Balancing Lab Coats & Crowns: Olivia Pura Zbihley, PHD on Curiosity, Pageantry, and Redefining ‘Perfect’

A first-generation American and biochemist who became Miss Illinois shares how to push your bubble, fail on purpose, and build confidence one intentional step at a time.

Episode Summary

In this candid conversation, Christine sits down with Olivia Pura Zbihley—first-gen American, PhD in biochemistry (UChicago), and former Miss Illinois—to unpack the tension between achievement and authenticity. They explore women in STEM, networking for introverts, the pressure to be “perfect,” and how to navigate gut-punch setbacks with a simple therapy tool. Olivia’s playbook for “doing less, more intentionally” will help you set better boundaries, grow real confidence, and pursue purpose without burning out.

Key Takeaways

1. Do less, more intentionally. Say yes to fewer rooms; show up fully and consistently.
2. Push your bubble. Confidence grows via small adjacent risks, not giant leaps.
3. Separate worth from wins. Your value isn’t your GPA, job title, or likes.
4. Practice useful catastrophizing. Write the real “worst-case chain” to deflate anxiety.
5. Design support on purpose. Mentors, routines, and non-work hobbies refill your tank.
6. Own your preparation. Don’t label excellence as “luck”—claim the work.
7. Permitted to play. Pick a safe arena to be terrible at something—and enjoy it.

Pull-Quotes

• “Sometimes growth isn’t leaving your bubble—it’s pushing it.”
• “Do less, but do it intentionally. That’s how you avoid burnout and build momentum.”
• “I had to learn that my value isn’t my performance.”
• “Perfection stops where real experiments begin.”
• “Confidence is built in baby steps off what you’re already good at.”

Action Steps

1. Pick one ‘bubble-push’ this week that’s adjacent to a strength (15–30 min max).
2. Catastrophize on paper: Write the step-by-step worst-case chain for something you’re avoiding—then a best-case chain.
3. Schedule ‘play’—join a rec league/class where you’re happily a beginner.
4. Audit your yeses: Circle one commitment to drop, one to double-down on.

Guest Bio: Olivia Pura Zbihley, PhD

Olivia is a first-generation American, PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Chicago, and former Miss Illinois. Her work and platform live at the intersection of science, community, and empowering women to pursue purpose with confidence. She starts a new corporate role in 2026 and advocates for intentional growth, mentorship, and embracing “productive imperfection.”

Resources Mentioned

• Catastrophizing Exercise (therapy tool): Write the linear chain of “if X, then Y” to the actual end point.
• Women in STEM Mentorship: Seek mixed-seniority mentors; create non-work social bonds.
• "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport

CTA / Engagement

• Share this episode with a woman in STEM or a first-gen student who needs a confidence nudge.
• Tell us your ‘bubble-push’ this week—comment or DM on IG/LinkedIn. We’ll feature a few next episode.
• Subscribe & Review to help more women find the show.