Dear Gateways Community - What if the foundation of your self-worth was shaped long before you had the awareness to question it?
In this deeply moving and expansive conversation on Gateways to Awakening, Yasmeen Turayhi sits down with Sean Smith, actor, author, and master neurotransformational coach, to explore one of the most profound and often overlooked dynamics in human development: the father-daughter relationship.
He is the author of the book, Daddy, Are You Proud of Me? What Daughters Need to Hear, See, and Know From Their Dads.
Through years of coaching tens of thousands of women, Sean uncovered a powerful throughline—self-worth is not just shaped by whether a father was present or loving, but by a single, formative question: “Was he proud of me?”
We explore how this dynamic quietly influences everything—from career success and burnout to romantic relationships and patterns of validation. We also unpack the difference between performance-based approval and unconditional worth, and why so many high-achieving women are still left feeling unfulfilled.
“Self-worth is not just shaped by whether a father was present or loving, but by whether a daughter felt: Was he proud of me?” - Sean Smith
This conversation is not about blame. It’s about awareness, healing, and reclaiming your relationship with yourself.
We also discuss:
How childhood patterns around approval shape adult identity
Why silence from a parent can be more impactful than criticism
The hidden link between self-esteem and romantic dynamics
What healthy, “vulnerable masculinity” actually looks like
How healing can occur—even without direct resolution with a parent
There is a tenderness to this conversation—one that opens the door to both grief and possibility. Because once something becomes conscious, it can change.
This episode is for anyone seeking deeper self-understanding, more aligned relationships, and a new way of relating to their own inner world.
Tune in to Gateways to Awakening for more conversations with leading thinkers, creators, and spiritual pioneers shaping the future of consciousness.
We would love to hear from you! What did you take away from this episode? Tag us and let us know. We love reviews!
For more from me: follow my writing on Substack (substack.com/@therealyasmeent), find me on Instagram @TheRealYasmeenT, or visit InnerKnowingSchool.com.
I recently wrote the book A Glitch In The Matrix: 10 Energy Codes to Become The Main Character of Your Life which is available in print, kindle and Audible (in my own voice).
This show is sponsored by VastuFengShuiHarmony.com