Turning change into opportunity: How job rotation shaped Ryan’s career

Learning to see the opportunity behind change 

Looking back on his twelve years at Valmet, Ryan explains that his early job changes were mainly about responding to what the department needed. Over time, each transition became a chance to step out of his comfort zone. Moving from production planning to assembly planning supervision, from workshop leadership to shipping coordination, he learned that change is a normal part of working life. He also discovered that the more flexible his mindset, the faster he could adapt. 

Through these lateral moves, Ryan began to see that career growth is not only about moving upward but also about broadening experience and skills. He realized that when personal growth aligns with business needs, each role change brings unique value. 

His promotion to Preassembly and Packing Manager happened during a period of organizational transition, when some teams had temporary gaps in leadership. The recognition from the company and his managers brought both excitement and responsibility. Now leading a team of nearly sixty people — twice as large as any team he led before — he sees the role as a challenge that continues to push him to grow. 

How new roles strengthened his skills 

With a background in planning, Ryan views planning ability as a core strength. For him, planning includes breaking down goals, coordinating resources, and thinking ahead. 

When he first joined the shipping team, without previous logistics experience, he quickly sought help from experienced colleagues and collaborated across departments. Through a combination of involving key people, delegating tasks, and communicating efficiently, he built a strong understanding of the new area in a short time. 

Ryan believes communication is the universal skill that connects all roles. Whether he is stepping outside his comfort zone as an introvert or building trust by recognizing his team’s strengths, communication is at the center. He sees it as “exchanging sincerity for trust.” These transferable skills have allowed him to move smoothly between very different positions. 

His experience across assembly, packaging, shipping, and process development has given him a clear view of the full operational chain — an important asset in his current role. 

Ryan believes communication is the universal skill that connects all roles.

Seeing the bigger picture 

One of the biggest benefits of job rotation has been a shift in perspective. Earlier in his career, Ryan focused mostly on the KPIs and efficiency of his own department. Today, with responsibilities across shipping, packaging, and union affairs, he pays more attention to how different parts of the process connect and depend on each other. 

As he explains, “Now it’s no longer just about doing well in my department. It’s about becoming the central hub that connects different parts of the chain.” 

This broader outlook comes from working across the company’s operational flow and reflecting on how to create value both personally and organizationally. Ryan believes that when managers look beyond their own area, they understand that job rotation is not only about developing skills but also about supporting a healthy and collaborative organizational environment. 

As one of Valmet’s youngest production managers, he continues to sharpen his thinking and develop the capabilities needed for the role. 

Growth happens when you take the first step 

In a time of rapid organizational change, Ryan’s journey shows that change is not something to fear. Real progress comes from having an open mindset, building strong and transferable skills, and developing a holistic view of the organization. 

As he puts it, “The unchosen paths are all imagination; every grounded step is real growth.”