What does it take to become visible when you’ve been taught to stay in the background? In this Accentuate! podcast conversation, Rhonda Gardner welcomes Sheena Yap Chan, Founder of the Human Readiness Movement, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and TEDx speaker, to explore identity, confidence, and the courage to speak up.
Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, Sheena reflects on growing up without seeing herself represented in the media, questioning cultural expectations, and learning to embrace her appearance and heritage. She shares how early experiences and other people’s assumptions influenced her choices—and what helped her begin to recognize her own possibilities.
The conversation also examines the workplace conditions that help people contribute and advance. Sheena discusses stereotypes about Asian women, why hard work alone may not lead to recognition, and the importance of connecting mentorship with sponsorship and leadership opportunities. Through her VISIBLE Framework, she explores voice, identity, spotlight, inner work, belief, leverage, and elevation—including bringing others with us as we grow.
Listen as we consider how personal confidence and supportive environments can help immigrants and other professionals share their perspectives, pursue opportunities, and lead. Sheena’s encouragement is practical: we don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the first step.
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