Taking on a broader mandate at VP or SVP level is rarely accompanied by clear operational boundaries. The remit expands, visibility increases, and expectations accumulate often faster than they are explicitly discussed.
In the early phase, scope is shaped less by formal agreement and more by behavior.
Leaders make themselves available.
They absorb unresolved issues.
They step into gaps to keep momentum and avoid disruption.
Over time, those choices define the role as much as the job description does.
In this episode of Grounded and Aligned™, Karen Gombault examines what needs to be decided early when responsibility increases — before workload, availability, and accountability become assumed rather than intentional.
Karen looks at
- How expanded scope is often established through early responsiveness rather than explicit mandate
- Why boundaries at VP–SVP level are rarely clarified unless the leader clarifies them
- The effect of sustained availability on judgment and decision quality as volume increases
- Why effectiveness at senior level depends on maintaining capacity outside the role
- How postponing delegation keeps senior leaders in execution longer than the role requires
From the episode:
“No one is going to set a boundary for you. If you say yes, people will take advantage of your time.” - Karen Gombault
Senior roles usually become difficult through accumulation, not crisis.
Small, reasonable decisions made early tend to define the long-term operating model of the role.
At this level, leadership is demonstrated less by responsiveness and more by discernment, particularly around scope, ownership, and what no longer is of your responsibility.
Use this link to book your 2026 Atelier call before Jan. 31, 2026: https://calendly.com/kareng-coaching/introduction
Next steps
If you are stepping into a larger remit, or recognising that your current role has expanded beyond what was originally agreed, a short Executive Pulse Call can help you take stock of where expectations need to be clarified.
Fifteen minutes.
One current situation.
Clear perspective on scope, boundaries, and delegation.
🧭 Book an Executive Pulse Call
https://calendly.com/kareng-coaching/executive-pulse
☕ Grounded and Aligned™ Daily Coffee Chat
Concise weekday reflections on senior leadership, expanded mandates, and executive decision-making.
https://www.karengombault.com/offers/wuqAChoZ/checkout
🤝 Connect on LinkedIn
Follow Karen’s writing on senior leadership roles, authority, and sustainable scope.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengombault/
