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.

• 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.

"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."

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 [email protected]

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!

In this episode, Karen Gombault shares why consistency—not perfection—is the key to achieving sustainable weight loss and wellness goals. With practical strategies and empowering mindset shifts, learn how small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful, long-lasting results.

1. Consistency defined: It’s the practice of repeating actions regularly over time to build stability and habits.  It’s not about perfection but about steady, flexible effort that adds up to progress.   

2. The Power of the 80/20 rule: Focus 80% of your effort on healthy choices and allow 20% flexibility.  This balanced approach makes health goals sustainable without feeling restrictive.   

3. Celebrate every wins: Small choices, like taking the stairs or drinking more water, build momentum.  Celebrating these wins reinforces your belief that progress is achievable.   

4. Overcoming obstacles to consistency:  Avoid perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, and guilt around setbacks.  Use self-compassion to reframe mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.

5. Accountability and reflection: Partner with someone to check in on your goals or join a challenge.  Take time weekly to reflect on your progress, celebrate wins, and plan adjustments.

Start small. Choose one health-supporting habit to focus on this week—whether it’s adding more protein to your meals, drinking more water, or taking a short daily walk. Reflect on your progress and celebrate your wins.   

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengombaultcoaching/ 
• Exclusive podcast series & Success Accelerator Guide: https://www.karengombault.com/privatepodcast  
• Website: https://www.karengombault.com 

In today’s episode, Karen shares strategies to navigate the holiday season without sacrificing your health or weight loss goals. This episode is packed with weight loss tips and practical planning advice, especially for working women facing unique challenges in balancing career, social events, and wellness goals.  

"Winging it is not a strategy—whether for weight loss or maintaining your results. A little planning goes a long way toward making your health goals achievable, even through the busiest seasons." 

1. Why Planning Matters for Weight Loss and Maintenance 
2. Discover how planning ahead sets you up for success, helping you avoid impulse choices, minimize stress, and stay on track with your health goals during busy periods like the holidays. 
3. Setting Clear, Achievable Health and Wellness Goals 
4. Karen walks you through setting realistic goals for January 1st, including weight loss, energy levels, and stress management, ensuring you enter the new year feeling confident and accomplished. 
5. Building Your “Why” for Motivation 
6. Define why your health and weight goals matter, and use this motivation to power through challenging situations. Karen recommends identifying ten strong reasons that keep you focused. 
7. Creating a Flexible Action Plan for Success 
8. From simple meal prep strategies to scheduling consistent exercise, Karen shares her own planning techniques that keep wellness manageable, even with a demanding career. 
9. How to Anticipate and Overcome Challenges 
10. The holiday season is full of potential obstacles—social gatherings, travel, and last-minute schedule changes. Learn how to plan ahead, navigate events, and stay in control of your choices without feeling deprived. 

Whether you're in a weight loss journey or focused on maintaining your results, this episode offers a structured, practical approach to navigating the holiday season. Karen’s insight is particularly valuable for high-achieving women who need efficient, sustainable strategies that fit their busy lifestyle.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengombaultcoaching/ 
• Exclusive podcast series & Success Accelerator Guide: https://www.karengombault.com/privatepodcast  
• Website: https://www.karengombault.com

In today’s episode, Karen dives into the second part of her “Conference Thriving” series, focusing on strategies to keep your energy high and your health intact during busy conferences. Following last week’s episode on food-related strategies, this episode emphasizes wellness aspects like sleep, hydration, movement, and intentional downtime. Karen shares personal stories and practical tips to help you leave your next conference feeling refreshed, balanced, and motivated rather than depleted. 

1. Set Daily Intentions: Define your objective for each day, whether it’s networking, gathering ideas, or making and building key connections. Having a clear intention keeps you grounded, focused and maximizes the value of your experience. 
2. Manage Social Overload: Conferences are packed with social opportunities, which can be overwhelming. Karen, an introvert herself, shares tips to recharge quickly and effectively so you can engage without depleting all your energy. 
3. Prioritize Sleep and Hydration: Ensure that rest and hydration are non-negotiables, helping you avoid burnout and maintain mental clarity. Set a bedtime and stay mindful of alcohol to ensure lasting energy. 
4. Get Your Steps In: Use movement to counter long hours of sitting, whether it’s a morning treadmill session, short walk breaks, or “walking meetings” with colleagues. Small activities can make a big difference in your stamina. 
5. Build in Downtime: Schedule intentional moments of rest to decompress and process the day’s activities. This can help you avoid burnout and stay present for the most meaningful parts of the conference. 

Karen shares a personal experience from 2019, when a packed travel schedule led her to fall seriously ill at a conference, a wake-up call that motivated her to prioritize wellness in her travels. This story underscores the importance of staying intentional and mindful in high-stress environments.  

Be sure to listen to Conference Thriving Part 1 on managing food choices at events. Until next time, keep taking powerful, aligned action toward your goals! 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengombaultcoaching/ 
• Exclusive podcast series & Success Accelerator Guide: https://www.karengombault.com/privatepodcast  
• Website: https://www.karengombault.com 

In today’s episode, we’re tackling the challenges of staying healthy and energized while attending a conference. For many executive women, conferences bring excitement but also worry about how to manage food choices, maintain energy, and keep up with wellness goals. This episode offers a collection of strategies that empower you to thrive, not just survive, at your next conference.

I’ve titled this episode "Conference Thriving" because I want to help you feel in control and empowered, so you can enjoy each day without worry.

This is Part 1, where we’ll focus on the food and eating element, which is often the biggest challenge. In Part 2, we’ll dive into other wellness strategies to help you stay balanced and thriving throughout the conference.

1. Be Mindful of Sugar and Simple Carbs 
2. Avoid the blood sugar spikes and crashes that can leave you drained. Instead, balance your carbs with protein or healthy fats to keep your energy steady and your mind focused. 
3. Stay Attuned to Hunger Cues 
4. Resist the temptation to eat just because food is there. Tune into your hunger signals to avoid overeating and feel energized all day long. 
5. Preview the Meal Options 
6. Plan ahead by checking the menu or buffet spread and create balance across your meals. Proactive choices let you stay on track without feeling deprived. 
7. Stick to a Three-Part Plate 
8. Use the Harvard plate as your guide: fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with complex carbs to stay satisfied and avoid the post-meal slump. 
9. Bring Portable Protein and Healthy Fats 
10. While I don’t recommend snacking as a norm, having some protein or healthy fats on hand as a last resort can help you avoid less balanced choices when options are limited. 

Room service can also be a great fallback if you need a quieter meal or better balance than the conference meals provide. 

If you’re ready to take your health and wellness to the next level, I invite you to join my “8 Pounds Down in 8 Weeks” Challenge starting November 1st. This program is designed to make sustainable weight loss feel achievable, not restrictive. Registration is open until October 31st at midnight. This is the only episode where I’ll be mentioning it, so consider this your exclusive invitation. More details below. 

• Private Podcast Series : https://www.karengombault.com/privatepodcast 
• Harvard Plate: Healthy Eating Plate – The Nutrition Source 
• Sign up for the 8 Pounds Down in 8 Weeks Challenge: www.karengombault.com/8weeks8pounds

Are you ready to lose weight and feel more in control, even during the holiday season? In today’s episode, I introduce the 8 Pounds Down in 8 Weeks Challenge and explain why now is the perfect time to start. You’ll learn how this program is designed to help you lose weight while building lasting habits and shifting your mindset for long-term success. I’ll also share why starting your weight loss journey during the holidays is key to mastering your health for the rest of the year. If you’re ready to enter the New Year already feeling lighter, stronger, and more confident, this episode is for you. 

1. The 8 Pounds Down in 8 Weeks Challenge helps you lose weight during the toughest time of the year, ensuring lasting results. 
2. You’ll build habits and mindset shifts that make weight loss effortless and sustainable for the long term. 
3. Starting now, during the holidays, sets you up for success in 2024 and beyond—if you can handle the hardest season, the rest will feel easy. 
4. Waiting for the “right time” is like trying to drive uphill without pressing the gas—progress becomes harder the longer you wait. 

Sign up for the 8 Pounds Down in 8 Weeks Challenge at www.karengombault.com/8weeks8pounds 

In today’s episode of Weight Loss for Female Executives Who Travel, we’re tackling a question that so many women wrestle with: To weigh or not to weigh? 

The scale is often seen as the ultimate measure of progress in a weight loss journey, but is it the right tool to focus on? How frequently should you weigh yourself, if at all? Today, I’ll be sharing my personal perspective on weighing, how I use it with my clients, and when the scale can be helpful—or harmful—depending on your relationship with it. 

• The scale is a tool, but it doesn’t define your worth or dictate your day. 
• Building a neutral relationship with the scale allows you to treat it as one data point among many, rather than giving it the power to influence your mood or actions. 
• I share my personal approach of weighing three times a week, and how I use the scale as a positive reinforcement for my goals—without obsessing over daily fluctuations. 
• We explore when the scale is useful for tracking long-term trends and how it can help you understand your body's patterns, but also discuss when it’s time to take a break from weighing. 
• Learn how to apply a mindset model to shift your thoughts about the scale, moving from emotional reactions to logical, empowered choices. 

Action Step: Reflect on your current relationship with the scale. Are your thoughts about the number leading to frustration or self-doubt? Consider taking a break from weighing yourself for a few weeks and focusing on other ways to measure progress. Approach the scale with curiosity, not judgment. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengombaultcoaching/ 
• Exclusive podcast series & Success Accelerator Guide: https://www.karengombault.com/privatepodcast  
• Website: https://www.karengombault.com 

In today’s episode of “Weight Loss for Female Executives Who Travel”, we dive into a critical yet simple concept: the truth. Progress in your weight loss journey begins with being honest with yourself—about your habits, your mindset, and the choices you make every single day. I’ll guide you through the importance of self-compassion and responsibility, how to develop self-awareness without judgment, and the power you have to consciously shape your actions for lasting success. 

If you're ready to break free from the cycles that are holding you back, this episode is for you. 

- Why honesty is the foundation of lasting weight loss. 

- How to observe your habits without judgment to create real change. 

- The power of choice in your journey to permanent transformation. 

- Simple, actionable steps to move from autopilot habits to conscious decisions.

"Progress starts with being honest with yourself. It’s not about perfection, it’s about making conscious choices that align with your goals." – Karen Gombault

Choose one habit you've been struggling with and for the next week, consciously decide whether to engage in that habit or not. Each time it comes up, pause and make a deliberate decision.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengombaultcoaching/ 
• Exclusive podcast series & Success Accelerator Guide: https://www.karengombault.com/privatepodcast  
• Website: https://www.karengombault.com