🎧 Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode of The Contagious Leader, Laura Thain sits down with her friend and powerhouse entrepreneur, Laura Stevens — a business owner, volunteer firefighter & surf life saver, and the founder of Bounce Down, a swimwear brand designed for active women with larger busts.
From the outside, Laura Stevens is the picture of confidence — bold ventures, brave roles, and big ideas. But behind the scenes, she reveals a very different reality: a daily battle with imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and questioning her moves.
Together, the two Lauras explore what it really means to lead when you don’t always believe in yourself. They unpack how self-perception shapes our leadership, why external success doesn’t silence internal doubt, and the courage it takes to keep showing up anyway.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that even the most capable women can feel like they’re winging it — and that leadership isn’t about never doubting yourself, but about moving forward in spite of it - for the broader impact & legacy you're here for.
You’ll hear about:
How imposter syndrome shows up in unexpected places
The emotional cost of “keeping it together” on the outside
Building a business while battling inner critics
The power of vulnerability, courage, and a strong support network
If you’ve ever looked at a high-achieving woman and thought, “She must have it all figured out,” this episode will challenge that belief — and leave you feeling a little less alone.
👤 About the Guest:Laura Stevens is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and volunteer firefighter and surf life saver who knows a thing or two about showing up in high-pressure spaces. As the founder of Bounce Down Swimwear, she’s created swimwear that supports active women with D+ busts physically and emotionally — starting with giving them confidence to be themselves and not hold back in the water. Despite her bold moves, she openly shares how imposter syndrome and fear of failure still creep in behind the scenes.🔗 Connect with Laura Stevens & BounceDown Swimwear:
Follow On Instagram: @bouncedown_swimwear
Check out the Bounce Down swimwear range → www.bouncedown.com.au
🔗 Connect with Laura Thain, Executive Leadership Coach
Work with Laura Thain → www.optimitsetalent.com.au
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leadership, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, women in business, self-doubt, courage, volunteering, bouncedown swimwear, product-based business, support networks