What if the reason you're being overlooked has nothing to do with your performance?

In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with leadership coach and Connection Counselor Joe Kwon to explore the concept of the Credibility Gap, the space between the value you create and the value decision makers perceive.

Joe shares why hard work alone doesn't guarantee promotion, how visibility and memorability impact career advancement, why being irreplaceable can actually hold you back, and what leaders can do to create stronger connections and greater influence.

In this episode you'll learn:

The three components of the Credibility Gap

Why high performers often get overlooked

How visibility impacts career growth

The hidden downside of being indispensable

Leadership lessons on connection, service, and influence

Connect with Joe: https://www.joekwonjoe.com/

Listen, watch, and share with someone who may be ready for their next opportunity.

Subscribe for more conversations on confidence, leadership, and owning your awkward.

🎤 Book Andy for a keynote or workshop: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/speaking/🎯 Explore life change coaching: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/coaching/🎟️ Current offers and upcoming events: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/awkward-links/🎙️ Join the community: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/community/ 🎧 Listen to the Own Your Awkward Podcast: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/podcast/📚 Get the books: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/books/Subscribe and Own Your Awkward.

After hosting more than 130 podcast episodes, Andy takes a step back to reflect on what he has learned about awkwardness, confidence, growth, and authentic conversations. In this first solo episode, he shares why the podcast format evolved, what surprised him most about repeat guests and recurring topics, and why awkwardness looks completely different from person to person.

In this episode:

• Lessons learned from 130+ conversations

• Why authenticity matters more than sounding polished

•How self-imposed limits can hold us back

• The evolution of the Own Your Awkward Podcast

• Why future solo episodes are coming

Listen, share, and let Andy know what topics or awkward experiences you want explored in future episodes.

🎤 Book Andy for a keynote or workshop: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/speaking/🎯 Explore life change coaching: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/coaching/🎟️ Current offers and upcoming events: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/awkward-links/🎙️ Join the community: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/community/ 🎧 Listen to the Own Your Awkward Podcast: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/podcast/📚 Get the books: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/books/Subscribe and Own Your Awkward.

What if the thing you've been most embarrassed about is actually your superpower?

This is Own Your Awkward, a podcast about authenticity, growth, and the uncomfortable truth that what makes you different makes you valuable.

Host Andy Vargo, keynote speaker, life coach, and proud awkward human, gives you a quick look at what this show is, who it's for, and why your awkward thing might be the most important thing about you.

Hit follow and let's get awkward.

What if buying or selling a home didn’t feel like a competition?

In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with Sloan Hunter, author of Recoding The Real Estate Experience, to explore how real estate transactions can become more transparent, collaborative, and rewarding.

With 36 years of experience in the industry, Sloan explains her Mindful Real Estate Approach, which helps buyers, sellers, and brokers create win-win outcomes instead of adversarial negotiations.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why real estate transactions should benefit both sides

• The importance of advocacy and guidance

• How technology is changing the industry

• The impact real estate has on communities

Listen now and discover how mindful strategy can transform the real estate experience.

Learn more about Sloan: https://mindful-realestate.com/

Subscribe to the Own Your Awkward Podcast for more conversations about growth, leadership, and living authentically.

If this episode sparks something in you, visit https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ to learn how Andy can help your team or organization own their awkward and thrive through speaking events or one-on-one coaching.

In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with Gail, host of the Blind Spots podcast, to explore how curiosity, presence, and intentional listening transform awkward moments into powerful connection.

They discuss:• Why trying to fix people often backfires• How curiosity builds trust and empathy• The common listening habits that block connection• Leading and coaching with authentic presence.

If you want stronger relationships, better leadership skills, and deeper human connection, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe for more conversations on confidence, leadership, and owning your awkward.

If this episode sparks something in you, visit https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ to learn how Andy can help your team or organization own their awkward and thrive through speaking events or one-on-one coaching.

In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy sits down with leadership coach Katie Tuite to talk about career pivots, authenticity, and the power of embracing an unconventional path. From graphic design and stay-at-home parenting to co-founding Harborbridge, Katie shares how curiosity and imperfect action led to meaningful leadership work.

You’ll hear practical insights on authentic personal branding, coaching, leadership growth, and why progress matters more than perfection.

➡️ Follow the podcast for more conversations about leadership, confidence, and owning your awkward.

➡️ Share this episode with someone navigating a career transition.

Connect with Katie Tuite online:

Harborbridge Website: https://www.harborbridgeleadership.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-tuite-cpcc-acc-19428835/

🔗 More Ways to Own Your Awkward: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/

🛒 Grab merch, join a course, or book Andy to speak: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/#OwnYourAwkward

#LeadershipDevelopment #ServantLeadership #TimeManagement #graphicdesign #EmotionalIntelligence #CoachingLife #SelfAwareness #PodcastEpisode #LeadershipCoach #WomenInLeadership #GratitudePractice #MindfulLeadership

In this episode of Own Your Awkward, Andy sits down with creative powerhouse Angela DiMarco, author of The Ultimate DIY Brand Jedi Training Manual and Chief Creative Officer of Phenom Publishing. Together they dive into what it really means to show up authentically in your life and business especially when self-doubt creeps in or you’ve spent years behind the curtain supporting others.

Andy and Angela open up about the messy, awkward, and ultimately rewarding parts of stepping into your worth. From reflections on aging and creativity to the realities of entrepreneurship, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your story, trust your journey, and stop waiting for permission to shine.

Angela shares insights from her 30+ years of experience helping brands express their identity with integrity, along with her personal story of rebuilding after loss and learning to lead with heart.

