As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sheena Yap Chan.
Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed podcast, The Tao of Self-Confidence, where she interviews women about their journeys to self-confidence. With over one million downloads, her podcast ranks among the top 0.5% most popular shows globally and features over 800 interviews, including conversations with celebrities and eight-figure CEOs. Sheena’s influence extends beyond podcasting. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within, published by Wiley, is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. It is also recognized as one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority, the world’s leading site for book recommendations. Her work has been featured on prominent platforms such as MindValley, FOX, NBC News, and the Manila Times. Sheena is dedicated to closing the gender confidence gap through her training and programs, aiming to elevate women into leadership roles across all industries. She has delivered impactful speeches for organizations like Live Nation, NASA, and UKG, sharing her insights on self-confidence and leadership.
Here’s what we found out about Sheena’s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what sparked the idea for your business?
My journey to entrepreneurship was inspired by my own struggles with confidence and the cultural expectations I grew up with as an Asian woman. I saw so many women facing similar barriers—quieting their voices, holding back on their potential, or feeling they didn’t belong. That realization sparked the idea for The Tao of Self Confidence podcast. I wanted to create a platform where women could share their journeys, inspire others, and remind each other that we’re not alone. Empowering women through storytelling has become my mission, and I’m grateful every day for the chance to bring it to life.
As a woman navigating the business world, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming imposter syndrome and the constant feeling that I had to “prove” my worth in a male-dominated space. I’ve had to consciously unlearn beliefs that made me feel small or undervalued. I surrounded myself with a network of supportive women, practiced confidence-building daily, and kept reminding myself that my voice and experiences are valid. Facing those mental hurdles was transformative because once I embraced my own story, I could share it authentically.
How do you balance the demands of running a business with maintaining a healthy personal life?
Balance is something I’m always working on! I make sure to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and remind myself that rest is essential to doing good work. I give myself permission to step back when needed, whether that means taking a day off for myself, reconnecting with friends and family, or simply slowing down and enjoying some quiet time. It’s not easy, but setting aside intentional time for myself keeps me recharged and focused.
Which networking strategies have most effectively built meaningful connections within your industry?
Authenticity is key for me. I approach networking as an opportunity to connect, learn, and share experiences. I find that asking genuine questions, showing support for others’ work, and collaborating have helped me build stronger, lasting connections. It’s amazing how much can come from one authentic conversation or one small act of kindness within your network.
How do you approach mentorship, and how has it shaped your entrepreneurial path?
Mentorship has been essential on my journey. I’ve had incredible mentors who encouraged me to push through self-doubt, explore new opportunities, and stay true to my values. Now, I’m intentional about giving back as a mentor, helping others see their own potential and showing them that they have every right to take up space and lead confidently.
What strategies have worked best for selling your products and reaching your ideal customers?
Authenticity and storytelling are at the core of my approach. When I share my story and showcase the real value behind my work, people connect with it. Social media and podcasting have been powerful tools to reach people who resonate with my message, and I find that being open and consistent in my values attracts the right audience.
Which marketing techniques have been most successful for your business, and how do you track their performance?
For me, sharing stories that resonate deeply with my audience has been my most effective marketing tool. I track engagement through social media analytics and direct feedback from my community. Seeing which episodes or messages spark the most connection helps me understand what resonates and allows me to stay aligned with my audience’s needs.
Can you share a significant setback in your business journey and the steps you took to overcome it?
One significant setback was early in my podcasting journey when I faced a lot of self-doubt about whether my voice was valuable enough. I almost quit, but I decided to push through by focusing on the impact I wanted to make. I reached out to supportive women in my network and invested in personal development, which gave me the confidence to keep going. I learned that setbacks can often redirect you to a stronger, more purpose-driven path.
What’s the most important advice you’d give to women just starting their entrepreneurial journey?
Believe in your voice and don’t wait for “permission” to pursue your vision. There will be challenges and self-doubt, but remember that your story and perspective are uniquely valuable. Seek out mentors, build a supportive network, and keep taking steps forward even when things feel uncertain—your journey is yours to create.
Is there a mantra or quote that guides your actions and decision-making as an entrepreneur?
“Progress over perfection.” This mantra has been my guiding light, especially when I’ve felt the pressure to be “perfect” or have everything figured out. It reminds me that each step forward, no matter how small, is meaningful, and it allows me to focus on growth over the fear of mistakes.
