Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading

Welcome to Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading—the podcast for women stepping into new leadership roles and ready to lead with intention. In this straight-talking episode, your host Karen Gombault shares the five core principles that made the biggest impact on her rise to executive leadership. These aren't fluffy tips—they're practical ways of thinking and behaving that helped her earn trust, overcome resistance, and lead with integrity. If you're ready to grow your career without second-guessing yourself, this episode is packed with the kind of real-world wisdom that makes a difference. 5 Key Takeaways: Respect is non-negotiable.Detach from dramaDrop the “this is hard” narrative.Own the solutionSpeak up and speak well. “Your power comes from how you show up—not from complaining or blaming, but from being the person who finds a way forward.” - Karen Gombault These five principles shaped Karen’s journey from ambitious professional to CEO—and they can support yours, too. Whether you're new in your role or gunning for your next promotion, start applying them today. Want to share your own leadership lessons? I would love to hear from you—reach out anytime. You can contact me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/ Free Resource: 15 Minute Overwhelm Cure https://www.karengombault.com/energy

Stepping into a new leadership role can feel both exhilarating and intimidating. In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, host Karen Gombault breaks down the top five leadership traits that accelerate success for women navigating the first 90 days in a new role. These aren't personality traits you're born with—they're intentional practices you can develop starting today. Whether you’ve just been promoted or taken on a bigger position, this episode is your roadmap to showing up with clarity and confidence in your how job. 5 Key Takeaways: Take Ownership Early:Speak with Authority:Build Strategic Relationships:Protect Your Energy and Time:Decide and Move Forward: "Nobody hands you confidence, authority, or success. You build it." – Karen Gombault If you're in a new leadership position, these five traits can turn your first 90 days into a launchpad instead of a learning curve. Choose one to focus on this week and commit to action. Want to accelerate your growth with personalized support? Book a call with Karen today. Contact me at Karen@karengombault.com or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/

Visibility is a critical component of career growth, yet many women in leadership hesitate to step into the spotlight. In today’s episode, I break down practical, non-self-promotional ways to increase your visibility, establish your credibility, and take ownership of your career. If you’ve ever struggled with speaking up in meetings, introducing yourself with impact, or positioning yourself as a leader, this episode will give you actionable strategies to change that. Key Takeaways: 1. Own Your Visibility – No one is sitting around thinking about how to highlight your work. It’s your responsibility to take ownership of your presence and contributions. 2. Make Your Introductions Count – Whether in meetings or networking settings, don’t default to a forgettable intro. Craft a powerful elevator pitch that highlights your role and impact. 3. Speak Up Strategically – Contribute in meetings with insights, questions, and solutions. Being visible doesn’t mean being loud—it means being valuable. 4. Leverage Multiple Channels – Share your expertise via LinkedIn, cross-functional projects, mentorship, and company initiatives to organically establish yourself as a leader. 5. Engage with Senior Leadership – Ask insightful questions in town halls, volunteer for panels, and seek out opportunities to showcase your expertise in front of decision-makers. "If you are waiting for somebody to notice your contributions, you are giving away control of your career growth." - Karen Gombault Visibility isn’t about bragging—it’s about ensuring that your hard work and expertise are recognized. By taking small, strategic actions, you can elevate your presence and influence without feeling self-promotional. Want to go further and do some hands on work together? Join the Elevate Your Presence Workshop – March 28, 2025. This interactive workshop will give you: ✔ A proven 3-step visibility framework to build your presence with confidence ✔ The 4C Networking Strategy to expand your influence ✔ A personalized 30-day action plan to boost your visibility immediately 📢 Spots are limited! At the time of recording, only two seats remain. Secure your place now – Sign up here: https://www.karengombault.com/offers/WFmjBNAT

