Growth Across Borders and Perspectives

What does growth look like? It's not always a straight line up a corporate ladder. Growth can take many forms: upward, downward, or even sideways. Sometimes, it's a shimmering curiosity that leads you across the world, a reflection in the window of a train as you ride to a new office, or the shared laughter over lunch that bridges continents. At JJ-Lurgi, Kristen’s story is a perfect example of this journey of discovery.

Kristen, a seasoned sales and proposal engineer from our Malaysian office, recently embarked on a new adventure. After seven years of building deep expertise in our technology portfolio, she took on a three-month assignment in our newly opened German office. Her mission was to support competence building and train our new sales and proposal engineer in Germany. This wasn't just a change of scenery; it was a leap of faith, a chance to grow in ways she never expected.

We sat down with Kristen to hear about her experience.

Taking the Leap

Kristen admits she was initially hesitant. "I was worried about the logistics," she says, "things like accommodation and setup." But her concerns were quickly put at ease. With the support of the company, she found herself motivated by the prospect of a new routine and a new environment. "It turned out to be very welcoming," she recalls. "The daily challenges were different, which really helped me build instinct and confidence."

Building Bridges

Connecting with the German team was effortless. Kristen found that a shared goal—delivering the best solutions to clients—united them. Despite different communication styles, curiosity and mutual respect quickly built a strong bond. "At lunch, we'd joke about language differences and share stories about our cultures and travels," she remembers. These simple moments were key to fostering a strong team spirit.

The Power of Perspective

One of her biggest challenges was navigating different understandings of the industry across regions and helping the team embrace change. "I learned to understand their problems first," she explains, "and then explain how a certain change could be beneficial for long-term success." This experience taught her that global collaboration isn't about a "one-size-fits-all" solution. It requires a structured approach to communication and a deep appreciation for local nuances.

The Best of Both Worlds

Professionally, Kristen's time was filled with invaluable learning and development. She had the opportunity to represent JJ-Lurgi at two major industry events: the Annual Conference on Production and Processing of Oilseeds in Herceg Novi, Montenegro and the Oleofuels 2025 Conference in Barcelona, Spain. She also had the chance to meet colleagues from Air Liquide E&C in Germany, with whom she usually only interacts online. These experiences, along with the daily collaboration with her German colleagues, broadened her perspective on the industry and global teamwork. She also picked up a valuable work approach from her colleagues: maintaining a strong separation of work and personal life. "I think it supports long-term productivity and well-being, preventing burnout," she notes.

Beyond the office, her time was filled with unforgettable moments of cultural discovery. She'll especially miss the German summer, with its sunny 20°C days perfect for hiking, reading by the river, and enjoying vibrant festivals.

Ultimately, Kristen's story is a testament to how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to profound growth. It reminds us that growth is not a single destination, but a dynamic, multi-faceted journey. At JJ-Lurgi, we are dedicated to more than just building careers; we take pride in developing our employees as whole people, supporting them in gaining new perspectives, valuable experience, and growing both personally and professionally along the way. Her journey is just the first of many we'll be sharing in this Grow Series, and it invites us all to reflect on our own paths and consider: What does your next growth adventure look like?