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.com

In this raw, real, and empowering conversation, Andy Vargo and Marie Sonneman dive deep into the challenges of building confidence, breaking free from self-comparison, and owning your unique identity—awkwardness and all. As business collaborators and accountability partners, they reflect on their growth, the power of support systems, and the real meaning of bravery. From personal stories to practical insights, this episode is packed with honest reflections, empowering tools, and encouragement for anyone ready to lead with authenticity and step into their badassery.

🌟 Topics Covered:

How accountability leads to real growth

What it actually means to be fearless

Embracing vulnerability in leadership and life

Reframing negative thoughts for confidence

Andy’s journey to self-acceptance

Marie’s “Proof of Badassery” mindset

📍 Connect with Marie: https://ordinarytobadass.com/

Use affiliate link to buy Marie's guided journal Proof of My Badassery: https://amzn.to/3YykILw

📍 Connect with Andy: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/

🗣 Want to bring Andy in to speak or coach your team?

https://www.awkwardcareer.com/speaking/ | https://www.awkwardcareer.com/

#OwnYourAwkward #OrdinaryToBadass #LeadershipConfidence #PodcastDrop #ConfidenceCoach #AuthenticLeadership #PersonalGrowth #WomenInLeadership #PublicSpeaking #MentalHealthMatters #badass

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.com

🎙️ Today’s Guest: Dr. Melissa Hughes
Dr. Melissa Hughes returns to the show to dive deep into psychological safety, the power of vulnerability, and how to manage personal biases. Melissa blends neuroscience with practical strategies to help people and organizations create environments where authentic conversations thrive.

✨ Support & Connect with Dr. Melissa Hughes:
🌐 Website: melissahughes.rocks
📘 Book: Store | Neuro Nugget
📱 LinkedIn: @melissahughesphd
📱 Instagram: @melissahughesphd

✨ In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why the illusion of psychological safety can be more harmful than obvious risks

• How imposter syndrome and your inner critic feed self-doubt

• The difference between true psychological safety vs. forced conformity

• The science behind emotional contagion — and how kindness rewires the brain

• Practical steps to foster meaningful conversations across differences

🔗 More Ways to Own Your Awkward:
🛒 Grab merch, join a course, or book Andy to speak: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward

#podcast #authenticity #psychologicalsafety #impostersyndrome #leadership #coaching #leadershipdevelopment #emotionalintelligence #authenticity #growthmindset

Dave is from Ontario Canada. He has been chased by a Moose, been in 3 tornadoes, heard himself on the radio, Dave wonders why people love puzzles, and he can’t swim. Dave is fairly sarcastic and his wit makes him slightly dizzy at times. His wife does find Dave mildly entertaining (in small amounts and from a safe distance).

Dave is the host of 8 different podcasts, and over the past 5 years Dave has created content, community and stories - speaking with guests from around the world - everyone has a story! Dave pursues curiosity and coffee in the search for creative people and stories. Dave is an empty nest Dad with 3 adult children. Dave loves his rescued animals, Dave has been an active musician for over 45 years and he has more stories than what can fit into a standard podcast recording.

Dave operates True Media Solutions and supports podcasters by handling podcast editing, growth and promotion.

Find his shows and support Dave Campbell online: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward

For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/

#podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authenticity #motivation #inspiration #canada #podcast #howto #voice #music #musician