Empower: Conquering the Disease of Fear

Product Description

From staring down warlords, introducing the Taliban to change, and working with NFL greats such as Marshawn Lynch, this uplifting and inspirational memoir from coach and personal development expert, Tareq Azim, will help you build a relationship with fear and embrace your own power.

A descendant of Afghan game changers dedicated to the monarchy and independence of their nation, Tareq Azim’s family was forced to flee the country they called home in 1979 after the Soviet Union invasion. Settling in San Francisco, he and his family went from living a life of privilege to Section 8 housing in a matter of weeks.

In an unfamiliar country with a new language, Azim assimilated in the United States through his love of sports, excelling in wrestling, boxing, and football. In 2004, Azim decided to visit Afghanistan in an attempt to reconnect with his home country. Upon arriving, he soon realized there were countless children living on the streets, waiting for the inevitable recruitment into terrorist networks and anti-peace militias. Azim had found his salvation through sports and physical activity, and he knew these children could, too.

He dedicated himself to developing these children, but if he also wanted to work with young women to create a united mission, he needed permission from the elders recognized as warlords. Overcoming fear and uncertainty, Azim eventually received the permission and support needed and went on to create the Afghan Women’s Boxing Federation, the official governing body for women sports for the National Olympic Committee and the first ever in the history of any Islamic republic, proving that Afghanistan was ready for social change by integrating women into the most male-dominated activity in the most male-dominated society of all time.

Now, his remarkable full story is revealed in this book that is both a memoir and a roadmap. Through his own experiences, he effortlessly explains how we can mentally and emotionally overcome fear by harnessing its power to our advantage. Featuring actionable advice and varied clear-eyed case studies—including MMA star Jake Shields, former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York—
Empower is the ultimate guide to living a life understanding that fear is there to help you.

About the Author

Tareq Azim launched the Afghan Women’s Boxing Federation and led Jake Shields to a multi-world championship career in mixed martial arts. He is dedicated to raising awareness for his life mission, normalizing conversations about mental health.  

Seth Davis is a studio analyst for college basketball at CBS Sports and senior writer at 
The Athletic. He is the 
New York Times bestselling author of 
Wooden: A Coach’s Life and 
When March Went Mad: The Game Transformed Basketball.