Adversity has a way of shaping us — not just in how we navigate the world, but in how we see ourselves. In this powerful and deeply insightful conversation, Liam Wakefield sits down with James Lewellyn to explore the psychology of identity, trauma, and transformation.

When life knocks us down, we instinctively construct protective masks — false selves that help us survive, shield our wounds, and keep us moving forward. But these masks, while necessary at the time, often become barriers to real connection, authenticity, and growth.

This session takes a raw, honest look at what happens when we begin to break those masks down. Liam shares his framework for understanding the Divisional Self — the Wounded, the Protective, and the Masked aspects of our psyche — and how these internal identities form in response to trauma. Together with James, they’ll unpack the ways in which we unconsciously cling to these roles, and how that impacts our relationships, our mental health, and our ability to grow.

The conversation will also explore Liam’s Five Core Tenets of Adversity-Driven Growth — Truth, Self-Mastery, Connection, Perspective, and Meaning — as a motivational framework for transforming pain into personal power.

Expect a thought-provoking, heart-led discussion that balances deep psychological insight with practical tools for realignment and reintegration. This talk is for anyone who’s been through something hard (which is most of us), and is ready to explore how the very thing that hurt us might be the thing that helps us rise.

What you’ll walk away with:
A renewed sense of inner strength. A clearer understanding of how your experiences have shaped you. And the knowledge that within your pain lies the potential for profound resilience and personal evolution.