Sheena Yap Chan | Author, Speaker & Podcaster
Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in leadership and self-confidence. She is a leading advocate for empowering women to break through personal and societal barriers, encouraging them to embrace their inner strength and step into leadership roles. Her own journey of transformation laid the foundation for her work, inspiring countless women to realize their potential and take charge of their lives.
As the founder and host of The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast, Sheena has created a platform where women share powerful stories of overcoming adversity to build self-assurance and reach their goals. The podcast, with over 800 episodes, has become a global success, featuring a diverse range of guests, including celebrities, thought leaders, and eight-figure CEOs. With over a million downloads, it ranks among the top 0.5% of podcasts worldwide. Through these stories, Sheena highlights the common challenges women face and the resilience required to conquer them, making the podcast an invaluable resource for empowerment.
In addition to her podcast, Sheena authored The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within. Published by Wiley, the book quickly became a bestseller, earning recognition as one of the top 20 self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority. Combining personal insights with actionable strategies, Sheena offers readers a roadmap to rebuild confidence and unlock their leadership potential.
Her expertise has been recognized by major media outlets such as MindValley, FOX, NBC News, Thrive Global, and the Manila Times, where her work on gender equity and self-empowerment has resonated with a wide audience. Sheena’s reputation as a thought leader in personal development has grown, especially in empowering women to lead with confidence.
As a keynote speaker and leadership strategist, Sheena has worked with organizations such as Live Nation, NASA, and UKG, delivering transformative speeches and workshops. In these presentations, she emphasizes the importance of self-confidence in leadership, encouraging individuals to challenge societal norms, embrace their strengths, and pursue leadership roles with courage. Her work inspires people to see themselves as leaders, regardless of external expectations.
In her consulting and training programs, Sheena provides practical tools for women to overcome workplace challenges, combat imposter syndrome, and close the gender confidence gap. She is passionate about creating a world where women are equally represented in leadership roles across all industries.
A proud advocate for Asian women, Sheena draws from her personal experiences navigating cultural identity and societal expectations. Her work encourages others to break free from limiting beliefs and reach their fullest potential. With her multifaceted approach to leadership, empowerment, and storytelling, Sheena Yap Chan continues to inspire women worldwide and foster a more inclusive and equitable future.
Q. With over 800 interviews on your podcast, what common themes have you noticed regarding a woman’s journey toward self-confidence? What are some of the most effective strategies for women to cultivate self-confidence?
A. One of the most common themes I’ve noticed across the 800+ interviews is that self-confidence is truly an inside job. Women often share that their journey begins when they stop seeking external validation and start valuing themselves from within. Many of the guests I’ve spoken to have faced societal expectations, cultural pressures, and even self-doubt, but what stands out is their resilience and the power of self-awareness. They learn to redefine success on their own terms and focus on their unique strengths.
As for effective strategies, one of the biggest things women can do is take action, even if they feel scared or uncertain. Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you’re ‘ready’; it comes from doing, learning, and growing. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community is another key factor. Many women I’ve interviewed found their confidence grew when they connected with people who uplifted them and encouraged them to be authentic.
Another strategy is embracing failure as a steppingstone. The women who cultivate lasting confidence often see challenges as opportunities to grow, rather than reasons to give up. And finally, self-care—whether it’s journaling, meditating, or setting boundaries—is essential. When you nurture your mind, body, and soul, you create a solid foundation for confidence to thrive.
At the heart of it all, it’s about realizing that you already have the power within you. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build over time by believing in yourself and showing up for your own journey.