Stress is inevitable—but being overwhelmed by it is optional. In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, we explore how to build resilience to stress, increase your capacity to handle pressure, and shift from reacting to responding. I’ll share a personal story that illustrates the power of mindset, plus simple, actionable strategies to help you regulate your emotions and take back control. Key Takeaways: Your foundation determines your stress resilience.Your thoughts create stress, not the event itself.Pause before reacting.Regulating emotions is the key to stress mastery.Stress is unavoidable, but suffering is optional. "Stress isn’t caused by an event. It is caused by how you interpret the event, and consciously deciding how to handle that event or that circumstance is your superpower." - Karen Gombault In short, stress doesn’t have to dictate your day. By strengthening your foundation, shifting your mindset, and regulating your emotions, you can handle high-pressure situations with confidence and clarity. What’s one thing you could do differently the next time stress arises? Small shifts add up—and mastering stress is within your control.

Visibility can make or break your career. If no one sees your impact, do you really have any influence? In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, we dive into why strategic visibility is essential for career growth and leadership success. If you’ve ever thought, “But I’m doing my job well—shouldn’t that be enough?”, this episode is for you. Learn how to position yourself for opportunities, build influence, and own your narrative—without feeling like you’re self-promoting. Key Takeaways: ✅ Visibility drives career growth. Promotions, key projects, and leadership roles don’t happen just because you work hard—they happen because the right people know what you bring to the table. ✅ Influence comes from being seen and heard. When you show up in meetings, discussions, and industry events, you establish credibility and authority. ✅ Control your narrative before someone else does. If you don’t shape how people see you, assumptions will be made—and they may not work in your favor. ✅ Visibility doesn’t mean bragging—it means impact. Find natural ways to share your successes. ✅ Your network amplifies your visibility. Surround yourself with mentors, allies, and sponsors who will help raise your profile. "If no one sees those contributions, you're going to struggle to get recognized, to get promoted, to negotiate your salary or your bonus, or even to get invited to the table where key decisions are being made." - Karen Gombault Visibility isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about being seen by the right people at the right time. Are you making it easy for decision-makers to recognize your value? If not, it’s time to change that. Want a clear strategy to build your visibility? Join my live workshop on March 28th, where I’ll walk you through my Visibility Pyramid and Networking Strategy to create a 30-day personalized visibility plan you can implement right away. Spots are limited. Register here: https://www.karengombault.com/offers/WFmjBNAT/checkout Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/

Are you positioning yourself for career growth, or are you waiting for opportunities to appear? In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, we dive into the critical strategy of getting into the consideration set—the shortlist of candidates leadership thinks about when new roles open up. The reality is that hiring managers often have a list of potential candidates before a job is even posted. If you're not on that list, you're already behind. Learn how to strategically build visibility, develop key relationships, and make sure decision-makers know your impact—long before your dream job becomes available. Don't leave your career advancement to chance. Key Takeaways: 1. Start before you need to. The best time to build relationships with decision-makers is before you’re looking for a promotion. Be proactive. 2. Make yourself visible. Your results won’t speak for themselves if the right people don’t know about them. Advocate for yourself. 3. Identify and bridge skill gaps. Understand the competencies required for the role you want so you can start developing them early. 4. Expand your influence strategically. Build credibility with your boss, colleagues, cross-functional teams, and leadership to strengthen your position. 5. Master self-promotion. Learn to communicate your achievements in a way that highlights your leadership, business impact, and future potential. “Being great at your job isn’t enough—people need to know you’re great. Advocate for yourself so that when opportunities arise, you’re already in the conversation.” - Karen Gombault Your next promotion isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. If you want to be on the shortlist for leadership opportunities, you must actively position yourself for success. Start laying the groundwork now by building relationships, developing the right skills, and ensuring your contributions are recognized. Even if you don’t know your exact next step, preparing today ensures you’ll be ready when the right opportunity arises. Subscribe to Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading for more high-impact leadership strategies. Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/

