Book review: How a shy Korean embraced fame

This is the personal story of May Lee - once a shy, insecure youngster of Korean descent who later became a high-profile international journalist and TV host while overcoming the odds of being both Asian and a woman, in a highly judgmental, often unforgiving industry.

May Lee Live and in Person: It All Begins with Passion chronicles her professional journey starting as a naive news intern in San Francisco to her rapid rise as a journalist working for top media networks including NHK, CNN, CNBC and Oprah Winfrey's women's channel, Oxygen.

May Lee's exhilarating career has seen her cross paths with prominent figures such as Bill Clinton, Henry Kissinger and Oprah Winfrey. It has also taken her to ground zero of the Tokyo sarin gas attack, September 11 terrorist attacks and the Hong Kong handover, among her numerous other experiences of reporting momentous events. In 2005, May took an entrepreneurial step to the beginnings of her media empire, starting Lotus Media House and launching her own unique, groundbreaking talk show about the modern women of Asia. Jt is a candid account of May Lee's quest, the challenges faced both personally and professionally, and how her four "Ps" for success - passion, perseverance, persuasion and patience - have helped her confront and overcome them. It is an inspired read of a journalist who has experienced both the US and international media, and offers a wealth of lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs as well as anyone who is passionate about living out their dream.