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Fearless: A Guide to Freedom and Fulfilling your Fullest Potential
This mesmerising memoir and guide to achieving your fullest potential from a trailblazing champion of women’s rights has the power to change your life.
Whatever your age, Fearless will inspire you to embrace your journey, confront adversity, and seize your destiny.
Sylvia Yu Friedman has led philanthropic initiatives for some of the world’s wealthiest families, transforming countless lives while shining a light on some of the worst human rights abuses of our time.
For two decades, her pioneering investigations into the dark underworlds of sex trafficking and modern-day slavery – even at the risk of her life – shattered barriers and charted a course for a new generation of philanthropists and changemakers.
In this captivating book, Sylvia takes readers on a journey through her life, marked by bravery, compassion, and a relentless commitment to changing the world for the exploited.
Through intimate stories of close calls, rock bottom moments, and triumphant breakthroughs, she reflects on her struggles as a nerdy Korean-Canadian immigrant kid grappling with racial discrimination, the highs and lows of her adventurous career, and her ultimate realisation that true freedom comes from serving others.
Along the way, she offers a wellspring of hope and insights on identity, overcoming heartbreak and toxic environments, finding love, and conquering self-doubt in this anthology of experiences drawn from philanthropy, journalism, and cross-cultural workplaces.
This book is Sylvia's letter to her younger self, a rallying call to laugh unabashedly and harness the power of love. It’s a blueprint for discovering the limitless power within to live fearlessly.
Whatever your age, Fearless will inspire you to embrace your journey, confront adversity, and seize your destiny.
Sylvia Yu Friedman has led philanthropic initiatives for some of the world’s wealthiest families, transforming countless lives while shining a light on some of the worst human rights abuses of our time.
For two decades, her pioneering investigations into the dark underworlds of sex trafficking and modern-day slavery – even at the risk of her life – shattered barriers and charted a course for a new generation of philanthropists and changemakers.
In this captivating book, Sylvia takes readers on a journey through her life, marked by bravery, compassion, and a relentless commitment to changing the world for the exploited.
Through intimate stories of close calls, rock bottom moments, and triumphant breakthroughs, she reflects on her struggles as a nerdy Korean-Canadian immigrant kid grappling with racial discrimination, the highs and lows of her adventurous career, and her ultimate realisation that true freedom comes from serving others.
Along the way, she offers a wellspring of hope and insights on identity, overcoming heartbreak and toxic environments, finding love, and conquering self-doubt in this anthology of experiences drawn from philanthropy, journalism, and cross-cultural workplaces.
This book is Sylvia's letter to her younger self, a rallying call to laugh unabashedly and harness the power of love. It’s a blueprint for discovering the limitless power within to live fearlessly.
264 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2024
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Yu Friedman
4 books14 followersSylvia has led philanthropic initiatives for some of the world’s wealthiest families, transforming countless lives while shining a light on the worst human rights abuses of our time. Her pioneering investigations into the dark underworld of sex trafficking and modern-day slavery for two decades – even at the risk of her own life – shattered barriers and charted a course for a new generation of philanthropists and activists.
Sylvia is an award-winning Penguin Random House Author, TV Host, Filmmaker, Serial Entrepreneur, and Philanthropy Advisor.
She hosts a digital interview show on LinkedIn called 'Inspiring YOU with Sylvia Yu' that puts a spotlight on remarkable individuals. She also has a TV series in development inspired by her life and memoir, A Long Road to Justice.
Since 2005, Sylvia has managed and directed millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting at least one million people. This work has given her access to many influential networks.
Sylvia is the author of 4 books: A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia (Penguin Random House); Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women, the only journalistic account of historical Japanese military sex slavery during WWII, and Heart and Soul: The Life Story of Pastor Augustus Chao. She is the editor of the Penguin book Rethink the Couch: Into the Bedrooms and Boardrooms of Asia with an Expat Therapist. Her latest book, Fearless: A Guide to Freedom and Fulfilling Your Fullest Potential, will be released in October 2024 by Penguin Random House.
