"I ran away from home when I was 18 or 19. And I think one of the things I would say to myself is, don't be afraid. Because of course, I think I've been afraid my whole life…It’s ok, because fear can always be overcome, or if not overcome, you can always work with it looming over you. I'm living proof of that.”
In this raw and revealing episode of The Leadership Dance, I sat down with Cerise Lim Jacobs, the visionary founder of White Snake Projects, the nation's leading activist opera company. From her early days navigating the challenges of colonial rule and cultural expectations in Singapore to her courageous decision to run away from home and move to another country at the age of 18, Cerise exemplifies the strength found in embracing fear and uncertainty.
Through her trailblazing career as a criminal defense lawyer and federal prosecutor and her groundbreaking work with White Snake Projects, Cerise is redefining the opera landscape, uplifting diverse voices and stories, and proving that ordinary people can bring extraordinary beauty to the world. She shares candid insights on finding her voice , overcoming fear, and the importance of advocating for yourself and others, reminding us that fear doesn’t need to be a barrier to realizing our dreams.
Listen to hear how Cerise is choreographing a new future for opera, one that celebrates diversity, fosters community, and fearlessly confronts the truth.
Until next time, keep dancing!
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