset shifts that drive long-term success If you're a professional, entrepreneur, leader, or someone striving to perform at your highest level, this episode will give you practical insights to help you develop confidence, resilience, and a stronger mental game. Because success isn't just about skill. It's about how you perform when the pressure is on.
June 22 · 34 min
Brock Holyoak: Why Most People Never Reach Their Potential
Find Brock here: NuFit App: https://nufit.me Brock’s Website: https://brockholyoak.com What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't a lack of talent, opportunity, or knowledge—but the excuses you've learned to accept? In this episode, I sit down with Brock Holyoak, founder of Nu Fit and entrepreneur behind Desert Valley Enterprises, to talk about discipline, work ethic, personal responsibility, and why so many people never reach their full potential. Brock built his businesses from the ground up and brings a refreshingly honest perspective on success, fitness, family, and the culture of excuses that keeps people stuck. In this conversation, we explore: • Why motivation is overrated • The mindset that separates high performers from everyone else • How discipline creates confidence • Why excuses quietly destroy potential • The role fitness plays in personal leadership • How to stay consistent when life gets hard • What it really takes to build a successful life and business If you're a high-achieving professional, entrepreneur, or leader looking to build more discipline, confidence, and resilience, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting for motivation and start taking ownership. Success doesn't come from feeling ready. It comes from doing what needs to be done anyway.
June 19 · 12 min
The Confidence Killer Nobody Talks About
Connect with me here: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pardoe-08148b194/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jonnycpardoe/ Have you ever looked at someone else's success and immediately felt behind? In today's episode, I explore one of the biggest confidence killers facing high-achieving professionals: comparison. In a world of social media, personal branding, AI, and constant visibility, it's never been easier to compare your progress, achievements, and life to everyone around you. The problem is that comparison doesn't motivate most people—it quietly destroys confidence, self-trust, and momentum. In this solo episode, I share: • Why comparison is one of the fastest ways to lose confidence • The hidden cost of measuring your journey against someone else's • How social media amplifies self-doubt and imposter syndrome • Why high achievers often struggle with comparison more than anyone else • Practical strategies to build confidence from within • How to stay focused on your own path and purpose • The mindset shift that helped me stop comparing and start growing If you've ever felt like you're falling behind, not doing enough, or questioning your own progress, this episode is for you. Confidence isn't built by being better than other people. It's built by becoming more of who you already are.
June 17 · 40 min
Master Mingtong Gu: The Energy Most High Performers Have Lost
You can find more from Master Mingtong Gu here: https://mingtonggu.com/ What if the energy you're looking for isn't something you need to create—but something you need to reconnect with? In this episode, I sit down with Master Mingtong Gu, founder of The Chi Center, Wisdom Healing Qigong teacher, and recipient of the Qigong Master of the Year award, to explore how leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-achieving professionals can access greater energy, clarity, resilience, and aliveness. Master Gu trained at China's renowned "medicine-less hospital" under Grandmaster Dr. Pang Ming, where thousands of people experienced profound healing through energy-based practices. Since then, he has helped more than 100,000 people across 47 countries transform their health, wellbeing, and quality of life through Wisdom Healing Qigong. In this conversation, we explore: • Why so many successful people feel exhausted despite their achievements • The hidden connection between energy, confidence, and performance • How stress and mental noise disconnect us from our natural vitality • The role of Qigong in restoring clarity and resilience • Why empathy and presence are leadership skills in today's world • Practical ways to reconnect with your energy and sense of aliveness • Ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience on healing and wellbeing If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or ambitious professional feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected from yourself, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on what it means to thrive—not just perform.