#42: How Power Leaks Erode Your Influence

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Episode 42 • 9th October 2025 • Stepping Into The Arena • Karen Gombault

00:00:00 00:17:04

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When executives lose influence, it rarely happens in one dramatic crash—it fades away slowly, almost invisibly. In this episode of Stepping Into The Arena, Karen Gombault reveals the four most common ways senior leaders leak power in the first six months of a new role.

These aren’t obvious failures; they’re subtle habits that silently drain your credibility, clarity, and presence. Learn how to plug these leaks so you can lead with stronger influence, more confidence, and measurable impact from day one.

Whether you're navigating a promotion, expanded scope, or a brand-new role, this episode is your wake-up call to take back your power—before it slips away.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Old habits don’t serve new roles. Operating from your previous identity keeps you stuck in the weeds—and undermines your strategic presence.
Saying yes to everything weakens your authority. Over-accommodating others’ expectations may feel productive but signals a lack of boundaries.
Avoiding discomfort erodes leadership. Postponing hard conversations or difficult decisions chips away at your credibility and decisiveness.
Focusing on what you can’t control drains energy. Redirect attention to what’s in your lane to reclaim influence and protect your well-being.
Power leaks aren’t fixed with big moves. Small, conscious decisions restore authority—one shift at a time.

“Every time you close a leak, you reclaim a piece of your authority. You're going to walk into the room taller, your words are going to carry more weight, and you'll start to feel completely aligned with your job.” — Karen Gombault

Plugging power leaks isn’t about being perfect. Tt’s about becoming aware and choosing differently.

Start by identifying one area where your influence is slipping and commit to a single action this week. Over time, those micro-adjustments compound into massive leadership credibility.