At Atlas Copco Group, empowering people to thrive through trust, inclusion, and a growth mindset is at the heart of our culture. Our innovation is fueled by passionate people committed to growing and reaching their full potential. In this episode, Cecilia Sandberg, Head of HR for Atlas Copco Group, is joined by Jessica Clarke, Group VP Talent & Learning, to explore what transitions are, why they are so difficult, and how we can navigate through them.

Change is everywhere - new technologies, reorganizations, hybrid work models, shifting customer expectations. Yet, research shows that 70% of change initiatives still fail - not because the strategies are wrong, but because the transition isn’t supported. As Jessica shares, “It’s the human side that makes or breaks it.” The conversation unpacks the psychology of transitions, shines a spotlight on the “Neutral Zone” as defined by the William Bridges model of transitions, and offers practical ways to accelerate through it using behaviors rooted in collaboration, curiosity, experimentation, and resilience.

Change is the external event, while transition is the internal process. Change is the new job title; transition is adjusting to new responsibilities and identity. The Neutral Zone - the messy middle between the old and the new - is both challenging and full of possibility. It’s where real growth and innovation happen, but also where most transitions fail if not supported. Leaders and individuals alike are encouraged to normalize this phase, create forums for questions and reflection, celebrate micro-wins, and protect time for learning and feedback.

As the episode concludes, the message is clear: understanding transitions isn’t just a leadership skill - it’s a life skill. Supporting transitions is mission critical; when people feel guided through the Neutral Zone, they emerge stronger, more adaptable, and more aligned with the new beginning. Cecilia sums it up: “Change is the event. Transition is the journey. And it’s in that journey that growth happens.”

Tune in to discover why the supporting transitions is not a “nice to have” but it’s mission critical. When people feel guided through the Neutral Zone, they emerge stronger, more adaptable, and more aligned with the new beginning. Listen to the episode here.