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Confidence isn’t free. As Lauren Currie puts it, “as your confidence increases, you will lose people.” She’s built Upfront into a global movement helping thousands of women step onto stages, into boardrooms, and into leadership roles that were never designed for them.
In this episode, Lauren shares the reality of building confidence as a muscle, not a finish line. We explore tall poppy syndrome, the myth of imposter syndrome, and why visibility has financial consequences for founders and leaders.
With six ventures behind her, Lauren has learned how to turn discomfort into growth, and how to keep ambition alive in systems that try to punish it. Her work shows that ambition is not a dirty word, but an engine for change.
🔗 Find Lauren on LinkedIn and Instagram
Takeaways from Lauren’s episode
1️⃣ Confidence is costly
Confidence comes with trade-offs. As Lauren says, the more confident you become, the more some people will push back. Your growth exposes their stagnation. Recognising that this resistance is about them, not you, helps you keep moving forward.
2️⃣ Imposter syndrome is a system, not a flaw
Lauren rejects the idea that imposter syndrome is a personal failing. She sees it as a rational response to being the “only” in the room: the only woman, the only young person, the only outsider. It’s a signal you’re challenging the status quo, not proof you don’t belong.
3️⃣ Ambition isn’t something to apologise for
Ambition in men is celebrated, in women it’s often criticised. Lauren argues that ambition should be embraced as a force for change. You don’t have to dial it down or package it in humility to make others comfortable.
4️⃣ Visibility is financial
Good work doesn’t speak for itself. Leaders who stay invisible risk missing out on promotions, opportunities, and income. Visibility isn’t about ego, but about learning in public and advocating for your work before you feel ready.
5️⃣ Design your trade-offs with intention
Lauren avoids the trap of chasing “work–life balance.” Instead, she makes intentional choices about trade-offs, guided by her values. Whether it’s work on a Saturday or time with family, the decision is conscious, not default.
In this episode we cover:
00:00 Introduction to Lauren Currie
02:05 Building Confidence as a Muscle
04:36 The Journey of Upfront
12:29 Entrepreneurial Pathways and Lessons Learned
18:46 Understanding Imposter Syndrome
24:43 Practical Steps to Build Confidence
27:17 The Cost of Confidence
29:21 Navigating Ambition and Gender Dynamics
35:08 Embracing Life's Seasons
35:57 Intentional Living and Values
40:33 Effective Remote Team Management
44:28 Visibility and Personal Branding
48:31 Building Confidence and Overcoming Fear
50:26 Reflections on Sacrifice and Legacy
