#28: Navigating Ambiguity in New Leadership Roles

When roles are unclear, don’t spin— take the opportunity to step up.

In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, Karen dives into a challenge many new leaders quietly struggle with: role confusion. Whether you’re stepping into a new job or working alongside someone with overlapping responsibilities, unclear boundaries can drain your energy fast.

Instead of getting stuck in the swirl—“Am I the boss here? Is she?”—this episode helps you get back to what matters.

Karen shares five powerful mindset shifts that will equip you to step into your role with purpose and presence—even when the reporting lines are a mess. You’ll learn how to stay focused, lead with intention, and protect your energy in those ambiguous early days.

If you’re spending more time wondering who’s in charge than doing the job you were hired to do, this conversation is for you.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Focus is power. When roles are fuzzy, your brain fills in the blanks with fear. Stay anchored in the outcomes you're responsible for.

2. Leadership is modeled, not granted. People don’t follow titles—they follow energy, presence, and consistency.

3. Don’t carry what isn’t yours. You weren’t hired to untangle the org chart. Protect your energy by staying in your lane.

4. Ambiguity is part of the job. Senior leaders make progress in the gray. Don’t wait for a perfect map—just take the next right step.

5. Influence beats turf. You can collaborate with boundaries. Focus on impact, not proving you’re in charge.

"You were not hired to figure out somebody else’s job. You were hired to deliver on yours." – Karen Gombault

Clarity doesn’t always come from the top. This episode gives you the perspective shift you need to move forward, lead effectively, and stop wasting precious energy on what doesn’t serve you.

RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS:

Free Resource: Build Your Visibility At Work → https://www.karengombault.com/getnoticed

Start with Catalyst – A focused 6-week coaching sprint → https://www.karengombault.com/catalyst

Private Executive Coaching – High-level 1:1 coaching for senior women → https://www.karengombault.com/privatecoaching

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/