In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, I’m giving you an exclusive sneak peek into my upcoming virtual summit, Women Leading Boldly. After interviewing 18 accomplished women—including executives, entrepreneurs, leadership coaches, and industry experts—I’m sharing the top leadership lessons and career strategies that will help you step into your power with confidence. Discover how successful women overcome self-doubt, build influence, and lead authentically—without burnout. Plus, find out how you can get free access to all 18 interviews during the summit happening March 3-7, 2025, in honor of International Women’s Day. If you're an ambitious woman ready to advance your career, break through barriers, and lead with impact, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways: 1. Overcoming Self-Doubt: Every successful woman faces doubt at some point—but they take action anyway. 2. The Power of Support & Mentorship: Top female leaders don’t do it alone; they seek guidance, invest in coaching, and take control of their growth. 3. Authentic Leadership & Visibility: Fitting in won’t help you stand out—finding your unique voice and embracing visibility will. 4. Money, Success & Work-Life Balance: Women are redefining wealth, ambition, and fulfillment—success doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. 5. Creating a Ripple Effect: Leadership isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about making a broader impact and lifting others along the way. "Nobody is coming to save you. The most successful women take full ownership of their careers, their impact, and their lives." Join the Women Leading Boldly Summit (FREE!) Be part of the Women Leading Boldly virtual summit, happening March 3-7, 2025. Hear from 18 successful women who are breaking barriers, leading with confidence, and sharing their expert insights on leadership, influence, and career growth. ✅ Completely FREE to attend ✅ Exclusive access to all 18 interviews ✅ A must-attend event for ambitious women in leadership 💡 Sign up now: http://www.karengombault.com/bold Follow & Connect: 📌 Stay updated on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/ 📌 Share this episode with a fellow leader! Don't miss this opportunity to learn from inspiring female leaders—sign up today and take the next bold step in your career! 🚀

Are you letting self-doubt hold you back in your leadership role? Overanalyzing your words in meetings, second-guessing decisions, and hesitating to share bold ideas can limit your leadership potential. In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, we break down how to stop worrying about what others think and step into your power with confidence. Learn how to shift your mindset, own your expertise, and lead with authority—without seeking external validation. Key Takeaways: Stop overanalyzing and start leading.Over-explaining undermines your leadership presence.Pushback isn’t a threat—it’s part of the job.Validation-seeking keeps you playing small.Confidence attracts credibility. "Respect comes from confidence, not people-pleasing." If you’re a newly promoted manager or executive struggling with imposter syndrome, this episode is for you. Learning to detach from the fear of judgment allows you to lead with clarity, authority, and impact. By focusing on your contributions instead of second-guessing every interaction, you can accelerate your career and establish yourself as a strong, decisive leader

How much time and energy do you spend worrying about what others think? Have you ever received a comment, a look, or feedback that sent you into a spiral—even when it wasn’t about you? In today’s episode, Karen Gombault unpacks why taking things personally is one of the biggest barriers to confident leadership. She shares a pivotal career moment that reshaped her perspective, explains why detaching from external reactions is a game changer, and offers two powerful strategies to help you stop personalizing situations. When you stop making everything about you, you free yourself to lead with confidence, resilience, and intention. 5 Key Takeaways Taking things personally is a sign of self-doubt. Most reactions aren’t about you. Detaching from feedback helps you lead effectively. Confidence comes from staying in your own lane. Use mental strategies to create distance. "Stop letting other people's moods, opinions, offhand comments dictate how you feel about yourself. It's not about ignoring feedback or being indifferent. It's about owning your power and deciding how to respond objectively and not emotionally." Not taking things personally is one of the most powerful shifts you can make in your leadership. It allows you to navigate challenges with confidence, foster healthier professional relationships, and free yourself from unnecessary stress. The next time you find yourself spiraling over feedback, an email, or a meeting, ask yourself: Is this really about me, or am I making it about me? When you stop personalizing everything, you unlock a new level of leadership. Free resources and more information on working with Karen at : http://www.karengombault.com Connect with Karen on LinkedIn: Karen Gombault | LinkedIn

