Becoming a manager for the first time: insights from junior business managers at T&S

In this new episode of the Technology & Strategy podcast, we give the floor to Sarah Astier and Amandine Ledanois, both Junior Business Managers at T&S.
They share their experience of taking their first steps into management, discussing the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the reality of managing people for the first time.

An honest conversation that highlights what it really means to become a manager today.

A new role, a new mindset

Becoming a manager is not just about a new job title. For Sarah and Amandine, it represents a real change of mindset.
They explain how moving into management means:

• Taking responsibility for decisions,
• Supporting and guiding others,
• Shifting from “doing” to “helping others do”.

This transition requires finding the right balance between expectations, trust, and support, while staying aligned with the company’s values.

Challenges faced by first-time managers

During the discussion, several common challenges for new managers are mentioned:

• Feeling legitimate in front of a team,
• Managing human relationships,
• Communicating clearly and effectively,
• Handling difficult or unexpected situations.

They emphasize the importance of continuous learning, accepting mistakes, and being supported by the company and peers.

Putting people at the center of management

One key message from the podcast is clear: management is above all about people.
Understanding individual profiles, building trust, and supporting personal development are essential parts of the role.

Sarah and amandine highlight the importance of:

• Active listening,
• Transparency,
• Adapting their management style to different situations and personalities.

Key learnings from their first management experience

Looking back, this first experience as managers helped them develop:

• Stronger self-awareness,
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills,
• A broader understanding of how the company operates.

They explain that becoming a manager is a learning journey, built over time through experience, feedback, and self-reflection.

Conclusion

Through this podcast, Technology & Strategy sheds light on a topic that is not always discussed: the reality of first-time managers.
The testimonials of Sarah Astier and Amandine Ledanois offer an authentic and inspiring perspective on the early stages of management and remind us that empathy, learning, and human relationships are key to successful leadership.

A must-listen episode for anyone considering a management role or supporting future leaders.