A former TV anchor, Sylvia was awarded the Global Top 50 Women In Sustainability Awards 2022 by The SustainabilityX® Magazine. In 2017, she was included in the Top 100 Human Trafficking & Slavery Influence Leaders List. In 2013, she won the prestigious International Human Rights Press Award for her documentary series on human trafficking.
After ten years of intensive research and interviewing elderly survivors, academics and lawyers in different nations for her book Silenced No More, Sylvia is considered an expert on Japanese Imperial military sex slavery known by the terrible euphemism "comfort women."
Sylvia has been recognized as one of the Top 200 Global LinkedIn Creators and Top 10 LinkedIn Creators in Hong Kong by Favikon (She is ranked #6). The Favikon Top 200 LinkedIn Creators list features the most influential and inspiring personalities from around the globe.
Sylvia is married to Matthew Friedman, a top-ranked keynote speaker, CEO of The Mekong Club, and former U.N. and U.S. diplomat.
Matthew Friedman is the author of Where Were You? A Profile of Modern Slavery (Penguin Random House).
Sylvia is an award-winning Penguin Random House Author, TV Host, Filmmaker, Serial Entrepreneur, and Philanthropy Advisor.
She hosts a digital interview show on LinkedIn called 'Inspiring YOU with Sylvia Yu' that puts a spotlight on remarkable individuals. She also has a TV series in development inspired by her life and memoir, A Long Road to Justice.
Since 2005, Sylvia has managed and directed millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting at least one million people. This work has given her access to many influential networks.
Sylvia is the author of 4 books: A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia (Penguin Random House); Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women, the only journalistic account of historical Japanese military sex slavery during WWII, and Heart and Soul: The Life Story of Pastor Augustus Chao. She is the editor of the Penguin book Rethink the Couch: Into the Bedrooms and Boardrooms of Asia with an Expat Therapist. Her latest book, Fearless: A Guide to Freedom and Fulfilling Your Fullest Potential, will be released in October 2024 by Penguin Random House.
A former TV anchor, Sylvia was awarded the Global Top 50 Women In Sustainability Awards 2022 by The SustainabilityX® Magazine. In 2017, she was included in the Top 100 Human Trafficking & Slavery Influence Leaders List. In 2013, she won the prestigious International Human Rights Press Award for her documentary series on human trafficking.
After ten years of intensive research and interviewing elderly survivors, academics and lawyers in different nations for her book Silenced No More, Sylvia is considered an expert on Japanese Imperial military sex slavery known by the terrible euphemism "comfort women."
Sylvia has been recognized as one of the Top 200 Global LinkedIn Creators and Top 10 LinkedIn Creators in Hong Kong by Favikon (She is ranked #6). The Favikon Top 200 LinkedIn Creators list features the most influential and inspiring personalities from around the globe.
Sylvia is married to Matthew Friedman, a top-ranked keynote speaker, CEO of The Mekong Club, and former U.N. and U.S. diplomat.
Matthew Friedman is the author of Where Were You? A Profile of Modern Slavery (Penguin Random House).
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 4, 2025
‘Pain is necessary for growth’—Allison Heiliczer (as mentioned in the Foreword).
This book is an EXCEPTION. Truthfully, I’ve never experienced a post-reading intoxicated effect. Too much brewing inside my head, still. Even after the page has ended. Especially the Epilogue (a Letter to My Younger Self). That said, the book hits home at Chapter 1, page 1. Like an unnie sharing her own experiences/stories to the rest of the world. This book isn’t written solely for the younger or older ‘sisterhood’, but for literary studies, self-discovery, especially those experiencing identity crisis (I totally resonate with the term ‘banana’, and was proud to be that 🤣). And for men too. That if they ever dare to dip their feet in 😁☺️
Like the intriguing title, as someone who’d always wanted to be a TV anchor, I pondered on the hustling and the near-death experience faced by the author in her journalism profession. From investigating the dark underworld of sex-trafficking to modern-day slavery, to racism, gender discrimination and inequality extend across the Asian countries and the cultures, expressively taboo to even discuss about.
