Stepping into leadership—whether you’ve done it already or you’re prepping for that first promotion—is a wild ride. Those first 30 days, whenever they happen, are a crash course in what works and what doesn’t. I’ve been there, and looking back, there are lessons I wish I’d tattooed on my arm before day one. This isn’t just for the newbies; middle managers can reset with this, and emerging leaders can stash it for when the title lands. Here’s what I’d tell my younger self—or you—about starting strong.

For new leaders stepping into management roles, creating a healthy company culture should be at the top of your priority list. Why? Because culture isn’t just a feel-good buzzword—it’s the foundation for how your team operates, how decisions are made, and how success is achieved. A strong culture fosters trust, collaboration, and alignment, helping your team—and you as a leader—thrive.

Here’s what makes a company culture truly healthy, with examples of organizations that get it right.

Whether you’re eyeing your first promotion to lead a team or you’ve already survived those early days as a manager, the first 30 days in a leadership role are a make-or-break stretch. For new leaders and middle managers alike, it’s less about having it all figured out and more about setting a tone that sticks.

As a new leader, you may be focused on mastering processes or meeting targets—but here’s the reality: no matter how strong your plans are, they won’t succeed if your company’s culture doesn’t support them.

You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start with these five moves to set yourself—and your team—up for success.

When it’s time to step into the executive arena, preparation isn’t optional—it’s everything.

Start with your résumé. This isn’t a laundry list of roles; it’s a showcase of your leadership impact. Highlight achievements that demonstrate strategic thinking, team leadership, and measurable results. Use numbers. Executives drive outcomes, and hiring teams want proof.

New roles bring new challenges, and with them, the nagging voice that says, You don’t belong here. That’s imposter syndrome—a familiar companion for many leaders as they climb the ladder.

The first step is recognizing it. Imposter syndrome often shows up as perfectionism, fear of failure, or downplaying your achievements. It’s normal to feel out of your depth when leveling up, but it doesn’t mean you’re unqualified.

No one climbs to the top by playing it safe. Career growth requires bold moves—and the willingness to bet on yourself.

Calculated risks aren’t reckless; they’re strategic. The first step is spotting opportunities. Look for projects or roles that challenge you, expand your skill set, or get you closer to your long-term goals. If it feels uncomfortable, that’s usually a good sign.

Your network is your net worth, especially when climbing to the executive level.

Executives don’t get there alone. Relationships are the hidden force behind promotions, opportunities, and long-term success. The right connection can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about impact. Some of the most effective leaders influence without having formal authority.

To lead without a title, focus on building trust first. Trust is your greatest currency when you’re trying to inspire others. Deliver results consistently, be transparent, and show empathy. People follow leaders they believe in, not just those with power.

Executives don’t just know their own lane—they know the entire highway.

If you want to move into senior leadership, you need to understand how the pieces of the organization fit together. Finance, operations, HR, marketing—it’s all connected. And when you know how these departments work, you can make smarter decisions that benefit the whole company.

Executive presence isn’t just about what you say. It’s about how you show up.

Confidence is the cornerstone. Leaders who project confidence command attention. But confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room—it’s about being clear and composed. Know your stuff, but also know when to listen. The best leaders speak with purpose, not just to fill silence.

If you want to lead at a higher level, you need to look beyond your department. Stop thinking in silos and start asking how your work contributes to organizational goals. What’s driving revenue? What’s impacting growth? What are the biggest threats and opportunities?

Explore the key differences between managing teams and leading organizations. Understand what it takes to transition from day-to-day execution to strategic leadership and long-term impact.

Every executive starts somewhere. For most, it’s not a straight line. If you’re early in your career, managing teams, or stepping into leadership for the first time, the jump to the C-suite might feel out of reach. It’s not. You just need a plan.

Leadership is the cornerstone of organizational success, influencing everything from employee engagement to team dynamics and overall business outcomes. Yet, many organizations hesitate to invest in leadership development due to its perceived cost compared to general employee training. However, research consistently shows that leadership training is not merely an expense—it’s a strategic investment with significant returns.

Strong communication is at the heart of effective leadership. For leaders looking to make a lasting impact, developing this skill is an ongoing journey that requires intentionality and practice. By embracing strategies like seeking regular feedback, mastering active listening, and engaging in peer learning, leaders can build trust, enhance collaboration, and strengthen team connections—all critical for long-term success.

For leaders at any level, communication is more than just a skill—it’s the cornerstone of team engagement, trust, and performance. However, many leaders, especially new managers, struggle to adapt their communication styles to meet the diverse needs of their teams. This is where leadership coaching becomes a game-changer.

Leadership begins with one core skill: communication. Whether you're setting clear expectations, navigating team dynamics, or building trust, effective communication is the bedrock of successful leadership. For new leaders stepping into management roles, mastering this skill can be particularly challenging—and incredibly impactful.

Negotiation is one of the most critical skills for new leaders—but it’s also one of the easiest to mess up. The good news? Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Let’s uncover the most common negotiation blunders new leaders make and how you can avoid them. Mastering these lessons will set you apart as a confident, effective leader who knows how to advocate for their team.