Daniel's story | ABB

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From certainty to discovery: How Daniel found his true path

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What begins as a clear, carefully planned career path can sometimes lead somewhere entirely unexpected – and even more fulfilling. Daniel’s journey at ABB is a story of embracing uncertainty, stepping beyond comfort zones, and discovering strength through continuous growth and empowerment.

Daniel Essandoh, Product Marketing Specialist, United States

Saying yes to the unexpected
When Daniel joined ABB in 2021, he thought he had his future mapped out. With a background in chemical engineering and a strong vision of working in laboratories or pharmaceutical research, he initially resisted the idea of a rotational program. “I felt like I knew exactly what I wanted to do,” he recalls. The thought of moving between roles every few months didn’t appeal to him.

But circumstances and a mindset shift changed everything. Graduating during a pandemic meant limited opportunities. Faced with uncertainty, Daniel made a pivotal decision: “I told myself that year that I’m going to say yes to any opportunity that would better me.” That simple commitment became the foundation of his growth.

Joining ABB’s early talent rotational program, Daniel was pushed beyond what he thought suited him. Instead of staying within engineering, he was encouraged to try a commercial role in global account management. Initially hesitant, he leaned in and discovered something transformative. “I found out that what I enjoyed about engineering wasn’t just building solutions,” he explains. “It was interacting with people, understanding problems, and solving them.” That realization reshaped his entire career direction. Through each rotation, Daniel continued exploring the intersection of technical knowledge and business strategy, eventually leading him to his current role as a Product Marketing Specialist in medium voltage systems.

“I found out that what I enjoyed about engineering wasn’t just building solutions – it was interacting with people, understanding problems, and solving them. ”

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Growing to a trusted partner
Today, Daniel works across global teams and factories, helping ensure a strong product pipeline for the future. But his journey has been about far more than job titles. It’s been about growth in capability, confidence, and mindset.

Joining a highly experienced team early in his career, Daniel initially entered as the most junior member. However, through continuous learning and taking initiative, he quickly evolved. “Within the second year, I was considered a counterpart in terms of responsibility,” he shares. That progression wasn’t driven by promotions alone, but by trust and empowerment within his team.

A key factor in Daniel’s development has been mentorship. Coming from a purely technical background, he had to build entirely new skills – from communication to strategic thinking. “Now I’m talking to customers about electrical products and business strategy, something I had no formal training for,” he says. Through guidance from his managers, he learned not only technical and commercial skills, but also the subtle art of communication and influence. One lesson stood out: the importance of intentional communication. “In engineering, you explain everything in detail. But in business, you need to get to the point and engage your audience.” These insights helped him transition into a more impactful communicator.

Turning a fear into a strength
Perhaps the most defining example of Daniel’s growth came when he faced one of his biggest fears: public speaking. “Every time I was asked about my weakness, I would say public speaking,” he admits. Yet in his role, he was required to host large webinars, sometimes with over 900 participants. At first, it was daunting. “I was presenting on topics I didn’t feel confident about, in front of hundreds of people, live.” But instead of avoiding it, Daniel leaned into preparation. He practiced relentlessly, sought honest feedback from friends and family, and refined his delivery. The result? Not only did he overcome his fear, but he excelled. His presentations consistently achieved outstanding feedback scores. More importantly, he gained confidence. “Now I feel comfortable being uncomfortable,” he says – a mindset that defines his approach to challenges today.

Building community and championing inclusion
Beyond his core role, Daniel has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community and inclusion. As a board member of ABB’s Society of Women Engineers , he played a key role in organizing events, mentoring young professionals, and advocating for equal opportunities. “Everyone should have equal access to opportunities,” he emphasizes, driven by both personal experiences and a desire to create change.
Reflecting on his journey, Daniel highlights the importance of perspective. One piece of advice from his manager resonates deeply: “Sometimes you need to pause and reflect on what you’ve done.” In fast-paced environments, it’s easy to overlook progress, but recognizing growth is essential to staying motivated and aligned.

Daniel’s story is a powerful reminder that growth often lies beyond the path we initially envision. By embracing uncertainty, seeking support, and continuously challenging himself, he has transformed not only his career, but also his sense of what’s possible. Or, as he puts it: “You might think you know your path – but until you explore, you don’t know what else is out there.”