A no holds barred writing. With boldness and compassion. In addition to an indelible WWII dark historical events that tested different generations, and of different countries. Growing up ‘digesting’ the stories of Japanese Occupation in Malaya from both family members, I’ve indirectly experienced the intergenerational trauma, ingrained by the eldest. But ‘Fearless’ has taught me about acceptance, forgiveness and courage to learn from the past.
Notwithstanding, my Holy Grail on subject matters of well-explained toxic environments at work, conquering unassertiveness, mending heartbreak, and then finding love ☺️😊
This book is an EXCEPTION. Truthfully, I’ve never experienced a post-reading intoxicated effect. Too much brewing inside my head, still. Even after the page has ended. Especially the Epilogue (a Letter to My Younger Self). That said, the book hits home at Chapter 1, page 1. Like an unnie sharing her own experiences/stories to the rest of the world. This book isn’t written solely for the younger or older ‘sisterhood’, but for literary studies, self-discovery, especially those experiencing identity crisis (I totally resonate with the term ‘banana’, and was proud to be that 🤣). And for men too. That if they ever dare to dip their feet in 😁☺️
Like the intriguing title, as someone who’d always wanted to be a TV anchor, I pondered on the hustling and the near-death experience faced by the author in her journalism profession. From investigating the dark underworld of sex-trafficking to modern-day slavery, to racism, gender discrimination and inequality extend across the Asian countries and the cultures, expressively taboo to even discuss about.
A no holds barred writing. With boldness and compassion. In addition to an indelible WWII dark historical events that tested different generations, and of different countries. Growing up ‘digesting’ the stories of Japanese Occupation in Malaya from both family members, I’ve indirectly experienced the intergenerational trauma, ingrained by the eldest. But ‘Fearless’ has taught me about acceptance, forgiveness and courage to learn from the past.
Notwithstanding, my Holy Grail on subject matters of well-explained toxic environments at work, conquering unassertiveness, mending heartbreak, and then finding love ☺️😊
November 2, 2024
“We have a finite amount of time on earth. Use it wisely. Strategically. Spend your life on what is meaningful and what is worth dying for…embrace fearlessness as a lifelong pursuit.”
This is a quote from a letter the author wrote to herself, but it reached my heart in the most personal way. Every chapter is a blend of intimate reflections, each filled with profound wisdom and meaningful advice for younger generations. Sylvia speaks about fear, heartbreak, triumph, and the unforgettable stories of people she’s encountered along the way. She doesn’t shy away from the world’s harsher truths, yet her words don’t leave you feeling hopeless.
This book is a gentle push toward discovering the unique purpose we were each created to pursue. It’s a call to action against injustice, coupled with the comforting reminder that others are willing to sacrifice for what they believe in, too.
It was an honor to get a glimpse into Sylvia’s life, and I’m grateful for her bravery in a world where vulnerability is often associated with weakness.
Read this book. Return to it often—at different moments in life, as you encounter obstacles or step into the unknown. I promise it will change how you see the world and, perhaps most importantly, how you see yourself within it.
This is a quote from a letter the author wrote to herself, but it reached my heart in the most personal way. Every chapter is a blend of intimate reflections, each filled with profound wisdom and meaningful advice for younger generations. Sylvia speaks about fear, heartbreak, triumph, and the unforgettable stories of people she’s encountered along the way. She doesn’t shy away from the world’s harsher truths, yet her words don’t leave you feeling hopeless.
This book is a gentle push toward discovering the unique purpose we were each created to pursue. It’s a call to action against injustice, coupled with the comforting reminder that others are willing to sacrifice for what they believe in, too.
It was an honor to get a glimpse into Sylvia’s life, and I’m grateful for her bravery in a world where vulnerability is often associated with weakness.
