#29: Your First 5 Days — Show Up Intentionally [Start Strong Series - Part 1]

Your first week sets the tone—make it count.

In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, Karen kicks off a powerful three-part series on navigating the critical first 90 days in a new role. Whether you’ve been promoted internally or joined a new company, that first week is more than just logistics—it’s your opportunity to establish presence, build relationships, and protect your energy.

Karen shares actionable strategies and coaching insights to help you avoid the most common mistakes, from overperforming to underconnecting. This episode is your guide to showing up intentionally—without burning out.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Presence over performance: Your value in week one isn’t in your output—it’s in your calm, grounded presence.

2. Curiosity builds credibility: Ask smart questions instead of rushing to prove yourself. Listening is a leadership skill.

3. Map the informal power: Get to know people beyond titles. Influence often lives outside the org chart.

4. Protect your energy early: How you show up now becomes your baseline. Set boundaries before you need them.

5. Take intentional action: Schedule one-on-ones, block thinking time, and observe team dynamics with curiosity.

"Your value is not in your performance or your output in that first week. Your value is in your presence." – Karen Gombault

Your leadership impact begins the moment you walk in the door. This episode gives you the mindset and practical steps to make that first impression one that lasts.

RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS:

NEW Free Resource: Questions to Ask in Your First One-on-Ones → https://www.karengombault.com/questions

Start with Catalyst – A focused 6-week coaching sprint to solve one real leadership challenge with strategy, momentum, and results. Learn more: https://www.karengombault.com/catalyst

Go deeper with 1:1 Executive Coaching – My high-level, science-backed coaching partnership to lead with unshakeable confidence and protect your energy while delivering at the top. https://www.karengombault.com/privatecoaching

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