#1: Starting Strong in Your New Leadership Role

Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading

Welcome to the first episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading! In this episode, host Karen Gombault dives into the critical first 30 days of a new leadership role. Whether you’ve been promoted or joined a new company, Karen provides actionable strategies to help you set a strong foundation, build trust, and lead with clarity and confidence.

5 Key Takeaways for Leadership Success:

Understand Expectations

Start by clarifying your manager’s and stakeholders’ expectations. Schedule one-on-one meetings to ask questions like:

What are the top priorities for the next 90 days?

What does success look like in 6 months or a year?

Knowing these answers will help you focus on what truly matters, avoid missteps, and establish yourself as an aligned and proactive leader.

Listen and Observe Before Taking Action

Instead of diving into big changes, spend your first 30 days gathering insights. Meet with team members, peers, and key stakeholders to learn about the team’s strengths, challenges, and dynamics. Listening positions you as thoughtful and strategic—essential traits for a leader.

Define and Communicate Your Leadership Style

Clearly articulate how you plan to lead. Are you data-driven, collaborative, or focused on open communication? Sharing your vision early on sets the tone and builds trust, helping your team align with your expectations.

Achieve a Quick Win

Identify a manageable project or pain point you can address early. A quick win demonstrates your ability to take action and deliver results, building momentum for you and your team.

Set Boundaries to Protect Your Energy

Leadership roles can quickly become overwhelming. Avoid burnout by setting realistic boundaries, communicating your availability, and prioritizing focused work. Modeling healthy boundaries also empowers your team to follow suit.

Bonus Leadership Tip:

Form your own opinions about team members and peers. Don’t let others’ biases shape your perspective. Give everyone a fair chance to succeed under your leadership.

Why the First 30 Days Matter:

The first month in a leadership role sets the tone for your relationships, credibility, and long-term success. Use this time intentionally to establish trust, define your vision, and start making an impact.

"Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about being intentional. The actions you take in the first 30 days will build trust, gain clarity, and position you as a confident, effective leader."

Transitioning into a new leadership role is both exciting and challenging, but with the right approach, you can set yourself up for long-term success. By understanding expectations, listening, defining your style, achieving quick wins, and setting boundaries, you’ll lead with confidence and clarity.

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

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