Confidence Isn’t Just a Buzzword: San Marcos Business Leaders Put It to Work

That was essentially the challenge put before local professionals this week when the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce hosted “Leading With Confidence,” a two-hour leadership workshop led by Richard D. Marks, founder and president of RDM Management Group.

And judging by the topics on the agenda, this wasn't the usual “believe in yourself and think positive thoughts” pep talk.

The Stuff That Gets Hard When You're the One in Charge

Participants worked on practical strategies for communicating with greater impact, building trust and influence, overcoming self-doubt and strengthening their leadership presence.

Those are deceptively simple ideas.

It's easy to say “communicate better.” It's considerably harder when you're managing an employee who isn't performing, dealing with an unhappy customer or trying to make a decision when you're not entirely sure you're making the right one.

That's where Marks' background becomes interesting.

Marks has more than 30 years of business, sales and leadership experience. Before starting RDM Management Group, he spent 18 years in the wireless industry, where his work included taking struggling sales teams and turning them into stronger performers. Today, his company focuses on professional development, sales and leadership training.

His approach centers on four principles: self-discipline, self-confidence, motivation and emotional intelligence.

There’s a Local Connection, Too

Marks isn't exactly a stranger to the North County business community.

RDM Management Group has been operating locally since 2014, and the San Marcos Chamber previously featured Marks and his company in a member spotlight. In that interview, Marks described a lesson from his own career that changed the way he viewed leadership: a good leader shouldn't simply be indispensable. A good leader develops people who can succeed when the boss isn't there.

That's a pretty good test.

Marks also currently serves as chair of the Palomar College Foundation Board of Directors, adding another local connection to his work in professional and leadership development.

More Than Mixers and Business Cards

The workshop also highlights something worth remembering about the San Marcos Chamber.

Yes, chambers are known for ribbon cuttings, mixers and networking events where everyone somehow manages to hold a drink, an appetizer and a business card at the same time.

But professional development is another piece of the puzzle.

The Chamber's August calendar includes business networking, orientation, government affairs and other professional events alongside the leadership workshop.

For a community filled with small businesses, managers and entrepreneurs, opportunities like this can have an impact well beyond one two-hour class.

Because eventually every leadership lesson faces the same final exam:

Monday morning.

Questions You May Have About the Chamber Event

What was the Leading With Confidence workshop?

It was a two-hour San Marcos Chamber of Commerce leadership workshop held August 11 and led by Richard D. Marks of RDM Management Group.

Who is Richard D. Marks?

Marks is the founder and president of RDM Management Group and a longtime sales, leadership and professional-development trainer with more than 30 years of business experience.

What did participants learn?

The workshop focused on confident communication, leadership presence, trust and influence, overcoming self-doubt and practical strategies professionals can use when leading teams and projects.

Does the San Marcos Chamber offer other business programs?

Yes. Its calendar regularly includes networking events, workshops, business meetings and other programs for the local business community.