#33: When The Honeymoon Is Over: Managing Messy

Stepping into a new leadership role often starts with excitement and ambition—but what happens when reality doesn’t match your expectations?

In this raw and honest episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, Karen shares how to navigate those destabilizing moments when the shine of a new role wears off, and things get messy. Whether you’re two months or a year into the job, this episode is your playbook. It’s time to stop waiting for perfection and step into your power, right in the middle of the mess.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Clarify before you catastrophize. Have calm, fact-based conversations with your boss or HR to understand what changed and what’s expected now.

2. Your tolerance for ambiguity matters. Knowing whether you thrive in structure or can lead through chaos is key to making intentional decisions.

3. Messy = Opportunity. Leading when it’s unclear is your chance to stand out—ask yourself, “What would a VP or department head do?”

4. Take the lead on expectations. If you're frustrated with your team’s performance or unclear communication, it’s time to step up and clarify expectations—again if needed.

5. Make a plan, not a panic. Decide how long you’re willing to stay, what you need to feel grounded, and what action you’ll take. That decision alone brings relief.

"You can control how you show up and how you want to be, act, and what your attitude is when things are messy." — Karen Gombault

Whether you’re wondering if this is the right job or realizing it’s time to take more ownership, this episode helps you see that leadership is forged in these exact moments. Mess doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re growing.

🎧 Want more on this theme? Listen to Episode 28: Navigating Ambiguity for more on leading through unclear environments.

RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS:

🎯 Join Catalyst – A 6-week coaching sprint to clarify what’s next and take confident action. Secure your spot before July 31st (special offer) → https://www.karengombault.com/catalyst

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

🧭 Go deeper with 1:1 Executive Coaching – Tailored, science-backed coaching for senior leaders ready to protect their energy and lead with impact → https://www.karengombault.com/privatecoaching

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