Are You Leading or Just Managing? How Lubricants Execs Can Stand Out in Talent-Short Markets
“Leadership can be a key differentiator between status quo and market-shifting performance.” – James Moorhouse, Director, ABN Resource
The lubricants sector is no stranger to pressure. Navigating volatile commodity markets, tightening environmental regulations, shifting customer demands and geopolitical situations already require resilience. But in 2025, the real battleground is talent — and only true leaders will win.
The Talent Crunch Is Real — And It’s Not Easing
The global lubricants market is projected to reach $182 billion by 2032, growing steadily at a CAGR of 3.4% (Allied Market Research, 2024). Yet, behind the growth lies a structural challenge — talent availability.
Based on our observations and conversations with lubricants contacts over the past months, we have selected three leading themes:
- Lubricant companies say their biggest growth barrier is not technology or regulation — but leadership gaps.
- Hiring managers reported difficulty finding candidates with both technical expertise and strategic vision.
- On average 1 in 3 leadership roles remain vacant for over 6 months, stalling growth and innovation.
This isn’t a temporary glitch. It’s a systemic leadership void. And it’s calling for a new breed of executive — not just competent managers, but visionary leaders.
Are You Leading or Just Managing?
In talent-scarce environments, competence alone doesn’t cut it.
“Top talent in the U.S. market is asking bigger questions: Where is this company going? Do I align with their values? Will I grow here? Leadership that answers those questions wins,” says Britt-Anna Weir, Delivery Consultant USA.
The difference:
- Managers keep operations running. Leaders create momentum.
- Managers measure performance. Leaders multiply potential.
- Managers maintain. Leaders transform.
Nowhere is this distinction more vital than in the lubricants industry, where legacy systems, incremental change, and operational silos often stall progress. In this environment, those who embrace innovation, communicate a compelling vision, and inspire cross-functional teams are the ones who rise — and take their organisations with them.
So, take a moment to ask yourself:
Are you managing… or leading?
Five Ways to Stand Out as a Leader (Not Just a Manager)
1. Own the Narrative.
Don’t just react to change — shape it. Share your insights, lead on initiatives, and be known as the person who moves the needle. Leaders tell stories that others want to be part of.
2. Develop Leaders, Not Followers.
Building capability in your team is a top signal to employers of long-term strategic thinking. Coach, delegate meaningfully, and make leadership development part of your team’s DNA.
3. Be Visible in the Right Places.
From industry conferences to LinkedIn thought leadership, visibility builds credibility. But make it meaningful: highlight impact, not just activity. Visibility without value is noise.
4. Champion Talent Mobility.
Break down silos. Offer stretch assignments. Encourage cross-functional moves. Fluid, dynamic organisations grow faster — and leaders who fuel that growth are in high demand. “Talent retention at the expense of growth is outdated. Top execs are now talent multipliers,” says ABN’s Sabrina Panero, Delivery Consultant, Europe.
5. Communicate Vision Frequently.
People follow clarity, not complexity. Consistently reinforce the ‘why’, not just the ‘what.’ When teams understand purpose, performance follows.
Expert Advice for Lubricant Executives
💬 James Moorhouse:
“Get uncomfortable. If your leadership style hasn’t evolved since 2019, you’re behind. Engage with your team deeply, champion trust, and bring clarity of purpose.”
💬 Sabrina Panero:
“European talent is increasingly driven by impact, development, and values alignment. Leaders must communicate their vision clearly and invest in people personally.”
💬 Britt-Anna Weir:
“American execs who succeed in tight talent markets are those who personalise leadership — recognising individual motivators, providing mentorship, and celebrating wins.”
Need help building a high-performance leadership team? Contact ABN Resource for specialist recruitment and leadership advisory in the lubricants industry.