Listen in for laughter, inspiration, and a reminder that your awkwardness is your advantage.

About Angela DiMarco:Angela DiMarco is an intuitive design leader, author, and creative force with more than three decades of experience helping businesses express their brand with authenticity. As the Chief Creative Officer of Phenom Publishing, she partners with authors to bring their stories to life through intentional design and storytelling. She’s also the author of The Ultimate DIY Brand Jedi Training Manual and a passionate advocate for helping entrepreneurs find their voice. When she’s not designing or mentoring creatives, Angela finds her greatest joy in raising her two amazing kids.

Connect with Angela:

🌐 Website: phenom-publishing.com/the-ultimate-diy-brand-jedi-training-manual

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angelamariedimarco

If this episode sparks something in you, visit https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ to learn how Andy can help your team or organization own their awkward and thrive through speaking events or one-on-one coaching.

#OwnYourAwkward #AndyVargo #AwkwardCareer #MotivationalPodcast #AuthenticBranding #BrandStrategy #EntrepreneurMindset #PersonalGrowth #Publishing #CreativeLeadership #Inspiration #AwkwardIsAwesome

Ready to embrace your authentic self? Start by owning your awkward. Book Andy Vargo for coaching or speaking opportunities at https://www.awkwardcareer.com/In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, I sit down with Amber Bate, a storyteller, real estate expert, and modern-day muse. Together, we explore what it means to live authentically in a world full of expectations. From navigating family dynamics, parenting, and relationships to maintaining healthy boundaries on social media, Amber brings raw honesty and soulful insight.We discuss the balance between personal identity and societal pressures, the challenges of parenting while staying true to yourself, and how mental health plays a role in building confidence. Amber’s journey shows us that you can be powerful and tender, bold and beautiful, grounded and glowing, all at once.About Amber Bate:Amber Bate helps clients build generational wealth through real estate with clarity, compassion, and strategy. Beyond real estate, she uses her writing, voice, and storytelling to connect with others and empower them to step into their light. She speaks on topics like personal growth, faith, femininity, and financial freedom, always with honesty and presence.Connect with Amber on Instagram: instagram.com/amber_of_patienceTo bring Andy Vargo to your team for speaking engagements or coaching, visit: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/#OwnYourAwkward #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #Boundaries #MentalHealthAwareness #LifeCoaching #Leadership #Podcast

In this heartfelt and energizing episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, I sit down with Emmy Award-winning photojournalist Michael Driver to talk about finding the beauty in everyday stories, embracing our quirks, and living a life full of purpose. Michael shares wisdom from his 20+ years in media, including lessons from his time on the reality TV show COPS, his award-winning work at Fox 13 Seattle, and how he connects with people to tell raw, authentic stories without a reporter's voiceover.

We dive into:

The power of regional accents and being real on camera

Why stepping outside your comfort zone (hello, hot yoga!) builds resilience

Michael’s work highlighting community heroes through his series True Northwest

How storytelling can create ripple effects of kindness and visibility

The role of balance, curiosity, and humility in creative careers

This episode is a must-listen for creatives, journalists, and anyone looking to bring more intention into their personal and professional lives.

Michael Driver is an Emmy Award-winning, nationally recognized photojournalist and training specialist with over 20 years of experience. He's earned accolades including the NPPA’s Ernie Crisp National Photographer of the Year award and has a rich background in both news and reality television. A passionate mentor and storyteller, Michael blends creativity with deep human connection in every project he touches.

🔗 Connect with Michael:

Website: https://www.fox13seattle.com/tag/series/true-northwest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.driver.73

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/driveronthestreet/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-driver-45ba32158/

Want to create impact through your voice? Whether you need a dynamic keynote or personal coaching to tell your story with confidence, I can help. Learn more at: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/

#OwnYourAwkward #StorytellingMatters #CreativeLeadership #Authenticity #PublicSpeaking #PersonalGrowth #MichaelDriver #Photojournalism #MediaMentors #TrueNorthwest #AwkwardCareer #PodcastEpisode #SelfGrowth

Ready to turn awkward into your advantage? Andy Vargo empowers individuals and organizations to lead with authenticity through coaching, keynotes, and courses.

👉 Explore how you can Own Your Awkward: https://awkwardcareer.comIn this insightful episode, Andy welcomes Coach Angie Jones of Ataruka Coaching to explore the intersection of leadership, gratitude, and mental clarity. Broadcasting from the often-cloudy Pacific Northwest, they discuss what it means to “create sunshine” internally—shifting your mindset to lead and live with intention.Coach Angie introduces her signature leadership model: the Dynamic Pause, built around three key pillars—pause to breathe, pause to negotiate meaning, and pause to innovate. The two coaches dive deep into boundary-setting, time management, and how vulnerability is actually a core strength in modern leadership.Angie also shares exciting updates on her upcoming book, podcast, and virtual workshop “Street Cred,” and highlights the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and servant leadership in today’s ever-evolving world.👉 Learn more about Angie at: https://www.transform.coach/📱 Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atarukacoaching/💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ur-leadershipcoach-angie/📘 Like her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angielifecoach🔗 More Ways to Own Your Awkward: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/🛒 Grab merch, join a course, or book Andy to speak: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/#OwnYourAwkward #LeadershipDevelopment #ServantLeadership #TimeManagement #DynamicPause #EmotionalIntelligence #CoachingLife #SelfAwareness #PodcastEpisode #LeadershipCoach #WomenInLeadership #GratitudePractice #MindfulLeadership