And yet, one can’t help but ask: how can I be more audacious? Or am I more audacious than I think? Who are the role models I can learn from?
These are among the questions covered in “How DARE They”, a book penned by six women based on their personal experiences of living within the boundaries before daring to step out. Despite facing backlash, they persevered to become who they are today.
And with a subtitle, “when six audacious leaders had the gall to succeed”, it’s hard not to be intrigued.
The six women are psychotherapist Fu-En Yee; motivational speaker and business consultant Bavani Periasamy; radio broadcast journalist Freda Liu; group chief people officer of Axiata Group Bhd Norlida Azmi; founder-consultant of Step by Stepz Sharma Kumari; and executive director of BNI Klang Valley South Syireen Rose.
Over four chapters, these women share personal insights revolving around the theme of audacity – its definition, how to be audacious, and how it has paid off for them.
The book, launched on March 19 at Quill City Mall, Kuala Lumpur, was written to dare those who have been talked down from pursuing their dreams despite having the necessary skills, to go ahead and put their big plans in motion.
And the benefit of having six authors, each with their own rich experience, is a book that delivers diverse perspectives that resonate with readers.
The book is easy to read, and the candid sharing is inspiring, particularly for those who need a dose of motivation to kickstart a new endeavour.
Dare to be audacious
Speaking to FMT after the launch, Yee shared that she initiated this project in March last year.
The six authors are all members of the Malaysian Association of Professional Speakers (MAPS), but the book marks their first collaboration.
In addition to being a new group, Yee, 45, highlighted that they are also multi-racial. “This shows that with one objective, we can move past cultural barriers.”
So, what does audacity mean to her?
“Audacity is about being daring enough to do something that resonates deeply inside of you but may not be the norm. Regardless of whether you’re called a rebel, too bold, too much of a risk taker, just go ahead and do it,” Yee said.
It is a sentiment echoed by Syireen. “For me, being audacious is to live by your own design, no matter what people say. I was once living a life that was so boxed in because I thought that was how life should be or how people thought I should be.
“Then one day, I heard a speaker say: ‘for how long would you allow yourself to live in other people’s expectations’ and that woke me up,” she told FMT.
For Syireen, 48, saying yes when Yee approached her about the book was easy. After all, the duo, friends since 2018, had always wanted to write a book together.
Incidentally, the lovely illustrations in the book were drawn by her 14-year-old daughter, Wan Nadra Imany Wan Adli Ridzwan.
Although both Yee and Syireen have authored books of their own, collaborating on a book with other women has been a learning experience.
“I discovered that women are so complex, yet we are so similar in our struggles,” Syireen mused.
For Yee, undertaking this project was a step out of her comfort zone. To gather a group of women, two of whom had never written a book before is an example of being audacious indeed!
“Doing all this is scary yet exciting. Mostly, it’s very rewarding when I receive positive feedback that someone’s life has been changed and it motivates me to do more,” Yee said.
She added that although the book was authored by women, the content can also benefit men, as it touches on emotions.
“I hope to encourage men to encompass, embrace, and express their emotions. After all, it is when you are able to grab the bull by the horns that you are your strongest,” Yee said.
‘How DARE They’ is priced at RM65 and can be purchased here. It is also available in Borders bookstores at:
- Quill City Mall
- Bangsar Village II
- Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
- The Curve (at a later date)