On paper, Jane Chen was the embodiment of success. A Harvard and Stanford graduate, she became the CEO and co-founder of Embrace, a company whose groundbreaking work helped save hundreds of thousands of newborns in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Her work earned praise from presidents and pop stars alike.
But beneath the glossy exterior, Jane was unraveling—driven by self-doubt and shaped by wounds formed long before her career began. No matter how much she achieved, it never felt like enough. When Embrace nearly collapsed, Jane lost more than a company. She lost the identity she had built her life around.
What followed was a globe-spanning journey of healing. From silent retreats in the jungle to encounters with renowned healers, therapists, and unconventional paths to growth, Jane searched for relief everywhere—only to discover that real resilience doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from self-compassion and facing the parts of ourselves we’ve spent a lifetime avoiding.
Like a Wave We Break is a candid and deeply human exploration of what it means to confront out deepest wounds and embrace the messy, beautiful truth of who we are.
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“A brilliant and gripping book about how resilience, keen intelligence, and sheer grit can transform cultural legacy and family adversity into hope and inspiration around the world.”
“The rare memoir that’s both intimate and expansive—anchored in personal reckoning but speaking to something much bigger . . . Jane dismantles the myth of brokenness with exquisite clarity and heart. This is a story of identity, loss, and reinvention—and it will stay with you long after the last page.”
“A powerful memoir about facing fears, bouncing back from disappointment, and bouncing forward after trauma . . . Jane Chen is a remarkable inventor and entrepreneur. If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t enough, her story will move you.”
“Jane’s voice is searingly honest, and her story is incredibly inspiring. Her message about the disconnect between external success and inner fulfillment has never been more timely. . . . A must-read for anyone who aspires to create meaningful change.”
“In telling her truth, Jane gives voice to what so many in the AAPI community have silently carried. Raw, honest, and cathartic, this memoir breaks through the silence with grace and power. It will resonate deeply—and offer a path toward healing.”
IN THE MEDIA
