A bold and vulnerable collection of real-world lessons and shattered ceilings, written to empower those who’ve been underestimated, overlooked, or too afraid to dream out loud

Who Told You You Couldn’t? is part memoir, part manifesto, and a personal rebellion against the inner and outer voices that tell us we’re not ready, not enough, or not allowed.

It’s for those who’ve been overlooked, underestimated, or quietly dismissed. The quiet leaders who nearly stayed invisible. The ones made to feel too early, too loud, too different, or too ambitious, and chose to speak anyway.

Told in four parts, this book weaves together raw personal stories, untold global narratives, and empowering frameworks to challenge the lie that you have to wait to be chosen. From burnout to boldness, rejection to quiet revolutions, it’s a fiercely honest, deeply hopeful invitation to rise before you’re ready, speak before you’re certain, and lead before anyone hands you permission.

Because the question was never really: Who told you you couldn’t? It’s: What will you do now that you know you can?

About the Author

Shamane Tan is an award-winning global cybersecurity leader, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and Founder and Growth Strategist at AMBA.

She partners with boards and C-suite executives across Asia-Pacific to navigate AI transformation and digital complexity, helping organisations identify the one strategic move needed to unlock momentum and accelerate growth.

Shamane is the founder of several global leadership communities spanning seven cities, including CXO Tribe, Cyber Risk Meetup, and Vibe Tribe. She is the author of three books: Cyber Risk Leaders, Cyber Mayday and the Day After, and Building a Cyber Resilient Business. Her fourth book, Who Told You You Couldn’t?, is published by Penguin Random House SEA.

Her work has been featured in Forbes Australia, Tatler Asia, The Peak, and Channel NewsAsia. She was named one of the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians and ranked among IFSEC Global’s Top 20 Cybersecurity Influencers.

With an audience of more than 60,000 followers on LinkedIn, Shamane is a sought-after global keynote speaker known for her thought leadership at the intersection of leadership, strategic visibility, resilience, and growth.