Big Asian Energy: An Unapologetic Guide for Breaking Barriers to Leadership and Success

by John Wang

In his groundbreaking leadership book, John Wang, a top empowerment coach to Asian American professionals across Fortune 500 companies, offers research-backed guidance for Asian Americans to embody their most confident selves in business, relationships, and their everyday lives.

Asians today are smashing box office records, winning Oscars, dominating global music charts, and reaching the office of vice president of the United States. Yet studies show Asian American professionals are still less likely to be promoted to leadership roles, and they struggle with self-confidence and self-criticism more than any other racial group. With Asian visibility now higher than it has been in decades, how can the new generation of Asian Americans finally step into our power?

In his book, John Wang offers his unique framework for empowerment. He is an experienced leadership coach to the Asian American community who can help readers in every area of their lives. He has supported hundreds of clients from Google, American Express, Goldman Sachs, and other global companies, and his coaching videos have reached more than 25 million views on TikTok. Through proven exercises and successful client stories, he shows how cultural values like collectivism might make some avoid claiming credit in group projects, or how deference to elders creates communication issues. He sees Achievers and Fixers burning out, and Chameleons or Invisible Ones assimilating themselves into imposter syndrome. Instead of urging assimilation, Wang will show Asian Americans how to advocate for themselves on their own terms, through culturally informed guidance.

Through his deeply relatable stories and his witty and disarming voice, John Wang offers a bold, moving, insightful, and practical guide. Big Asian Energy aims to teach readers to identify their authentic strengths and values, and to finally break through societal barriers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Audiobook

384 pages, Hardcover

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Mai H.]

Non-fiction November TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Reparations Books

[Sachi Argabright · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️ - Very well written and structured. Wang has a distinct, easy to understand style (you can tell he’s a mentor/coach). This would be a 5 if all of these concepts were new to me. I’ve learned a lot of this through my own ERG work and therapy. If I would have read this 5-10 years ago, it would have been very impactful for me! Highly recommend!

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, yet the ideas here seem very basic just repurposed through the lens of the Asian American immigrant. The majority of the book is spent on authoritarian parenting, perfectionism, and generational trauma. For example the last conclusion is to go to therapy.

The book didn’t personally resonate with me, and it felt long-winded for the information it shared.

Feeling underwhelmed and a bit disappointed.

[Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really only picked this up because I thought the title was hilarious. Yes, I know what it's referencing (and if you think about it, there's actually more than one here) and was amused. I thought it would be an interesting read since it might be useful in breaking down stereotypes and myths.

In this business/self-help book, author Wang looks at the stereotypes, roadblocks, etc. that Asians face in the workplace and elsewhere. Whether it's being more confident, dealing with perfectionism, etc. breaks down these expectations/patterns and breaks down the why they happen and how to deal with it. It's a mix of advice, personal stories, analysis and more.

Honestly, this was very dull. This not a genre that lands with me and that was similar here. I am not sure how much of this is actually useful and/or really relevant? While there are certainly some good points and thoughts about issues including generational trauma, dealing with stereotypes when you can't really force the audience to see past those, etc. it really felt like a big shrug--I think for some people this will resonate but it also felt a regurgitated, except for an AAPINH audience.

It also does not help that this was more of a set of essays rather than a genuine "how to", which I might have liked better. I think overall it might be useful for non-Asians to read, if only to perhaps better understand this perspective, but this should certainly not be the only resource if you do. Overall, it's not a terrible place to start but don't leave it with just this book, either.

Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.

[Michelle S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Big Asian Energy, and I can’t stop thinking about it. From the second I opened it, I felt like I was being invited into a warm, unapologetic space—equal parts electric, hilarious, healing, and real. I couldn’t put it down.

This isn’t just a book. It’s a reclamation. It’s that overdue dinner party conversation we’ve all been waiting for—about identity, culture, power, shame, joy, and how to fully take up space as our bold, nuanced, messy, and magnificent selves. ❤️

There were moments I laughed out loud, other moments where I had to pause because a sentence landed so hard, I needed to take a deep breath. It spoke to the parts of me that have always lived in-between—not quite this, not quite that. It reminded me that there is a deep, sacred power in being both/and.

