Sometimes, changing roles is simply exciting, and sometimes it’s complicated. The reasons behind this wide range of responses to this change are induced by your departure conditions and the level of challenges and novelty brought by your next step.
With time, what I learned is to identify the emotions I am feeling, name these emotions, and accept them. By doing so, I know better how to navigate during this time of transition.
The fear
In my career, one of the emotions I went through was fear, which is one of the emotions we hide because we have to be bold and strong. The fear of not succeeding in a new role or feeling illegitimate induces stress, which could become possibly overwhelming. So, you have to take time for yourself and discuss with close relatives and express this fear; doing so, exposing this vulnerability will help you to overcome the situation.
From expert
This emotion surfaced when I made a lateral move without demonstrating results. How could I have shown results before even starting? It’s easy to reflect on now, but fifteen years ago, when I was transitioning from aerospace to civil engineering, I was filled with doubt and uncertainty.
At Airbus, I was a stress analysis expert for the A350, leading a team of over 40 engineers. I then moved to a small company with fewer than 40 people, leading a civil engineering office of four designers and one stress analyst. From an expert, I became almost a beginner again.
To beginner
As the engineering leader, I was accountable for maintaining and improving the economic efficiency of the design, a critical aspect for a small company. The general manager hired me to change the engineering approach and address the challenge of deploying the new compliance approach for building construction, Eurocodes. The stakes were high, and not all my colleagues accepted the general manager’s bet.
During the first months, I felt illegitimate while deploying new approaches. To convince others, I had to master both old and new methods. This emotional state made me read more and quickly learn about metallic structures in civil engineering. I checked and rechecked my work, reducing my ability to influence colleagues and guide my team. Fear is not a good advisor for managing delicate situations and developing deep relationships with your colleagues. Identifying your emotions helps you find the best approach to people.
Sadness
Sadness, this is what you can feel when you left behind your colleagues with whom you have developed strong bonds. The Aerospace industry is exceptionally demanding, and without passion, you cannot strive for success. Long days and hours, high stress in the different phases of the programs, incredible joy and pride when you are part of the team that creates and develops an airplane. And you are here the first time it became airborne. You are stopping working for a business segment you were dreaming of working in. Since childhood, I have never stopped watching the sky and dreaming about airplanes and their associated magic. I left behind what I thought would be my lifelong company.
Eventually, I enjoyed this turn in my career. I discovered the agricultural world, where cutting-edge technology integrates physics, mechanics, electronics, data, and agronomy to create a highly complex, customer-centric, and financially driven environment from suppliers to farmers. I collaborated with passionate colleagues, and together, we focused on making a positive impact on the business by keeping the environment as one key driver.
What have I rediscovered with my current company, Michelin? A company with a vision for the future, a passion for customers and products, and a strong history.
Passion
The passion exists and flourishes also in other areas and functions. I learned about the inherent complexity of a premium tire manufacturer, which involves an intricate supply chain and manufacturing capabilities to serve customers worldwide with consistent quality and standards. This requires a sophisticated system to support operations, including industry, marketing, supply chain, global logistics, high-quality standards, and services. Additionally, this complexity extends to all associated financial flows.
Pride and joy
On the human side, you build new relationships that are as strong as the ones you left. Six years after my start, I can testimony that I went through a similar level of pride and joy when we won a new large contract. Or when we solved a complex problem, or completed a delicate and highly complex project such as divestment. No matter how deep and strong the bond you made in your past position, if you are open to change and open to people you will enjoy in a new environment with a similar level of joy,
Do not keep the emotions within you; name them and let them flow through you. Doing so will help you transition to your new step.
Most of the time, if we take the time to identify and name our emotions, we will understand their root cause and uncover that they are just natural reactions to the unknown.
Question: What emotions did you feel during your career transition, and how did you manage them?
Reading: I cannot recommend anything less than reading Atlas of the Heart by Brene. Brown.https://brenebrown.com/book/atlas-of-the-heart/ Emotions are described to help you identify them, understand where they are coming from, and how to deal with them. It’s one of the best books I read in the last decade.
Return to main article : How can we be ready to change role?
🛠️ Three simple actions to welcome change
Name the emotion as soon as it appears
When you feel fear, sadness, or doubt rising, take 30 seconds to name it clearly: “I feel fear,” “I feel sadness,” “I feel illegitimate.”
Putting a word on it already reduces its power and helps you understand what’s truly happening.
Share your vulnerability with someone you trust
Choose someone — a friend, a colleague, a mentor, and tell them what you’re experiencing.
This simple act creates breathing space. It helps you step out of emotional isolation and regain perspective.
It’s often the moment when fear stops being paralyzing.
Refocus your energy on learning rather than immediate performance
In a new role, accept that you won’t be an expert on day one.
Set yourself one simple goal: learn something concrete each week.
This reduces pressure, builds confidence, and keeps you from falling into the trap of “I must master everything right now.”
👉 These three simple actions strengthen your leadership posture and unlock your potential.