President's Column - September 2025
Hello Members and Industry Friends,
It’s been six months since I stepped into a new role and relocated with my family to Switzerland. Half a year sounds short when you say it out loud, but when you live it day by day, it’s packed with moments of challenge, growth and reflection.
People often ask, “How’s it going?” And depending on the day or even the hour, the answer can vary widely. There are times when I genuinely feel like I’m crushing it, like I’m really starting to hit my stride and contribute in a meaningful way. And then, just as often, there are moments when I feel like I’m in way over my head.
It’s been a humbling transition. In this role, I’m reminded daily of how much I still have to learn but encouraged when I take a minute to recognize I just led a meeting on a topic I hadn’t even heard of six months ago. That can be intimidating, but it’s also incredibly energizing. There’s something rewarding about gaining enough understanding to speak with confidence on unfamiliar subjects, to connect the dots. I still do a lot of listening, (that should never stop) and I take A LOT of notes. I’m one of those that writing it out helps it register in my head. I currently go through a journal style notebook per month. This does not include the daily “scratch” notes where I’m jotting down an email address or figure to remember. One thing I have recognized that I have improved greatly on is asking questions. I no longer hesitate or hold back on asking a questions because “it’s a stupid question” or more likely, not asking because of feeling that I should know the answer. No more fear of this. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve asked to confirm what an acronym stands for!
One of the more surprising challenges has been figuring out exactly where my responsibilities begin and end. I’m learning what falls squarely on my shoulders and what needs to be escalated. There’s power in having a voice and being expected to use it, but also a new kind of pressure in knowing that some decisions stop with me. I do still have people above me, of course, and I’m supported by a strong team, but that doesn’t change the weight that comes with increased accountability. I made plenty of decisions in my previous role, but this is another level. And yes, at times, it’s scary.
There’s also the matter of expectations. When we first arrived in Switzerland, everything was new. New role, new country, new schools for the kids, new routines for our family. Understandably, those early months came with a bit of grace. People around me were supportive and patient, knowing I had a lot to manage, personally and professionally. And I was grateful for that. But now, six months in, we’re settled. The boxes are unpacked. The daily commute is familiar. The GPS stays in my pocket a little more often. And with that new stability comes something else: expectations. Not spoken outright, but definitely felt.
The truth is, the pressure I feel now is not coming from anyone else (for the moment). It’s internal. A voice inside that says, “Okay, now it’s time to deliver. You’ve had your adjustment period, let’s see the results.” I’m fairly certain this is the textbook definition of stress. And I’d bet I’m not alone in feeling it.
So how do we deal with it? I think, like many, I’ve tried to manage it in a few different ways. There’s the temptation to just put your head down and grind. To power through the workload, the meetings, the inbox. But if you go that route too hard, for too long, burnout shows up quickly and so does a short temper and disconnection from the very people you’re supposed to be leading and supporting.
On the flip side, if you try to disengage too much, to take your mind off the pressure, you can start to feel like you’re falling behind. That you’re not giving it your all. That nagging voice of guilt creeps in and says, “You can do more.”
I certainly don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I do think the key, at least for me, is balance. I’m certainly not breaking any new ground with that approach; that’s true for most things in life: work, relationships, food, exercise, screen time. “Everything in moderation,” as the saying goes.
And so that’s what I’m trying to do. To stay engaged and focused, without being consumed. To take time with my family, to enjoy this beautiful place we now call home, and to recharge when needed without feeling like I’m letting anyone down. I’m trying to lead with energy, empathy and curiosity, even on the days when I feel like I’m faking it a little, or a lot.
And when the pressure builds, I try to remember that it’s actually a good thing in a way. I don’t know where the saying comes from and I used to joke with my golf buddies when I had a big putt to make that “Pressure is a privilege,” and I do believe it to be true. It’s a sign that you have done something to be in an important spot. Maybe a good approach shot and you need to sink the putt or deliver quarterly results. It means I care, that I want to succeed, I want to contribute, to support my team, and to make a positive impact. That kind of pressure is indeed a privilege. Not everyone gets to feel it.
There’s also something grounding about being in Switzerland. When the stress feels like too much, there are few better places in the world to get outside and clear your head. Whether it’s a walk through the old town, a bike ride around the lake or a hike in the nearby mountains, there’s beauty here that helps put things into perspective. Nature has a way of reminding us that the world is bigger than our inboxes.
Of course, I’m still learning. Every single day. And I hope I always am. I don’t ever want to get to a point where I think I’ve got it all figured out. That’s when growth stops. What I do want is to continue gaining confidence, on my role, on our goals, on where I can bring the most value.
So to those reading this who are also in leadership roles or just navigating transitions of your own, I’ll say this: it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to feel unsure. It’s okay to have days when you feel on top of the world, and others when you question everything. That’s part of the process. The important thing is to keep going. To stay connected to your purpose, to your people and to your principles.
Six months in, I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come. And I’m excited (and yes, a little nervous) to see what the next six months will bring.
Rob has 27 years of experience at Bobst, one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries. He currently serves as Tooling Director.
Rob is based in Switzerland, with his wife Monica and their children, Leo and Manuela. His older son, Khai is engaged and remains living in New Jersey. Rob enjoys camping and cooking as well as being a full time chauffer to hockey and swimming practices.
He is proof that being one of those “take it apart and see how it works” kind of guys can lead you to a wonderful career, meeting new people and experiencing the world.
The President's Column appears in The Cutting Edge, the IADD's monthly magazine.
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