Podcast: Conquering Your Fear of Speaking: From One-on-Ones to Keynotes

Leadership communication coach Dave Brown shares practical strategies to build confidence, overcome imposter syndrome, and strengthen your voice as a shop owner.
Sept. 24, 2025

Key Highlights

  • Why fear of rejection, not difficult news, keeps leaders from speaking up
  • How to reframe customer conversations from judgment to partnership
  • A simple cell phone exercise to build confidence in your delivery
  • The science behind affirmations and how they rewire your brain for success
  • Practical steps to overcome imposter syndrome and claim your expertise
68d3e330723e74e7f5e669bc Rw Radio Dave Brown

Fear of public speaking affects 75% of Americans, but for automotive shop owners, effective communication isn't optional—it's essential for success.

In this episode of Ratchet and Wrench Radio, host Chris Jones sits down with leadership communications trainer Dave Brown of SDB Leadership to tackle the communication challenges that hold shop owners back.

Whether you're delivering difficult news to a customer, conducting one-on-one meetings with employees, or presenting to a group, Brown reveals why every conversation is essentially a public speaking event. He shares actionable strategies for reframing your mindset, building genuine confidence, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Brown is the closing keynote speaker at the 2025 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference.

About the Author

Chris Jones
Email

Chris Jones

Group Editorial Director

Chris Jones is group editorial director for the Vehicle Service & Repair Group at EndeavorB2B.

A multiple-award-winning editor and journalist, and a certified project manager, he provides editorial leadership for the auto care industry's most trusted automotive repair publications—Ratchet+Wrench, Modern Tire Dealer, National Oil & Lube News, FenderBender, ABRN, Professional Distributor, PTEN, Motor Age, and Aftermarket Business World.

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