#24: Stay Grounded When the Unexpected Hits

Change isn’t the exception—it’s the rule. In this powerful episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, Karen shares what it really takes to lead yourself when your world gets shaken. Whether it's a company reorganization, a new boss, or the sudden loss of a major client, the ability to navigate unpredictability is a non-negotiable leadership skill. Karen brings sharp insight, real-life stories, and five grounded strategies for managing change without burning out.

This is part one of a two-part series on change. Today’s focus is on leading yourself. Next week, we’ll dive into leading your team through uncertain times.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Change is the cost of growth. It’s not a glitch—it’s the toll for evolving as a leader.
• Resisting change drains your leadership energy. Accepting what is allows you to regain focus and power.
• Every disruption is an identity shift. Leading through change requires recalibrating your inner compass.
• Pressure reveals your real values. Unpredictable moments clarify what matters—and what doesn’t.
• Emotional resilience is your edge. Staying grounded in the face of chaos builds your long-term leadership capacity.

“While change is inevitable, how you lead yourself through it and how you show up in these circumstances will change everything.” - Karen Gombault

If you’re navigating change right now—whether it’s a reorg, a leadership shift, or just a wave of uncertainty—know this: you’re not doing anything wrong. This is the terrain of modern leadership.

The more you can accept, adapt, and lead yourself through it, the more influence and impact you’ll have. Save this episode, share it with a peer, and stay tuned for part two next week where we’ll talk about leading your team through change.

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