A promotion can look like success from the outside—but for many leaders, it is the moment when everything they know about success must change.
For leadership coach Adolph Hunter, one of the biggest mistakes newly promoted leaders make is assuming the behaviours that earned them their promotion will automatically make them successful in their new role. “There’s a tendency to continue to do what they know,” Hunter explains, when leaders are actually expected to expand their perspective and bring new value.
That shift sits at the heart of effective leadership development—and it is exactly the kind of real-world insight Humans of Fuzia (HOF) brings to its global thought-leadership platform at the intersection of leadership, entrepreneurship, coaching, women empowerment and socially conscious business.
Leadership Coaching Requires a Different Lens
Hunter highlights three challenges following promotion: adapting to new expectations, rebuilding professional networks and managing former peers who are now direct reports.
His coaching approach is deliberately people-centric. Rather than imposing a formula, he helps leaders examine their unique circumstances.
“It’s about helping them understand what their specific situation is and what is unique about it because it is them, not me.”
One technique is to “zoom out” and view a problem from a different perspective—what Hunter describes as standing on a balcony and looking down at yourself. He may also ask clients to switch roles and consider how the other person sees the situation.
For coaches and small business entrepreneurs, the lesson is powerful: scalable coaching businesses still depend on deeply human understanding.
Building Authentic Visibility in 2026
Digital visibility presents another challenge. Hunter observes that today’s online environment is increasingly fragmented, with AI adding both volume and concerns around authenticity and credibility.
His solution is not to abandon digital platforms but to combine them with genuine relationships. He prioritizes in-person conversations, conferences and professional networks while maintaining a presence on LinkedIn.
He also recognizes a personal growth edge: “my biggest challenge really is to be present and consistently present in the social media, the digital side of my practice and my business.”
That tension reflects a wider 2026 reality for coaches and entrepreneurs: visibility, messaging, client acquisition and consistent content require systems—but authenticity cannot be delegated entirely to a system.
Growth Systems Start With Purpose
Hunter’s definition of growth is refreshingly different from conventional entrepreneurship metrics. “I think growth will, to me, is building more presence and visibility for the people who can really benefit from the work that I do.”
His advice is equally human: build a support network and create balance between the work that must be done and the work that energizes you.
Execution Tip
Identify one activity that consistently creates meaningful relationships—such as LinkedIn conversations, speaking opportunities or professional events—and schedule it weekly. Build the system around what genuinely connects you with your ideal clients.
Connect with Adolph Hunter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adolphhunter/
Website: adolphhunter.com
