#2: 10 Leadership Realities No One Tells You When You’re Promoted

In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading! , host Karen Gombault explores the 10 most critical lessons for new leaders. If you’ve recently been promoted or stepped into a leadership role, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the transition with clarity, confidence, and success.

10 Realities for New Leaders:

• Your Strengths Might Not Be Enough Anymore: The skills that got you promoted won’t necessarily help you succeed as a leader. Focus on vision, strategy, and empowering your team rather than relying solely on technical expertise.

• You Have to Earn Your Team’s Trust: Trust isn’t automatic. Build it through transparency, follow-through, and genuine investment in your team’s success.

• You Might Miss Being in the Weeds: Leadership shifts your focus to strategy and guiding others, which may leave you nostalgic for hands-on, tangible work.

• Not Everyone Will Be Happy for You: Promotions can change workplace dynamics. Maintain professionalism and focus on constructive relationships with those who support your success.

• You Can’t Please Everyone: Leadership decisions will inevitably upset some people. Focus on making decisions that align with organizational goals and your team’s needs.

• Imposter Syndrome Is Normal: Doubts are common in new roles. Recognize them as signs of growth and use them as motivation to learn, adapt, and build confidence over time.

• Boundaries Are Essential: Protect your time and energy by setting clear boundaries. This helps you avoid burnout and models healthy practices for your team.

• Delegation Is a Must: Leadership requires empowering your team to take ownership. Trust, patience, and letting go of perfectionism are key to successful delegation.

• Work-Life Balance Gets Harder (Initially): New roles bring increased demands, but intentional boundaries and prioritizing personal time are crucial for maintaining focus and energy.

• You Will Be Judged Differently: As a leader, your actions carry more weight. Set the tone for your team by being intentional, modeling healthy habits, and communicating effectively.

Bonus Insight:

"Imposter syndrome is a natural part of stepping into a new role. Embrace it as a sign that you’re growing and stepping outside your comfort zone."

Why This Matters:

Understanding these lessons helps you navigate challenges, build trust, and lead with intention. Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional and aligned with your goals.

Stepping into a leadership role is an exciting journey that challenges you to grow in new ways. By keeping these 10 realities in mind, you’ll build confidence, create meaningful relationships, and lead with clarity.

Thank you for tuning in!

Karen is a leadership coach and mentor, working with recently promoted women to help them stop doubting and start leading.

Free resource: 5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Energy for busy leaders: www.karengombault.com/energy

More information about coaching services here: Work With Me

Follow along on LinkedIn: (13) Karen Gombault | LinkedIn

Email me at Karen@karengombault.com

You have what it takes to lead with purpose. See you in the next episode!