Read this book. Return to it often—at different moments in life, as you encounter obstacles or step into the unknown. I promise it will change how you see the world and, perhaps most importantly, how you see yourself within it.
November 28, 2024
In the blurb of Fearless, it is stated as a love letter to Sylvia Yu Friedman’s younger self and all women currently facing adversities—and I couldn’t be more excited to dive into this book. Reading memoirs written by women is one of my New Year’s reading resolutions this year, as I also started 2024 with memoirs written by Annie Ernaux, Deborah Levy, and Joan Didion. When I was offered Sylvia’s memoir in exchange for an honest review, I was immediately interested. I was already aware of her previous book, which delves into the stories of sex trafficking survivors in Asia after World War II—a subject I was unfamiliar with but wanted to learn about.
What also makes this memoir compelling is Sylvia’s perspective as a working Asian woman navigating the complexities of personal and professional life. Her reflections pose a balance between the deeply personal and the universal, accompanied by thoughtful, research-backed insights and suggestions. It’s a unique approach that I’ve yet to read in today’s memoir—writing that could offer readers a heartfelt narrative and a practical guide.
The memoir is divided into eleven chapters, each exploring a different theme, to name a few: navigating toxic workplaces, discovering purpose, finding love and friendship, and nurturing mental wellness. It’s strategically interwoven and easy to navigate. I’d recommend this to everyone who is currently or has faced adversity and needs a read that’s both empowering and empathetic. Thank you to Sylvia (@sylviamatt.yf) and Mishti (@bookstore.baby) from @penguinbookssea, who offered me the book and sent it all the way to Indonesia. It couldn’t have arrived at a better time for me 😊
Slide the photos to see some snippets of the book, as I’m afraid to spoil too much, about finding purpose, friendship, and how social media in the age of hyper-connectivity sometimes makes us feel disconnected instead.
What also makes this memoir compelling is Sylvia’s perspective as a working Asian woman navigating the complexities of personal and professional life. Her reflections pose a balance between the deeply personal and the universal, accompanied by thoughtful, research-backed insights and suggestions. It’s a unique approach that I’ve yet to read in today’s memoir—writing that could offer readers a heartfelt narrative and a practical guide.
The memoir is divided into eleven chapters, each exploring a different theme, to name a few: navigating toxic workplaces, discovering purpose, finding love and friendship, and nurturing mental wellness. It’s strategically interwoven and easy to navigate. I’d recommend this to everyone who is currently or has faced adversity and needs a read that’s both empowering and empathetic. Thank you to Sylvia (@sylviamatt.yf) and Mishti (@bookstore.baby) from @penguinbookssea, who offered me the book and sent it all the way to Indonesia. It couldn’t have arrived at a better time for me 😊
Slide the photos to see some snippets of the book, as I’m afraid to spoil too much, about finding purpose, friendship, and how social media in the age of hyper-connectivity sometimes makes us feel disconnected instead.
November 2, 2024
An amazing inspirational story. Sylvia gets so honest and reflective on her journey and growth and the experiences along the way. This book should be read and learned from by young women and men and by parents. She closes out with a letter of advice to her younger self. In that letter three things stood out for me and resonate with my life experiences. Those three are Believe in yourself, Love yourself, enjoy hanging out with yourself. Choose the path less traveled. Leave no regrets. Live towards an end that will leave no remorse. Read this story and be inspired and learn.
January 1, 2025
3 words to describe it "Unfiltered", "Bold" and "Inspiring" !
Sylvia has proven that showing our vulnerability is a way to gain us strength and also be ,oh well, Fearless.
My favourite chapter is "The Importance of Good Friendship." No spoiler alert, you have to read to find out!.
Sylvia has proven that showing our vulnerability is a way to gain us strength and also be ,oh well, Fearless.
My favourite chapter is "The Importance of Good Friendship." No spoiler alert, you have to read to find out!.
November 30, 2024
For my younger self, i would love to read it. This book is deeply personal, raw, and emotional. I feel like i'm talking to the author on her life experience. Lovely 😍
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews