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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. Build connections with authenticity and expect nothing in return.Your network is your career foundation. Success is not a solo journey—having allies, mentors, and supporters is key to long-term growth.Who you network with matters. Engage with peers, cross-functional colleagues, industry professionals, and even unexpected personal connections.Keep it simple and intentional. Short, informal conversations—whether over coffee or a quick LinkedIn message—can lead to valuable opportunities.Play the long game. Networking isn’t just for when you need something; it’s about consistently fostering relationships that will benefit you down the road."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.
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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 [email protected]
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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 TakeawaysNot 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 MeFollow along on LinkedIn: (13) Karen Gombault | LinkedInEmail me at [email protected]
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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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: Disengagement, eroded trust, and missed opportunities arise when leaders fail to listen actively.Trust is Built Through Listening: Intentional listening shows respect and value, forming the foundation of strong professional relationships.Conflict Resolution and Collaboration: Listening reduces defensiveness and encourages open communication and teamwork.Adopt the 10% Mindset Shift: Assume there’s value in everyone’s perspective, helping you discover insights and strengthen connections.Practical Listening Tips: Learn exercises like reflective listening and sound-focused mindfulness to build your listening muscle daily."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:
Free resource: 5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Energy for busy leaders:www.karengombault.com/energyMore information about coaching services here: Work With MeFollow along on LinkedIn: (13) Karen Gombault | LinkedInEmail me at [email protected]
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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:
Self-sabotage often stems from ingrained mental patterns called saboteurs, rooted in survival mechanisms developed during childhood.
The master saboteur, "The Judge," criticizes you, others, and circumstances, often working alongside accomplice saboteurs to amplify self-doubt and unproductive behaviors.
The 9 accomplice saboteurs include The Controller, Avoider, Hyper-Achiever, Pleaser, Stickler, Hyper-Rational, Hyper-Vigilant, Restless, and Victim, each with distinct behaviors and impacts.
Awareness of your saboteurs is the first step toward breaking these patterns and shifting toward more empowering behaviors.
Tools like the free saboteur assessment can provide clarity on which saboteurs dominate your thinking and how to address them effectively."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 :
Ready to uncover your saboteurs and take the first step toward deeper awareness? Take the free saboteur assessment here: https://www.karengombault.com/saboteur-test-opt-inFollow along on LinkedIn: (13) Karen Gombault | LinkedInEmail me at [email protected]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.
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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: Confidence relies on external factors such as experience, knowledge, and validation, making it situational and context-dependent. In contrast, self-confidence is an internal belief in your abilities and worth, regardless of external circumstances. It provides the resilience to navigate challenges and uncertainty, allowing you to trust yourself even when facing new situations.
Reframe Failure: Failure is not the opposite of success but an essential part of the growth process. By reframing failure as an opportunity to learn and improve, you can shift your mindset and approach challenges with greater resilience. Reflecting on setbacks and identifying lessons learned strengthens your leadership skills and builds your confidence over time.
Master Your Inner Dialogue: Your thoughts directly impact how you feel and act as a leader. Negative self-talk, such as doubting your abilities or fearing failure, can undermine your confidence. Replacing these thoughts with empowering beliefs like "I trust myself to figure this out" or "I am capable of growing through challenges" helps cultivate a positive, confident mindset.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating progress, no matter how small, is crucial for building self-confidence. Keeping a confidence journal where you regularly note your accomplishments provides tangible evidence of your abilities and reminds you of your growth. This practice shifts your focus from what you lack to what you’ve achieved.
Practical Exercises for Confidence Building: Building self-confidence requires intentional effort and practice. Exercises like a thought download—where you write down current thoughts about yourself as a leader and reframe limiting ones—can help you identify and replace self-doubt. Pair this with practicing empowering thoughts daily, such as writing them on sticky notes or reminders, to reinforce your belief in your capabilities."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:
Free resource: 5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Energy for busy leaders: www.karengombault.com/energyMore information about coaching services here: Work With MeFollow along on LinkedIn: (13) Karen Gombault | LinkedInEmail me at [email protected]
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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? Learn how overthinking traps leaders in endless loops of self-doubt and analysis paralysis, and why it’s a habit you must break. 5 Reasons to Stop Overthinking: Discover why decisiveness conserves mental energy, builds momentum, reduces stress, and inspires confidence in your team. The Hidden Pitfalls: Karen explains how indecision wastes time, creates bottlenecks for your team, and erodes both personal and team confidence. The Power of Action: Taking quick, decisive action enables faster feedback, fosters adaptability, and leads to better outcomes. Real-Life Leadership Stories: Karen shares personal and professional examples of how trusting her intuition and acting decisively led to success.“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.
Free resource: 5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Energy for busy leaders: www.karengombault.com/energyMore information about coaching services here: Work With MeFollow along on LinkedIn: (13) Karen Gombault | LinkedInEmail me at [email protected]
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In this episode of Promoted: Stop Doubting, Start Leading! , host Karen Gombault 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: The skills that got you promoted won’t necessarily help you succeed as a leader. Focus on vision, strategy, and empowering your team rather than relying solely on technical expertise.
You Have to Earn Your Team’s Trust: Trust isn’t automatic. Build it through transparency, follow-through, and genuine investment in your team’s success.
You Might Miss Being in the Weeds: Leadership shifts your focus to strategy and guiding others, which may leave you nostalgic for hands-on, tangible work.
Not Everyone Will Be Happy for You: Promotions can change workplace dynamics. Maintain professionalism and focus on constructive relationships with those who support your success.
You Can’t Please Everyone: Leadership decisions will inevitably upset some people. Focus on making decisions that align with organizational goals and your team’s needs.
Imposter Syndrome Is Normal: Doubts are common in new roles. Recognize them as signs of growth and use them as motivation to learn, adapt, and build confidence over time.
Boundaries Are Essential: Protect your time and energy by setting clear boundaries. This helps you avoid burnout and models healthy practices for your team.
Delegation Is a Must: Leadership requires empowering your team to take ownership. Trust, patience, and letting go of perfectionism are key to successful delegation.
Work-Life Balance Gets Harder (Initially): New roles bring increased demands, but intentional boundaries and prioritizing personal time are crucial for maintaining focus and energy.
You Will Be Judged Differently: As a leader, your actions carry more weight. Set the tone for your team by being intentional, modeling healthy habits, and communicating effectively.
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 [email protected]
You have what it takes to lead with purpose. See you in the next episode!
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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/energyMore information about coaching services here: Work With MeFollow along on LinkedIn: (13) Karen Gombault | LinkedInEmail me at [email protected]
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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!
