Like A Wave, We Break: How Falling Apart Builds Confidence with Jane Chen | 388

We’ve been taught to avoid it — to hide it, shame it, or outwork it. But what if failure isn’t the thing that destroys confidence… what if it’s the thing that builds it? In this episode of This Is Woman’s Work, Nicole Kalil sits down with Jane Chen, co-founder of Embrace Global and author of Like a Wave, We Break, to talk about what happens when success collapses — and why that moment might be the most honest, transformative chapter of your life. Jane shares the raw story of losing the company she poured a decade into, how her identity unraveled alongside it, and the healing journey that followed — from redefining resilience and self-worth to learning how to listen to her body, sit with discomfort, and rebuild from a place of authenticity instead of achievement. This conversation dives deep into: Why failure is a confidence builder, not a confidence killer How achievement can become a trauma response Separating your worth from your results, titles, and accolades Knowing when to keep pushing — and when it’s time to stop The role of self-compassion, community, and psychological safety in leadership Why breaking isn’t the end… it’s often the beginning Because confidence isn’t built by never falling apart. It’s built by trusting yourself to rise again. This episode is a powerful reminder that failure, fear, and doubt aren’t detours — they’re part of the path. When we stop chasing perfection and start honoring what’s real, we build the kind of confidence that actually lasts. Thank you to our sponsors! Sex is a skill. Beducated is where you learn it. Visit https://beducate.me/bg2602-womanswork and use code womanswork for 50% off the annual pass. Shopify has everything all in one place, making your life easier and your business operations smoother. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/tiww Connect with Jane Website: https://www.janemariechen.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/Like-Wave-We-Break-Falling/dp/0593582349 IG: https://www.instagram.com/janemarie.chen/?hl=en LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemariechen/ FB: www.facebook.com/janemariechen Tiktok: @janemariechen TEDtalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_marie_chen_what_losing_everything_taught_me_about_resilience Related Podcast Episodes: The Biology Of Trauma - And How To Heal It with Dr. Aimie Apigian | 346 How To Listen When Your Parts Speak (IFS Therapy + Ancestral Wisdom) with Tamala Floyd | 376 Five Habits of Hope with Dr. Julia Garcia | 365 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices