The Tao of Self-Confidence

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A guide for Asian women to tap into their confidence and joy, and shine as leaders in today's world

In 2021, women represented 54.3% of the US workforce but only held 35% of senior leadership positions. Of that percentage, only 2.7% of Asian women were seen in management roles. While there have been great leaps for women in the workplace in the last decade, women of color still fall behind. The Tao of Self-Confidence book sets a foundation to help Asian Women start being seen as leaders in work and life rather than by our stereotypes. In this book, you'll read about:

• Getting to the root causes of what's holding you back and stepping into your greatness
• Cultural and historical issues that affect our leadership potential
• Finding and gaining more confidence as your authentic self

With an honest and vulnerable approach, Yap Chan discusses and explores the specific challenges our community faces, historically and now in the midst of the pandemic, intergenerational and historical trauma, false stories we tell ourselves, and how we can rise above stereotypes. We'll tap into our inner joy, celebrate our authentic self, and awaken the leader within.

Introduction: The State of Asian Women 1

Chapter 1 The Model Minority Myth and How That Affects Us 7

Chapter 2 The Challenges Asian Women Still Face 17

Chapter 3 Intergenerational Trauma and Why We Need to Talk About It 41

Chapter 4 How to Unlock Our Traumas 75

Chapter 5 The Journey to Healing 101

Chapter 6 The Journey to Self- Love 115

Chapter 7 The Power of Self- Confidence 135

Chapter 8 The Future of Asian Women in Leadership 159

Conclusion: Words for Your Self- Confidence Journey 167

Notes 171

Resource List 183

Acknowledgments 185

About the Author 187

Index 189

Sheena Yap Chan is a keynote speaker, podcaster, consultant, and author. She is on a mission to help Asian women boost their confidence to live in their authentic selves and to encourage stronger, more authentic representation for Asian women. She is a bestselling co-author of Asian Women Who Boss Up.

Negative stereotypes and low expectations continue to impact Asian women who aspire to lead. According to a recent survey completed in 2021, only 2.7% of Asian women in the United States occupied managerial or executive roles. That must change.

In The Tao of Self-Confidence, renowned podcaster, speaker, and author Sheena Yap Chan delivers an inspirational and exciting discussion of how Asian women can overcome past traumas to become the best versions of themselves. In the book, you’ll discover how to reveal your own leadership potential, step into your greatness, and get to the root causes of what’s holding you back.

The author dives deep into the cultural and historical issues that affect the leadership potential of people generally, and Asian women specifically. You’ll find out how to structure your mindset so it’s best suited to developing your career and personal growth.

The Tao of Self-Confidence discusses the “Model Minority” myth, intergenerational trauma, and how to find your self-confidence. It offers an honest and vulnerable approach to unlocking your true potential as a leader and as a person, as well as effective strategies for overcoming a cultural tendency to resist discussion of past traumas. You’ll also discover how to heal from past events and step into the management and leadership roles that you deserve.

An essential and timely guide for early- and mid-career professionals ready to realize their full potential, The Tao of Self-Confidence will also earn a place in the libraries of all Asian women who are tired of repeating past patterns and ready to conquer the obstacles that have been holding them back.

PRAISE FOR The Tao of Self-Confidence

"Sheena Yap Chan is a powerhouse in championing Asian female voices! As Asian American women, we know firsthand the importance of being visible in the workplace—a must-read for the Asian community and allies."
—Jessalin Lam and Bernice Chao, authors of The Visibility Mindset and founders of Asians in Advertising

"This is a much-needed book! I'm so grateful that this book takes a look at challenges and our wins at the same time. I hope we can all find ways to uplift each other, and this book is a great resource."
—Michelle Li, Journalist + Co-founder of The Very Asian Foundation

"This book will be a great guide no matter what stage you are in your leadership journey. It tackles the topics that our community rarely talks about, but absolutely needs to address. Representation matters every single day and this book is the start of seeing Asian women as leaders."
—Julia S. Gouw, Chairwoman of Piermont Bank

"Sheena shatters the destructive and demeaning stereotypes and tropes that have plagued Asian women for centuries. Her book emphasizes the powerful impact of excellence and how we can all be stronger allies and advocates for Asian women. Her lived experiences will not only inspire women, but men too."
—Bill Imada, Chairman and Chief Connectivity Officer of IW Group

"Sheena has interviewed over 800 women on the topic of confidence. As one of the 800 women, I believe it's our responsibility to empower other women to gain confidence and succeed in life."
—Grace Gong, Founder and Host at Smart Venture Podcast