Reading Big Asian Energy felt like sitting across from a friend who tells it like it is but also cheers for you the loudest. It’s for anyone who’s ever code-switched at a family dinner, translated their parents’ doctor’s appointments, hidden their lunchbox, questioned their worth, or tried to shrink themselves to survive. And it’s also for those of us ready to live louder, freer, and more fully in our truth.

Thank you for writing this, John!! For naming things that often go unnamed. For letting us know that our stories matter—that we matter.

If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or caught between cultures, PLEASE read this book.
Let this be your reminder: your voice is powerful, your presence is expansive, and your energy is BIG.

[Jeffrey Takiue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read hundreds of leadership books, and this is the first one that truly speaks to my heart. John Wang not only shares solid leadership concepts, but also offers strategies that deeply resonate with those of us who grew up in Asian families and cultures. I’d recommend this book not just to Asian leaders, but also to anyone raised in Hawaii or within high-expectation immigrant households.

One of the most impactful sections, “Setting Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm,” has been transformative for me. The lessons on boundaries and self-care are helping me grow into a stronger, healthier leader.

I first listened on Audible and loved it so much that I bought the hard copy to really soak in John Wang’s wisdom and encouragement. No matter how you choose to experience it, this is a powerful book that will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered in your big Asian energy.

[Kevin Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Asian Energy is the book that will invite you to do just that: be big with your energy. Through easy to learn exercises to show up bigger, you’ll be well-equipped to take up more space with courage & kindness.

There are many great stories with a clear direction & relevance to today’s day and age. Some parts were more of a bore than others, but a great read nonetheless.

Ratings (Each rated 0 = sucks, 0.5 = okay, 1 = fascinating)
* Entertainment = 0.5
* Insights = 1
* Storytelling = 1
* Relevance = 1
* Clarity = 1
* Overall = 4.5 (rounded down to 4)

Read my full review here: https://www.kevintptran.com/books/you...

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of joining a work event in which John spoke. It was a great session. Then I got the chance to read his book. It might seem strange that this non-Asian felt incredibly seen by this book but it’s true. I have never felt more seen, almost disturbingly so, by any other book. There are so many passages and images from the book that are staying with me. there were hard truths that this book helped me to face. I know that I need to unpack my backpack, maybe not all at once but the small steps still help. I highly recommend this book. I know not everyone will find it helpful, but as John says, even if it helps just one person besides me, it’s that worth it?

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Big Asian Energy, John Wang delivers a fresh and fearless take on identity, ambition, and the highs and lows of navigating the modern world. This collection of essays is a heartfelt and often hilarious exploration of what it means to be Asian in America (like me) today. Wang's sharp wit, keen observations, and raw vulnerability make for a captivating read that challenges stereotypes and encourages us to embrace our authentic selves.

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an AAPI male, I really wanted to like this book and purchased it out of support, but honestly it was kind of disappointing. Wang regurgitates experiences or “issues” that we’re obviously familiar with in TOO many pages, but does not provide any inspiring or captivating solutions to overcome them. So it leaves us with not much of a “guide to break through” anything. Makes me wonder who the audience really is for this book. One of the last things he suggests is to find a therapist. Groundbreaking.

[Tam A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really valued the lessons in this book and how they've helped me understand better ways and mindsets to navigate work & life.

And I have to say John has magic in helping people communicate with this book and I think that it's useful for people to read and learn the frame John sees the world from regardless of their race or gender.

[BookwormBraggings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read!! At times it hits hard

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book was written years ago. It brings to light why I feel so misunderstood in Western society. The book is also full of gems on how to be a great leader without abandoning my roots.

[Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy quick read but I felt the subjects were over complicated and could have been understood without over explaining. Surface conversations, i would have have liked to go deeper

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great read. helps me understand a lot of the cultural differences

[Bob Schniztel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt a bit of pandering to Western values but overall it addresses a lot of Asian stereotypes and problems that aren’t talked about today.

[AvidReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good info and analysis. It would be great if it could be condensed 30%.

[Mary Jeneverre · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book should be included in your personal bookshelf for reference in career advice

[Lily’s Haiku Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite repetitive
Re-skinned concepts from others
Fit for B-sian blog

[Rayfes Mondal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Therapy for Asians. I don't let others determine what I should do or what makes me happy so this was an academic read for me