Chief Change Officer Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: When Loyalty Meets Layoffs: Benedikt Ulman’s Mission to Guide Others Through Career Challenges – Part One
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Benedikt Ulman
Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In the compelling episode titled "When Loyalty Meets Layoffs: Benedikt Ulman’s Mission to Guide Others Through Career Challenges – Part One," host Vince Chan delves deep into the personal and professional journey of Benedikt Ulman. As the 18th career transition for Vince Chan, this episode explores themes of loyalty, corporate downsizing, and the transformation of personal adversity into a mission to help others navigate similar challenges.

Guest Background: Benedikt Ulman

Origins and Early Career

Benedikt Ulman hails from Germany, specifically the western regions near Cologne and Düsseldorf. In 2001, he relocated to Heidelberg to pursue a bachelor's degree in physics. However, uncertainty about his career path led him to explore opportunities beyond academia.

Quote:
"[00:30] Benedikt Ulman: I'm born in Germany, close to Cologne and Düsseldorf. In 2001, I moved to Heidelberg to study physics…"

Transition to Blizzard

Encouraged by his brother, Benedikt took a semester off to join Blizzard in France, near Paris, initially in customer support for "World of Warcraft." What was intended as a short-term stint evolved into a 17-year-long career within the company.

Quote:
"[05:46] Vince Chen: Wow, you've stayed with one firm for 17 years…"

Experience at Blizzard: A Journey of Growth and Loyalty

Early Roles and Team Dynamics

Benedikt began in customer support, swiftly transitioning to community management and communications. His role became pivotal in bridging the gap between the gaming community and developers, especially catering to the European market across seven languages.

Quote:
"[06:55] Benedikt Ulman: I started in customer support… then transitioned into community management and communications…"

Cultural and Professional Growth

Over the years, Benedikt advanced into managerial positions, leading teams and fostering a family-like environment within Blizzard. The company's culture, centered around passion and collaboration, was a significant factor in his long tenure.

Quote:
"[06:55] Benedikt Ulman: It felt like a second family in Blizzard because everybody was excited and passionate about the same things…"

Turning Point: Mergers, Shifts, and Layoffs

Merger with Activision and Cultural Shift

The merger between Blizzard and Activision marked the beginning of substantial changes. The company's priorities shifted from enhancing player experiences to emphasizing profitability and rapid growth, deviating from Blizzard's original values.

Quote:
"[06:55] Benedikt Ulman: …Blizzard merged with Activision, which is a big publisher… priorities for Blizzard started to shift…"

First Wave of Layoffs (2018)

In 2018, Blizzard announced a 30% reduction in staff at the Versailles office. This decision was a shock to many employees, who had previously viewed Blizzard as a family. The reduction process involved voluntary departures, but many chose to leave earlier due to mounting pressures.

Quote:
"[06:55] Benedikt Ulman: …in 2018… reduce our overall amount of people by 30%. It was a shock… a really hard time for everybody…"

Second Wave of Layoffs (2020)

By 2020, Blizzard decided to close the Versailles office entirely, leading to another wave of layoffs. This period was marked by uncertainty and fear among remaining employees, including Benedikt, who chose to remain and support his team.

Quote:
"[06:55] Benedikt Ulman: …in 2020, the second shoe dropped…I said, okay, we all have to go through these five stages of grief…"

Transition to Coaching: From Corporate to Personal Mission

Realization and Certification

Towards the end of his tenure at Blizzard, Benedikt began exploring coaching techniques to support his team through layoffs. This experience ignited a passion for coaching, leading him to obtain professional certification.

Quote:
"[17:05] Benedikt Ulman: …coaching resonated with me. Not telling people what to do, but listening to them where they are…"

Establishing a Coaching Practice

Embracing his newfound passion, Benedikt established a coaching practice aimed at helping individuals navigate career transitions, particularly those resulting from layoffs and corporate downsizing.

Quote:
"[17:05] Benedikt Ulman: …I have the freedom to work with people that share the same values that are geeks like me…"

The Big Three Framework: Guiding Principles for Career Transition

Benedikt introduced the "Big Three" framework in his coaching methodology, emphasizing three core principles: Kindness, Presence, and Openness. This framework serves as a foundation for individuals to reclaim control over their careers and personal development.

1. Kindness

• Self-Acceptance: Embracing one's current situation without self-judgment.
• Gratitude: Focusing on existing strengths and opportunities rather than perceived losses.

Quote:
"[25:43] Benedikt Ulman: Being kind to me is all about self-acceptance, embracing the good things in our life…"

2. Presence

• Self-Motivation: Understanding one's current position and future aspirations.
• Goal Setting: Identifying immediate and long-term objectives to navigate the transition.

Quote:
"[25:43] Benedikt Ulman: Being present is all about enabling that self-motivated and self-driven behavior…"

3. Openness

• Systematic Progress: Implementing habits and systems to achieve desired outcomes.
• Adaptability: Embracing change and being open to new opportunities and methods.

Quote:
"[25:43] Benedikt Ulman: Being open comes in and we put systems and habits into place to become that person…"

Application of the Big Three

Benedikt shared how he applied this framework not only in his professional coaching but also in personal endeavors, such as writing his book. By breaking down daunting tasks into manageable steps, he demonstrated the practical effectiveness of the Big Three.

Quote:
"[25:43] Benedikt Ulman: I reframed it to I'm becoming an author now and I'm doing a little bit every day. It just accumulated with time…"

Conclusion: Transforming Adversity into Empowerment

Benedikt Ulman's journey from a loyal Blizzard employee to a dedicated career coach exemplifies resilience and proactive transformation. By leveraging his experiences and developing the Big Three framework, he empowers others to view career transitions as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.

Quote:
"[17:05] Benedikt Ulman: …I will forever be grateful for that time and the opportunities that Blizzard afforded me to grow into that person that I am today…"

Final Thoughts

This episode of Chief Change Officer offers invaluable insights into handling career transitions with grace and strategic thinking. Benedikt Ulman's story serves as an inspiration for those facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of perspective, resilience, and structured approaches to personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Benedikt Ulman at [06:55]: "It felt like a second family in Blizzard because everybody was excited and passionate about the same things."
• Benedikt Ulman at [17:05]: "Not telling people what to do, but listening to them where they are right now…"
• Benedikt Ulman at [25:43]: "Being kind to me is all about self-acceptance, embracing the good things in our life…"

For those interested in further exploring Benedikt Ulman's methods and insights, his book and coaching services offer a comprehensive guide to mastering career transitions using human intelligence and the Big Three framework.

Connect with Chief Change Officer:

• LinkedIn: @chiefchangeofficer
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

This summary captures the essence of Benedikt Ulman's journey and his contributions to the Chief Change Officer community, providing listeners with actionable insights and inspiration for their own career transformations.