Enough Is Enough: New Leaders Deserve Better
Why I’m So Passionate About Coaching and Training New Leaders
By Karen Davey – KDLCoaching
"Coaching isn’t about fixing leaders—it’s about guiding good people to lead with confidence, competence, clarity, and heart from the very beginning." — Karen Davey
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve witnessed it:
A good, hardworking person is promoted to a leadership role—excited, proud, hopeful—only to be left feeling completely unprepared, uncertain and overwhelmed.
And sadly, it happens far too often.
I’ve watched this happen over and over again throughout my professional career. New leaders walk into their roles without the tools, structure, or support they need. They’re handed a new title and a new set of responsibilities, but not always the guidance to match. And while they might smile on the outside, inside they’re second-guessing every decision, battling imposter syndrome, and wondering if they’re really cut out for leadership at all.
This has become one of the most common patterns I’ve seen in the modern workplace:
People with incredible potential being promoted based on their technical strengths, but then expected to just know how to lead people, navigate difficult conversations, and inspire performance—without being trained how to do it.
And honestly, I find that heartbreaking.
Because I know how much leadership can shape a person—not just professionally, but personally. The early experiences of leadership matter. A lot. If someone’s first leadership experience is filled with stress, self-doubt, and a lack of direction, it can impact the way they lead (and feel about leading) for years to come.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
That’s why I’m so passionate about working with new and emerging leaders.
Because I know what’s possible when the right support is there from the beginning.
I believe every new leader deserves to feel confident and capable - not confused and isolated. They should feel strong in who they are, clear about how to communicate with others, and skilled in creating a positive culture that people want to be a part of. They deserve to lead with authenticity, strength, and a calm sense of self.
And it’s not just about making their own journey better - it’s about creating a ripple effect.
When a leader feels supported, their team feels it too. The workplace becomes more productive, more inclusive, and more connected.
People perform better. Relationships improve. Challenges are navigated with more ease. And that all starts with investing in leadership development early.
This is why I do what I do.
It’s why I created my leadership program, Take Your Lead—and why I’ve since expanded it into Accelerate to Excellence. I wanted to create a space where new leaders can be seen, heard, understood, and truly developed—not just trained in tasks, but grown as people.
Because leadership is about more than strategy and skills.
✅It’s about people: How well do you really know yourself and others, including people who are not like you? This knowledge is crucial to authentic and impactful leadership, and knowing how to implement this into your leadership role to create the most effective, positive outcomes for everyone.
✅It’s about behaviour: We all have a natural behaviour style - our go-to in more normal situations. How do you behave in your role as a leader, compared to how you behaved in your role as a team member, maybe when the people you worked alongside are now the very people you lead? Going from peer to leader requires an adustment, as well as balancing your personal authenticity in order to keep the trust.
✅It’s about who you are when things get hard, how you navigate that — and how you bring out the best in others: We also have an adjusted behaviour style - our go-to during times of stress or when we're under pressure. So, where do you go and where does your team go during times of stress?
I believe we can build a future of workplaces led by great people doing great things. But that starts with conscious, well-supported leadership from day one.
So if you’re a new leader or you’re supporting someone who is, then know this:
It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being open to growth, learning how to lead with purpose, and stepping into a role that can truly change lives—including your own.
Let’s make sure that change is a positive one.
Let’s give our new leaders the best possible start.
To enquire about Accelerate to Excellence, the program specialising in new and emerging leader development, CLICK HERE and let's talk
.About the Author
I’m Karen Davey, founder and CEO of KDL Coaching – Leadership & Workplace Solutions. I help leaders develop confidence, resilience, build advanced communication skills and a strong awareness of human behaviours, so they will enjoy an enhanced Leadership experience and are strongly positioned to build positive workplace cultures. My coaching integrates personal growth with professional leadership skills, ensuring leaders feel empowered, capable, and fulfilled in their roles.
If you're ready to step into authentic leadership with clarity and confidence, head on over to KDLCoaching.com.au and let's connect!