Networking doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, we break down the essentials of networking—what it is, why it matters, and how to do it with confidence. Whether you're stepping into a leadership role, looking to expand your career opportunities, or simply wanting to build meaningful professional relationships, this episode will give you actionable insights to make networking feel natural and effective. 5 Key Takeaways: Networking is about relationships, not transactions.Your network is your career foundation.Who you network with matters.Keep it simple and intentional.Play the long game. "Networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about building authentic relationships that open doors for both you and the other person." – Karen Gombault In short, keep networking simply, approach it with curiosity, and invest in connections consistently. Challenge yourself today: reach out to five people in your network and start a conversation. ----- I'm Karen, leadership coach and mentor, and I work privately 1:1 with newly promoted and transitioning leaders who are struggling with self-doubt, team dynamics, and overwhelming responsibilities to lead with confidence, build strong relationships, and create lasting impact —without burnout or second-guessing. • Free resource: 5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Energy for busy leaders: www.karengombault.com/energy • More information about coaching services here: http://www.karengombault.com • Follow along on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/ • Email me at Karen@karengombault.com

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 YouEmbrace Uncomfortable FeelingsEnergy Matters More Than WordsCollaboration Is KeyStop Second-Guessing Decisions "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: Work With Me(13) Karen Gombault | LinkedIn

In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, we uncover the critical role of active listening in leadership. Many leaders unknowingly undermine their credibility and effectiveness by failing to truly hear their teams and peers. This episode dives into the importance of listening as a leadership superpower, exploring how it builds trust, reduces conflict, and enhances collaboration. Packed with actionable strategies, you'll learn how to improve your listening skills to lead with intention and make a lasting impact. Key Takeaways The High Cost of Poor Listening:Trust is Built Through Listening:Conflict Resolution and Collaboration:Adopt the 10% Mindset Shift:Practical Listening Tips: "Active listening transforms leaders—it builds trust, fosters collaboration, and empowers teams to achieve their best." – Karen Gombault Listening is more than hearing words; it’s about understanding and valuing the people behind them. By practicing active listening, you’ll strengthen relationships, reduce tension, and inspire confidence in those around you. Take this opportunity to reflect: Are you truly listening to lead? Start applying these strategies today to elevate your leadership journey. Karen is a leadership coach and mentor, working with recently promoted women to help them stop doubting and start leading. Further resources: Work With Me(13) Karen Gombault | LinkedIn

In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, host Karen Gombault dives into the hidden patterns of self-sabotage that hinder your leadership potential. Drawing from Positive Intelligence® and her coaching expertise, Karen unpacks the 10 saboteurs that hold leaders back and offers insights to help you recognize and overcome these behaviors. Whether it’s procrastination, perfectionism, or people-pleasing, this episode will deepen your self awareness. Key Takeaways: "Your saboteurs are not a reflection of your value—they’re simply patterns you’ve developed over time, and with awareness, they can be changed."- Karen Gombault Self-sabotage may feel like an unavoidable part of leadership, but it doesn’t have to be. By recognizing the saboteurs at play and taking intentional steps to address them, you can lead with greater confidence, clarity, and purpose. Start today by building awareness and taking the free saboteur assessment linked in the show notes. Every step you take toward understanding these patterns is a step toward transforming your leadership journey. Karen is a leadership coach and mentor, working with recently promoted women to help them stop doubting and start leading. Further resources : https://www.karengombault.com/saboteur-test-opt-in(13) Karen Gombault | LinkedIn Disclaimer: As a Positive Intelligence Coach, I am committed to upholding the standards and trademarks of Positive Intelligence, LLC, including but not limited to the following copyright notice and disclaimers. © 2024 Positive Intelligence, LLC. All rights reserved. No reproduction, alteration, translation, publication or distribution, in any form, printed or electronic, is permitted without the express prior written consent of Positive Intelligence, LLC. POSITIVE INTELLIGENCE®, PQ®, PQ COACH™, CERTIFIED PQ COACH™, and P+ logo™ are trademarks of Positive Intelligence, LLC.

