Now I’m their boss and it’s awkward

You got promoted and now you manage the people you used to work alongside. It feels odd for you and for them. This episode of Career Espresso is about naming the shift early, resetting how you work together, and staying human while you do it. We'll also talk about the quiet “who does she think she is” undercurrent women can face and how to hold your ground.

What you’ll discover

• why this discomfort is normal when a peer becomes the manager
• what to say in your first 1:1 so no one is guessing
• how to step back from group chats and after-work venting without making a scene
• how to respond if a colleague goes around you to another manager
• a simple coffee-shop check-in that helps clear the air fast

Perfect for women leaders now managing former peers who want steady, practical language they can use this week. 

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges? Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.
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