Episode 7

#7: Transform Your Thinking: 7 Mindset Shifts for Leadership Success

Welcome to Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading! In this episode, host Karen Gombault explores the power of mindset in achieving long-term success in leadership.

Karen shares seven transformative mindset shifts that help new leaders navigate challenges, build confidence, and lead with intention.

Whether you're stepping into a new leadership role or looking to grow in your current position, these insights will empower you to challenge how you think.

Key Takeaways

  • Not Everyone Will Like You: Leadership isn’t a popularity contest. Focus on earning respect, not approval.
  • Embrace Uncomfortable Feelings: Learn to face fear, doubt, and embarrassment head-on—they’re temporary and can’t hurt you.
  • Energy Matters More Than Words: People remember your energy and how you show up, not the exact details of what you say.
  • Collaboration Is Key: You can go further with the support of others. Find your tribe and work together to succeed.
  • Stop Second-Guessing Decisions: Make decisions quickly, trust your judgment, and prove to yourself it was the right choice.

"A feeling cannot hurt you. Yes, you might sweat. Yes, you might have butterflies in your stomach or tightening somewhere in your body, but fear, doubt, embarrassment, shame. It's just a feeling; it cannot hurt you." - Karen Gombault


Leadership starts with how you think. As you reflect on these seven mindset shifts, ask yourself: Where can you challenge your current beliefs and step into a more empowered version of yourself? Change begins in your mind, and when you embrace these shifts, you'll not only transform how you lead but also inspire those around you to rise to their full potential. Leadership isn’t just about the actions you take or the plans you create—it’s about embracing growth, challenging old beliefs, and stepping boldly into who you are meant to be as a leader.

If you’re ready to lead with confidence and clarity, this episode is packed with actionable advice and empowering insights to support your journey.


Karen is a leadership coach and mentor, working with recently promoted women to help them stop doubting and start leading.

Further resources:

  • Free resource: 5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Energy for busy leaders: https://www.karengombault.com/energy
  • More information about coaching services here: Work With Me
  • Follow along on LinkedIn: (13) Karen Gombault | LinkedIn
  • Email me at Karen@karengombault.com
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About the Podcast

Show artwork for Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading
Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading
Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading helps professionals confidently navigate new leadership roles with actionable strategies and insights from former CEO and coach Karen Gombault.

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About your host

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Karen Gombault

I’m Karen, and I know firsthand the challenges of balancing a passionate career with personal health.

As a former CEO with 30 years in corporate leadership, I’ve lived the pressures of work, travel, raising a family and emotional eating.

For years, I tried every diet, counting calories and macros, even training for marathons, but nothing worked long-term.

It wasn’t until I focused on how I thought about myself and my weight that I finally lost the last 10 pounds and have kept it off over 7 years.

Now, as a coach and mentor, I help ambitious women think differently and lose weight permanently.