Why Even Successful Lubricants Leaders Feel Stuck — And What To Do About It
By the time you reach a senior position in the lubricants industry, you’ve probably ticked most of the boxes: impressive title, solid salary, industry respect. Yet, for all your success, there’s a creeping feeling you can’t shake.
You’re frustrated. Underutilised. Maybe even bored.
But change? That can be daunting.
You’re not alone.
The Unspoken Plateau
In our conversations with seasoned executives, one theme keeps surfacing: “I’ve done everything I was supposed to do, but I’m not where I thought I’d be.”
According to ABN Resource’s 2024 Lubricants Talent Survey, 40% of senior and mid-management professionals in the lubricants sector report feeling disengaged, despite holding higher-level roles. And yet, almost half say they would not consider a new opportunity unless it ‘fell into their lap.’
Why? Because at this stage, risk feels bigger.
You’ve built a career on stability, reputation, and sector knowledge. Making a leap — even for something better — feels like jumping out of a well-oiled machine into untested terrain.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: staying stuck is also a risk.
Comfortable is not safe
Markets shift. Company priorities change. Consolidation continues. The lubricants sector is evolving faster than it has in decades, with changes in technology, customer habits, geopolitical & economic issues, and generational workforce shifts.
Professionals who sit still in 2025 risk becoming invisible. Skills that made you successful 10 years ago may not keep you relevant tomorrow.
And here’s the kicker: many senior roles are no longer posted. They’re often confidential and created for the right person. That’s a game you can’t play from the sidelines.
A New Lens on Change
Instead of seeing a career change as a gamble, what if you saw it as a strategy?
Leaders who thrive long-term aren’t the ones who hold on the tightest; they’re the ones who adapt with intention. They stay curious. They reflect. They ask: What am I building?
At ABN Resource, we regularly speak with people who were convinced they had to choose between success and fulfilment — until they discovered they didn’t.
One placed senior executive recently told us, “I wasn’t actively looking. I just wanted to talk to someone who understood the space I was in. That conversation changed everything.”
It started with a confidential, no-pressure conversation, and it turned into the most energising role of their career.
3 Questions to Ask Yourself Today
If you’re feeling stuck but hesitant to take action, start small. Ask:
- Am I proud of the impact I’m making — or just maintaining?
- What would I do differently if I weren’t afraid?
- Who am I talking to that truly understands my sector and level?
You don’t need to update your CV or post on LinkedIn to start moving forward. Sometimes, the smartest next step is simply talking to someone who sees around corners you can’t.
Final Thought: You’ve already proven yourself in the lubricants industry. The next chapter isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters. When you’re ready to explore what’s next, the right conversations with the ABN Resource team can make all the difference.
