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.

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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

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