Self-confidence is the foundation of effective leadership, yet it’s one of the most misunderstood skills. In this episode, Karen explores the critical difference between confidence and self-confidence, shares powerful personal and client stories, and provides practical strategies to help you trust yourself, navigate uncertainty, and grow as a leader. If you’re ready to build unshakable belief in your abilities, this episode is for you. 5 Key Takeaways Confidence vs. Self-Confidence: Reframe Failure: Master Your Inner Dialogue: Celebrate Small Wins: Practical Exercises for Confidence Building: "You already have what it takes to lead with confidence. The key is believing in your abilities and trusting yourself to grow through every challenge." – Karen Gombault Self-confidence isn’t a trait you’re born with; it’s a skill you can develop. By reframing failure, mastering your thoughts, and celebrating wins, you can create a foundation of trust in yourself that fuels intentional leadership. Take a few minutes today to reflect on your inner dialogue and start building the self-confidence you deserve. Karen is a leadership coach and mentor, working with recently promoted women to help them stop doubting and start leading. Further resources: Work With Me(13) Karen Gombault | LinkedIn

In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, host Karen Gombault addresses a key challenge faced by newly promoted leaders: overthinking. While it’s tempting to analyze every decision, overthinking can stall progress, drain energy, and undermine confidence. Karen shares actionable strategies to help leaders break free from indecision, lead with clarity, and create momentum. Key Topics Covered: What Is Overthinking?5 Reasons to Stop Overthinking:The Hidden Pitfalls:The Power of Action:Real-Life Leadership Stories: “Leadership isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about trusting yourself to decide, adapt, and keep moving forward.” Why overcoming overthinking matters: Karen’s insights emphasize the importance of trusting your instincts, making decisions quickly, and embracing progress over perfection. Decisive leadership empowers your team, clears mental clutter, and positions you for long-term success. If you’re ready to stop overthinking and lead with intention, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading for weekly leadership strategies and actionable advice to help you grow in your role. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who could use a confidence boost! Karen is a leadership coach and mentor, working with recently promoted women to help them stop doubting and start leading. Work With Me(13) Karen Gombault | LinkedIn

In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading! , host Karen Gambault explores the 10 most critical lessons for new leaders. If you’ve recently been promoted or stepped into a leadership role, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the transition with clarity, confidence, and success. 10 Realities for New Leaders: Your Strengths Might Not Be Enough Anymore: You Have to Earn Your Team’s Trust: You Might Miss Being in the Weeds: Not Everyone Will Be Happy for You: You Can’t Please Everyone: Imposter Syndrome Is Normal: Boundaries Are Essential: Delegation Is a Must: Work-Life Balance Gets Harder (Initially): You Will Be Judged Differently: Bonus Insight: "Imposter syndrome is a natural part of stepping into a new role. Embrace it as a sign that you’re growing and stepping outside your comfort zone." Why This Matters: Understanding these lessons helps you navigate challenges, build trust, and lead with intention. Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional and aligned with your goals. Stepping into a leadership role is an exciting journey that challenges you to grow in new ways. By keeping these 10 realities in mind, you’ll build confidence, create meaningful relationships, and lead with clarity. Thank you for tuning in! 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 Karen@karengombault.com You have what it takes to lead with purpose. See you in the next episode!

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. Work With Me(13) Karen Gombault | LinkedIn

Welcome to the trailer episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading, the ultimate podcast for ambitious professionals navigating new leadership roles. Hosted by Karen Gombault, a former CEO and expert leadership coach, this podcast provides actionable strategies, leadership tips, and mindset shifts to help you confidently lead your team, build trust, and excel in your career without burning out. Tune in every Wednesday for fresh episodes packed with practical advice to make your leadership journey a success—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform!