394 - When Veterinary Leaders Lack Confidence

Ron Sosa joins Maria Pirita on the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast to tackle how lack of confidence derails leadership in veterinary practice management, using a case study of Jessica, a practice manager whose hesitation and inconsistency after team pushback causes flexible enforcement, stalled progress, confused staff, and worsening results. They discuss why confidence struggles are common after promotions without leadership training, how avoidance and delays signal second-guessing, and how inconsistency erodes trust and fuels boundary testing. Ron frames the “inner critic” as a protective voice and encourages leaders to pause, identify what it is trying to protect them from, and respond diplomatically rather than trying to silence it, while also considering communication styles like DISC when interpreting pushback. They also preview Ron’s “confidence, not perfection” coaching cohort for Uncharted members focused on naming and reshaping the inner critic and building confidence over time.

Ron is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and a former practice owner and business director for multisite animal hospitals. He also hold certificates in Neurodiversity, compassion fatigue, veterinary business leadership, and the human animal bond. He currently serves as the Executive Director for the Uncharted Veterinary Conference.

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