CHICAGO — For career-driven individuals, a rewarding professional moment can come in the form of a promotion or being trusted to take on new projects and lead teams. These advancements can also come with their own set of challenges to navigate through, as the transition from peer to leader on teams brings a new set of expectations.
Trade Show Executive (TSE) wanted to get some first-hand advice and insights from someone who has experienced the transition into a higher level of responsibility at their organization. TSE connected with Ben Cramer, Director of Business Development at GES, to find out what’s changed, what’s stayed the same and what lessons he learned during that transitional time, to help other early-career professionals navigate new positions.
Cramer began his career with GES 10 years ago as an Account Associate right out of college, and has grown into his current director role over the years, as he managed his own book of business and leads different account teams.
“Early on, I spent a lot of time supporting others and absorbing as much as I could,” Cramer said. “Over time, things started to click, and I began building my own opportunities and client relationships. As that happened, I learned that growth isn’t just about taking on more work. It’s about continuing to learn, gaining experience and developing the confidence to think more strategically about how you can support both your clients and your organization.”
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What Needs to Change
As Cramer shifted into new roles, he found that he had to be more thoughtful about bringing recommendations to meetings with coworkers about specific topics and projects, rather than just questions.
“Early in my career, I asked a lot of questions (and I still do today … ask anyone). Questions are how you learn,” Cramer said. “But as I gained experience, I found myself coming to conversations with more ideas and recommendations of my own. That doesn’t mean having all the answers, but it does mean taking what you’ve learned and offering a point of view that others can react to and build upon. That’s probably been one of the biggest changes in how I interact with coworkers today versus the first year or two in my career.”
For Cramer, the hardest part about that change was letting go of what he was comfortable with.
“When you’ve spent years building knowledge and confidence in certain areas, it’s natural to want to keep doing those things because you’ve become good at them,” he said. “But to continue growing throughout your career, you eventually have to relinquish some comfort to take on new opportunities that push you into unfamiliar territory.”
What Stays the Same
However, moving into a leadership role doesn’t mean everything about your coworker interactions has to change. In fact, keeping a sense of camaraderie and two-way support is important.
“Early in my career, I leaned on coworkers quite a bit to learn the industry and work through challenges. What surprised me is how little that actually changed over time,” Cramer said. “The conversations are different today, but I still rely on teammates to help me think through ideas and problem-solve nearly every day. Regardless of role, title or tenure, we all face challenges. I’ve always found value in being open about them and learning from the people around me.”
Lessons and Advice for Other Emerging Talent
During the transitional period of going from an entry-level role to a more senior role, Cramer says the best lesson he is carrying with him is to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
“I don’t think I need to tell anyone reading this that our industry can present unexpected challenges and plenty of chaos that will push you outside your comfort zone,” Cramer said. “Looking back, some of the biggest growth moments in my career came from the projects and opportunities that initially felt the most intimidating.
“I’d challenge anyone reading this to lean into the next complicated project that lands on their desk. It may seem overwhelming to start, but those experiences are often the ones that teach you the most and build confidence.”
Along with taking on new challenges, Cramer also encourages young professionals to remember the qualities that led to their advancements, and to not lose them over time.
“Your work ethic, the way you treat people, the way you present yourself and the professional relationships you build all matter,” Cramer said. “As your career progresses, those things become even more important. Maintain the integrity of who you are, keep learning and be open to opportunities that challenge you.”
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