#35: 7 Strategies for Instant Leadership Credibility

First impressions in a new leadership role are powerful—they can define your influence, trust, and freedom to lead. In this podcast episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, Karen Gombault walks you through the seven pillars of early leadership impact so you can focus your energy where it matters most.

"You don't have to be perfect on anything, but you do need to create some awareness around what your strengths are and where there are areas for improvement that will give you the most return." – Karen Gombault

Whether you’ve just stepped into a bigger role, inherited a new team, or expanded your scope, this episode helps you cut through the overwhelm and take deliberate action that shapes your reputation from day one.

7 DIMENSIONS:

1. Confidence and Decisiveness Under Pressure – Make timely decisions with confidence, even when the data isn’t perfect, to show you can lead under pressure.

2. Clarity of Direction – Over-communicate priorities and direction so your team feels secure and aligned.

3. Strategic Influence – Shape outcomes beyond your direct control and navigate organizational politics effectively.

4. Visibility – Be seen in the right rooms at the right moments to control the narrative of your value.

5. Stakeholder Trust – Build trust through consistency, follow-through, and delivering early value.

6. Adaptability in Transition – Adjust quickly to new environments, teams, and expectations—update your “operating system” as needed.

7. Energy and Focus Management – Protect time for strategic thinking and well-being, keeping your focus on what drives long-term results.

If you want to create early impact in your new role, these seven dimensions are your roadmap. You’re not aiming for perfection—you’re aiming for awareness, focus, and intentional leadership that amplifies results.

RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS:

Free Resource: 20 Ways to Build Your Visibility Without Feeling Self-Promotional → https://www.karengombault.com/getnoticed

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/