Leadership in Transition: Playbook for Executives Facing Career Pivots

From Star Performer to Struggling Manager: My Wake-Up Call

A few years in my career, I was crushing it as a top individual contributor. Exceeding targets, earning recognition, fast-tracked for promotion. Management felt like the natural next step—a reward for excellence.

Three months into my first leadership role, I was drowning.

The Brutal Reality: Success Patterns That Suddenly Stop Working

What got me promoted was precisely what made me ineffective as a leader. My perfectionist drive, my need to control every detail, my habit of being the go-to problem solver—these strengths became my biggest obstacles.

The Three Critical Shifts That Changed Everything:

Mindset Transformation: From "How can I do this better?" to "How can I enable others to excel?" This wasn't just delegation—it was a fundamental rewiring of how I defined success.

Communication Evolution: Stopped giving answers and started asking questions. The shift from being the smartest person in the room to being the one who helps others discover their own brilliance.

Energy Redirection: From optimizing my own output to amplifying team potential. I learned that my job wasn't to be the best performer anymore—it was to create the conditions for everyone else to perform at their best.

Real Results in Action:

• Sarah: Transformed from overwhelmed team lead to confident director in 4 months

• Marcus: Evolved from micromanaging supervisor to trusted strategic partner

• Lisa: Shifted from burnout-bound high achiever to inspiring team builder

The Leadership Secret Nobody Talks About:

Your greatest strength as an individual contributor often becomes your biggest blind spot as a leader. The courage to unlearn what made you successful is what separates good managers from transformational leaders.

Ready to Make the Leap? If you're facing this transition or know someone who is, start with one question: "What would success look like if it wasn't about me anymore?"

Share your own leadership transition moment below—what surprised you most about the shift?

Martina Mazzoni, Principal, The Council & Senior Consultant, LYC Partners