In this final episode of the From Buddy to Boss series, we step back and look at the four major shifts every new leader has to navigate: identity, relationships, responsibility, and expectations. And instead of covering everything, we focus on the two ideas in each category that tend to shape a new leader the fastest.

We talk about how imposter syndrome isn’t a flaw but a sign you’re standing between two versions of yourself, and why honoring those internal nudges toward leadership is part of growing into the role. We revisit the “pool” metaphor and unpack how teams naturally push back when your role changes, and why friendships don’t disappear when you become a leader.

Then we get practical about responsibility: why leadership isn’t about doing the work anymore but cultivating the conditions for others to do it well, and why credibility, not perfection, is the real currency. We close with the expectation that's easy to miss but is always there: you’re expected to help things get better. We explore what growth actually means, how to learn the business you’re part of, and why your development becomes growth for your team.

This final episode is honest, encouraging, and a reminder that leadership is built through small choices that add up over time, and that this is how you become a leader.