The Leadership Dance: Episode 9 – Facing Fear and Finding Your Voice with Cerise Lim Jacobs
In Episode 9 of The Leadership Dance, host Alissa Hsu Lynch engages in a profound conversation with Cerise Lim Jacobs, a trailblazing leader who transitioned from a distinguished 20-year career in law to founding White Snake Projects, the nation’s leading activist opera company. This episode delves into Cerise's journey of overcoming fear, finding her voice, and redefining leadership in the arts.
1. Introduction to Cerise Lim Jacobs
Alissa Sue Lynch begins by introducing Cerise, highlighting her remarkable shift from a federal prosecutor and criminal defense attorney to a Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist and founder of an innovative opera company.
“Cerise is the founder of the nation's leading activist opera company, White Snake Projects… her opera, Madame Whitesnake, went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in music.”
[00:51]
Cerise expresses her excitement about sharing her story, setting the stage for an inspiring dialogue.
2. Early Life in Singapore
Cerise recounts her childhood in Singapore during British colonial rule, providing insights into how her traditional Chinese upbringing influenced her.
“Growing up in Singapore where we had four main cultures… resulted in a very broad view of mythology, which is something that I'm passionate about and which imbues all my work.”
[04:45]
She describes the challenges of being a woman in a traditional Chinese family, where aspirations beyond the home were often discouraged, and the pervasive sense of being viewed as lesser due to colonial attitudes.
3. Navigating Multilingual Upbringing
Cerise shares her multilingual environment, speaking English, Malay, and Cantonese at home, and transitioning to an English missionary school to avoid the cultural pressures of rejecting religion versus communism.
“At home, we spoke English, Malay, Cantonese… our parents felt it would be easier for me to reject religion rather than Communism.”
[05:40]
She reflects on the complexities of maintaining cultural identity while adapting to different educational systems.
4. Leaving Singapore and Moving Abroad
At 16, Cerise’s family left Singapore amid political turmoil, relocating first to Australia. She discusses the challenges of Australia's white immigration policies and racial segregation experienced during her schooling.
“We were not used to living with people who didn't look like them… I was put into the so-called Asian class, segregated from the mainstream.”
[09:34]
Her determination to gain independence led her to secure a scholarship to St. Hilda's College at the University of Melbourne, despite her parents' traditional expectations.
5. Journey to Oxford and Pursuing Independence
Cerise details her bold decision to move to Oxford, defying her family's wishes and embarking on a path of self-discovery. She highlights the support from her first husband, a theoretical physicist, and the subsequent move to the United States under unforeseen circumstances.
“Everything just happens without any planning… our life path is going to be American.”
[13:00]
Her time in Oxford was marked by exploration and self-examination, lingering on how cultural expectations shaped her initial reluctance to continue formal education.
6. Establishing a Career in Law
Despite initial resistance, Cerise pursued higher education in the United States, attending the University of Pittsburgh and later Harvard Law School. She chose to specialize in criminal defense and patent litigation, roles typically less pursued by Asian American women.
“I deliberately chose that as my career path because I knew that that would force me into thinking on my feet… articulating in the moment what I really thought.”
[22:59]
Cerise discusses the rigorous demands of legal practice and how it honed her problem-solving and communication skills, laying the foundation for her future leadership.
7. Overcoming Cultural and Personal Barriers
Cerise reflects on the internal and external challenges she faced, including overcoming ingrained feelings of submission from her upbringing and navigating the competitive environment of law.
“Growing up with my background… we become very good at memorization… but when I'm asked for an original thought, give an opinion about something, I honestly don't know.”
[19:38]
Her perseverance through a demanding legal career illustrates her gradual journey toward self-confidence and finding her authentic voice.
8. Transition to the Arts: Founding White Snake Projects
After two decades in law and personal life changes, including an amicable divorce and the loss of her second husband, Cerise founded White Snake Projects. This marked her foray into the arts, driven by a desire to create inclusive and socially conscious opera.
“White Snake Projects has a mission to uplift the voices of people who would otherwise never have the opportunity to be heard.”
[33:25]
She emphasizes the importance of diversity and community engagement in opera, breaking away from its traditionally Eurocentric roots.
9. Challenges in the Opera Industry
Cerise candidly discusses the obstacles she faced in establishing White Snake Projects, including industry skepticism and gatekeeper resistance from traditional critics.
“The gatekeepers… felt I was a usurper, someone who wasn't serious about their precious art form.”
[40:11]
Despite these challenges, Cerise's resilience and innovative approach have allowed her company to thrive, pushing the boundaries of contemporary opera.
10. Current Initiatives and Future Vision
Cerise outlines her current projects and future plans, focusing on themes like gentrification, climate justice, and indigenous perspectives for America’s 250th birthday. She highlights collaborations with community groups and the incorporation of technology and diverse narratives in her work.
“We are first writing by the community opera… next year our theme is climate justice… 2026 will be a year of activities grounded in the indigenous perspective.”
[40:45]
Her forward-thinking vision aims to make opera more relevant and accessible, addressing pressing social issues through the arts.
11. Advice to Her Younger Self: Embracing Fear
In closing, Cerise offers heartfelt advice to her younger self, emphasizing the importance of courage and embracing fear as part of personal and professional growth.
“Don't be afraid. If you are afraid, it's okay, because fear can always be overcome… You can do what you need to do despite that.”
[44:48]
Her message underscores the episode's central theme: the continuous journey of overcoming fear and finding one's voice.
Conclusion
Cerise Lim Jacobs's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. From navigating cultural expectations to redefining the landscape of opera, her leadership dance illustrates how embracing fear and seeking one's authentic voice can lead to groundbreaking achievements and meaningful societal impact.
Notable Quotes:
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Cerise Lim Jacobs: “Fear can always be overcome. Or if not overcome, you can always work with it looming over you. I'm living proof of that. You can do what you need to do despite that.”
[00:02], [44:48] -
Alissa Sue Lynch: “You have faced your fears, overcome them and more. That's wonderful advice.”
[45:42]
For those inspired by Cerise’s journey, The Leadership Dance offers a compelling exploration of how stepping into one’s fear and finding a unique voice can transform both personal trajectories and entire industries.