Letting Go of Perfectionism: Energetic Clarity in Life, Love, and Business
Ever notice how life has a way of writing scripts for us—scripts about who we’re allowed to be, how much space we can take up, and what it means to truly show up in our power? This week on Can’t Be Contained, I’m inviting you into a conversation that’s as raw as it is liberating. I had the absolute joy of sitting down with my dear friend, leadership coach and newly minted author John Wang (yes, the “Big Asian Energy” guy himself!). Together, we peeled back the layers on what it really takes to break free from everything that’s kept us small—from family expectations to cultural conditioning and the heavy weight of our own inner critics.
We talk about the unglamorous but wildly transformational moments—like the first time John was able to just receive a compliment instead of shrinking in shame, or how an unexpected men’s group cracked open a decades-old pattern of silence and self-sacrifice. There’s laughter (including a confession about my ongoing country music battles with John’s wife Amy), and there are so many lightbulb moments about what happens when we get radically honest about what we want, set unapologetic intentions, and actually let our life force flow, unobstructed.
What lands most powerfully is this: Your truest power doesn’t come from achievements or posturing or being the “perfect” anything. It’s something you remember and reclaim when you love yourself enough to rewrite the script—and when you dare to let joy, authenticity, and real connection lead the way. Whether you’re in the thick of imposter syndrome, stuck in outdated business patterns, or just longing to feel more alive in your relationships, this episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s an invitation to break your own ceiling. So if you’re ready for that next-level version of you, come light your fire with us. Your inner child (and your future self) will thank you.
Show Notes:
00:00 Breaking Stereotypes: “Big Asian Energy”
04:01 “Break Free from Limiting Beliefs”
07:19 “Embraced Masculinity and Inner Child”
11:40 Men and Emotional Language Barrier
15:34 Country Music Disagreement
17:55 Stereotype-Driven Achievement Pressure
21:39 Reluctant to Open Up
25:10 Business: Reclaiming Authentic Self
26:28 “Sacrificing Joy for Success”
29:42 “Overwhelmed by Productivity Pressure”
35:44 Unleash Your Unique Energy
36:27 “Unblocking Life Force Energy”
40:10 “Overcoming Self-Censorship”
45:44 “Appreciating Original Religious Messages”
47:47 “Original Insights and Gratitude”
51:30 “Inspiration Fuels Limitless Potential”
52:51 “Pre-Order: Big Asian Energy”
Big Asian Energy: https://sites.prh.com/big-asian-energy-book
Free 3-minute Breathwork for Imposter Syndrome: https://www.pausebreathwork.com/imposter
About John Wang
John Wang is the author of Big Asian Energy (Penguin Random House, May 2025), an executive coach, and a sought-after speaker helping Asian professionals break through leadership barriers. With 15+ years of experience, he has coached clients from Google, Apple, McKinsey, and American Express. His insights on confidence, assertiveness, and breaking limiting patterns have reached 25M+ views on social media, where he has built an audience of 240K+ followers worldwide. John is also the host of the Big Asian Energy podcast, featuring top Asian American leaders, therapists, and changemakers. A TEDx speaker and global traveler who has visited 51 countries, he combines cultural insight, humor, and science-backed strategies to help professionals overcome imposter syndrome and self-censorship. His mission is simple: to help Asian Americans own their voice, lead with confidence, and claim their space in every room they walk into.
About the host, Samantha Skelly
Samantha Skelly is a breathwork pioneer, serial entrepreneur, and #1 Best Selling Author who has spent the last decade revolutionizing the personal and spiritual development industries. She founded one of the largest breathwork companies worldwide. Pause Breathwork has a mission to help 1,000,000 people worldwide tap into their infinite potential using breathwork. It has grown into a multi-million dollar wellness company that has certified nearly 1,500 people in 27 countries, and thousands more use the Pause Breathwork Mobile App every day. She’s also a passionate speaker who has shared her message on over 400 stages, appearing on networks and in publications worldwide.
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About the Can’t Be Contained Podcast
Can’t Be Contained’ is the unscripted, unedited – fully uncontained journal entries & real-life experiences of those who follow their bliss & intuitive hits, the freedom seekers, the sacred rebels – the ones who are here to disrupt what preceded us & create what is ahead of us. Subscribe now to stay tuned for every episode!
Don’t forget to check out the Pause Facilitator Training program, found HERE! If you’re ready to take the next step in your breathwork journey, there’s absolutely NO better place to start! See you there, lovelies!
