Book excerpt: In Soar Into Joy, Loree “Rowdy” Draude offers an introspective look into her life, highlighting both her triumphs and setbacks as a Silicon Valley executive, a startup founder, a parent and as one of the first women to fly combat jets in the U.S. Navy. Loree writes about contending with society's entrenched fears. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of society and how we all depend on one another. Despite her daunting achievements, like landing jets on moving aircraft carriers, her most significant fears stemmed from feelings of inadequacy. Soar Into Joy originates from a letter Loree penned to her child during a particularly trying time, detailing her many failures, ranging from minor embarrassments like failing in school sports to more significant setbacks in her career and personal life. These challenges are used as a framework to discuss resilience and overcoming adversity. The primary focus of the book is the SOAR acronym, representing the four themes she believes are crucial for personal growth: Self-Awareness, Openness, Appreciation, and Responsibility. In essence, the book underscores the idea that everyone has the potential to "soar" despite the inevitable challenges life presents. Through Loree's unique experiences and the SOAR framework, readers are encouraged to engage their fears, embrace self-awareness, and pursue a fulfilling life.