ABNews Monthly Recap: Leadership Feeling Stuck. Now What?
You’ve earned the title. The salary. The industry respect.
So why are so many lube industry leaders feel stuck with their careers?
If you’re a senior leader in the lubricants industry feeling a bit unfulfilled — you’re not alone. At ABN Resource, we talk to executives every week who are respected, rewarded, but dissatisfied with the trajectory and speed of career development.
“I’ve done everything I was supposed to do… but I’m not where I thought I’d be.”
This quote keeps surfacing in our conversations — and it’s backed by data.
According to our Lubricants Talent Report 2024, 40% of mid-to-senior professionals report feeling disengaged. Yet almost half say they wouldn’t actively look for a new opportunity.
Why? Because executive leaders in top jobs are working longer, creating less upward mobility. And risk of moving elsewhere feels bigger when you’ve already achieved so much.
But staying stuck is also a risk. Especially now, when the lubricants industry is changing fast:
- Tech and digital shifts are accelerating.
- M&A activity continues to reshape the playing field.
- Customer demands are changing the way companies work.
- And talent? It’s harder to find — and keep — than ever.
Your next step doesn’t have to be public. It can start with a private chat >>.
Summer Job Searching: Hit or Miss?
You’ve heard the myth: “No one hires in summer.”
But our consultants say: Now is your advantage.
Why?
- Fewer candidates = more visibility
- Strategic roles in leadership, sales, and technical specialities stay active
- Companies want talent in place before Q4
- Discreet roles are opening — and you could be perfect
Use this season to reset, refocus, and explore. And if you need some additional assistance in your job search, leave us a message >> and we will get back to you!
You might also check out our job highlights from June:
2025 Lubricants Talent Survey Is Live!
Real change in the lubricants industry doesn’t happen by chance — it starts with insight. And that insight starts with you.
The Lubricants Talent Survey is now live. In this 4th edition we’re trying to go bigger and dive deeper into data than ever!
We’re exploring:
- What today’s professionals really want
- Urgent skills gaps holding teams back
- How talent is evolving — and critical skills for the future
All respondees are anonymous, and your input will shape the next Lubricants Talent Report, trusted by companies and professionals across the globe to guide hiring, culture, and strategy.
As a thank you, three participants will be chosen to select a charity donation from ABN Resource — a chance to make a difference beyond the survey.
Because real insight starts with you, and the future of our industry depends on what we learn together.
Don’t Miss This at Lubricants Expo Europe
ABN Resource is returning as official sponsors of Lubricants Expo Europe for another year, which you can register for free here >> — and we’re bringing the big conversations to the stage.
Session Title: Human Resource in Metalworking Fluids
Speakers: James Moorhouse (ABN Resource) & Bart Zwitser (TotalEnergies)
This session tackles one of the sector’s toughest challenges:
How do you attract — and keep — top technical talent in metalworking fluids?
Metalworking demands deep, specialist expertise that takes years to build… but is hard to retain.
James and Bart will explore:
- Why many companies struggle to keep experienced staff
- The hidden blockers to internal growth and development
- How smart structures and growth culture turn retention into a strategic advantage
Join us at Lubricants Expo Europe for a conversation that puts people — and performance — at the heart of your business strategy. See you there!
