Imposter Syndrome, Creative Leadership, and Saying “F*** It”, Jennifer English of Spaceworks Tacoma

In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with Jennifer English, Director of Spaceworks Tacoma, to talk about credibility, imposter syndrome, and what it really means to lead authentically. Jennifer shares how not fitting the traditional business mold once felt like a liability, and how owning her awkward leadership style became her greatest strength. From creative entrepreneurship to building trust fast, this conversation is a refreshing reminder that being yourself is often the most effective strategy.

Jennifer’s story resonates deeply with anyone who has ever wondered if they sound professional enough, polished enough, or “business-like” enough to be taken seriously. Instead of forcing herself into a box that never fit, she chose to redefine credibility on her own terms.

When Credibility Feels Awkward

Jennifer openly shares that one of her biggest awkward struggles has been credibility. She does not present like a traditional business leader. She uses informal language, avoids jargon, and yes, she swears sometimes. Early on, that created an internal narrative that people might not take her seriously or assume she did not know what she was doing.

That tension is familiar to many creative entrepreneurs and leaders, especially those working in community-focused or artistic spaces. The fear is not about competence, it is about perception. Jennifer realized that trying to sound like someone else only made the awkwardness louder.

Building Trust by Setting Expectations Early

One of Jennifer’s most powerful strategies is also one of the simplest. She tells people exactly who she is upfront.

When Jennifer introduces herself as a facilitator or leader, she clearly states what kind of leader she is. She explains that she is fun, sometimes crass, deeply passionate, honest, and not interested in hiding behind buzzwords. By doing this, she removes uncertainty for the people in the room.

This matters because trust needs to be built fast. In Spaceworks programs, participants are often asked to share intimate details about their lives, finances, and creative dreams. Jennifer knows she has limited time to create safety, and authenticity accelerates that process.

Her analogy is simple and effective. When you invite someone into your house, you tell them what kind of experience they are walking into. Whether it is formal or casual, setting expectations allows people to relax and show up fully.

Imposter Syndrome as a Signal of Growth

Rather than trying to eliminate imposter syndrome, Jennifer reframed it. To her, imposter syndrome is often a sign that you are doing something new, meaningful, and slightly uncomfortable. In other words, it shows you are growing.

She embraces a mindset that removes power from those internal doubts. Her blunt but effective mantra, “f*** it,” is not about recklessness. It is about refusing to let imagined judgments dictate real decisions.

This approach strips imposter syndrome of its authority. Instead of spiraling, Jennifer acknowledges the thought, recognizes it as familiar, and keeps moving forward. That ability to act anyway has been key to her success as both a leader and an entrepreneur.

Spaceworks Tacoma and the Power of Creative Community

As Director of Spaceworks Tacoma, Jennifer leads an organization that supports creative entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises, businesses with five or fewer employees. Spaceworks operates at the intersection of art, business, and urban revitalization.

One of the most unique aspects of Spaceworks is its use of vacant storefronts. By partnering with property owners, Spaceworks activates empty spaces with pop-up shops, art installations, and creative businesses. This not only reduces blight but also allows entrepreneurs to test ideas without the crushing pressure of long-term leases.

Spaceworks also operates through two main arms. Artscapes focuses on public art and installations, while the Incubator program provides business training and support for creative entrepreneurs. Jennifer herself went through this program, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges participants face.

Perhaps most importantly, Spaceworks does not disappear once a cohort ends. Alumni continue to receive support, resources, and opportunities to stay connected. That long-term relationship is rare and incredibly valuable.

Lessons from Running SPUN Clay Arts Studio

Jennifer is not just supporting creative businesses, she is running one. SPUN Clay Arts Studio, her pottery studio and micro-enterprise, has faced its share of challenges. From landlords selling buildings unexpectedly to roof leaks and floods, the business has required constant adaptation.

Jennifer describes SPUN as the “dive bar of pottery studios,” a place that values accessibility, resilience, and community over polish. That mindset has allowed the business to survive situations that might have shut others down.

The experience reinforced a philosophy Jennifer lives by, “It’ll work out.” Not as toxic positivity, but as an acknowledgment that pain is temporary and adaptability matters more than perfection.

Why Owning Your Awkward Works

The thread running through Jennifer’s story is simple but powerful. Authenticity builds trust. People respond to honesty far more than performance.

By owning her awkwardness, Jennifer created credibility that feels real, not manufactured. She gave others permission to do the same, which is especially important in creative spaces where vulnerability and self-expression are part of the work.

For listeners, the takeaway is clear. You do not need to sound like someone else to be respected. You need to be clear, consistent, and willing to show up as yourself.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a reminder that leadership does not require conformity. Credibility is not about fitting a mold, it is about integrity, transparency, and connection.

If you have ever felt like your personality, language, or style disqualified you from being taken seriously, Jennifer English’s story offers a powerful reframe. Your awkwardness might be the very thing that makes you effective.