EPISODE · May 19, 2026 · 33 MIN
She Started With IKEA Furniture and a $5,000 Loan
from The Imposter Roster: The Secret Lives of Capable Women · host Amanda Lewan, Christine Chubenko
She Started With IKEA Furniture and a $5,000 Loan In this episode, Amanda Lewan, co-founder and CEO of Bamboo, shares her journey of transforming a small co-working space into a statewide innovation network in Michigan. She discusses the challenges, mindset shifts, and community-driven approach that fueled her success, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs and community builders. Key Topics: The origins of Bamboo and Amanda's accidental entrepreneurial start Overcoming imposter syndrome as a leader and woman entrepreneur The importance of passion and purpose in building a sustainable business Navigating growth and expansion during uncertain times like the pandemic The role of community, diversity, and third spaces in fostering innovation Balancing motherhood, leadership, and personal well-being Practical advice: The power of just starting and taking action Timestamps: 02:26 - “I felt like I was making up my job” — Amanda on feeling unqualified as a CEO 08:07 - IKEA furniture, a $5,000 loan, and a dream: how Bamboo actually started 09:14 - Opening a second location six months before the world shut down 13:11 - Why having a purpose beyond profit is what kept her going 23:47 - On being a mom of two, CEO of five, and still feeling like a fraud some days 29:47 - Her one piece of advice: you just have to get started Resources & Links: Amanda Lewan on LinkedIn Bamboo Co-working Spaces Connect with Amanda: Instagram Twitter The Imposter Roster is produced by Imposter Roster Media. Hosted on Simplecast via JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
Amanda Lewan built Bamboo from a borrowed $5,000 and a 2,000 square foot space into a statewide innovation network spanning 215,000 square feet — and spent years quietly wondering if she deserved to call herself a CEO. In this episode, Amanda opens up about the imposter syndrome hiding behind every bold move: launching a second location six months before COVID shut the world down, growing a company while raising two toddlers, and learning that confidence isn't a prerequisite — it's a byproduct. If you've ever talked yourself out of a title you already earned, this one's for you.
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She Started With IKEA Furniture and a $5,000 Loan
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