The Interim

Welcome to the series finale of The Interim. We find ourselves in a unique moment in history—suspended between the traditional workflows of the past and a sci-fi future driven by Artificial Intelligence. To help us navigate this transition, Duncan Stott sits down with futurist and strategic advisor Alfred Bieler.With a pedigree that includes leading innovation at Google and Microsoft, Alfred argues that the biggest mistakes leaders make during this ‘interim’ period have nothing to do with software, and everything to do with soul. From the dangers of 'fake success' to the reason every high-performing team needs a resident 'alien,' this episode is a masterclass in why a healthy culture is the only way to truly unlock the power of AI. If you’ve ever wondered if your organization is actually ready for the future, or just playing with expensive toys, this conversation is for you.The "Purpose" TrapAlfred emphasizes that technology without clarity is dangerous. He shares an anecdote about a Google engineer who trained a model to optimize energy efficiency; the model suggested turning the servers off entirely. Technically, it was 100% efficient, but it defeated the purpose. Leaders must define the why before the how, or they risk teams exploring in random, competing directions.Culture Over ToolsetsThe phrase "culture eats technology for breakfast" is a central theme. Alfred notes that two companies can use the exact same AI tool, yet one will thrive while the other fails. The difference lies in:Radical Honesty: Moving away from "fake success" (celebrating vanity metrics like clicks) toward admitting when a project isn’t working.Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where people can challenge the AI's output rather than accepting "vanilla" or "hallucinated" results.The Power of the "Alien"Alfred cites research on "critical friends." He explains that teams composed only of friends often reach consensus too quickly and perform worse. By introducing an "alien"—someone with a different perspective who asks "Why are we doing this?"—friction is created. While this makes the work feel "harder" and more exhausting, it leads to significantly higher-quality outcomes.From Artificial to "Augmented" IntelligenceThe guest reframes the job-loss debate. He views AI as Augmented Intelligence—a tool to provide information for better human decision-making.The Productivity Paradox: Rather than using AI to simply "run faster" and burn out, Alfred hopes humanity uses the saved time to "slow down" and think more deeply.Bespoke over Generic: While Large Language Models (like ChatGPT) are "table stakes," the real business advantage lies in bespoke Machine Learning trained on a company’s unique, proprietary data.The CEO’s First StepFor leaders feeling overwhelmed by AI strategy, Alfred’s advice is counter-intuitive: Don’t start with the easy stuff. He suggests finding a critical friend and asking, "What is the biggest threat that is going to eat us alive?" Solving the scariest problem is a better use of AI than automating minor tasks in an irrelevant business model.Send a text

What does the AI revolution mean for Interims? In this episode, we sit down with Mandie Beitner, an experienced AI and transformation leader sharing the fascinating details of defining an AI strategy and implementing AI at scale—a challenge few have tackled. If you're an interim, a transformation leader, or just trying to navigate the rapid evolution of AI in business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that will really help..Mandie Beitner is an AI & Transformation leader, she has held senior permanent positions in finance, legal, tech and energy including at HSBC and Belron where she led major transformations.  And latterly she has been an Interim doing similar transformation work including being the Interim AI Director at ARM, leading ARM’s AI transformation, defining AI strategy and how to embed AI at scale.  So this is going to be fascinating….These are my take-homes from that discussion with Mandie Beitner.  She explained the unique challenges and immense opportunities of leading large-scale organizational change, particularly in the context Artificial Intelligence. AI Transformation at Scale: Mandie recounts her time as an interim AI Director at ARM, emphasizing that even a trailblazing organization faces common challenges: managing the speed of AI development, addressing employee fears about job impact, and overcoming general resistance to change. She highlights that AI adoption is fundamentally a comprehensive organizational transformation requiring the reimagining of people, processes, and technology. Her initial mandate was to bring structure, visibility, and a decision-making framework to the existing AI journey.The "Sortted" Framework: Mandie introduces her proprietary, data-driven framework, 'Sortted' (Strategy, Operational Redesign, Reporting, Team, Technology, Data), which she uses to quickly diagnose organizational health and align execution with strategic goals. This framework ensures that people, data, and delivery all pull in the same direction to meet strategic goals, and is specifically designed to help interims land fast and assemble order.The Future of Interim Leadership in the AI era: Mandie asserts that the success of future interim leaders will be measured by their fluency in AI and their ability to use AI tools as a multiplier to amplify delivery and personal productivity. Interims must be comfortable with the ambiguity and speed of new technology, acting as a chameleon to adapt to different organizational paces.The Power of Interim objectivity: The discussion explores the core value an interim brings: the ability to see the "whole pie" and provide a fresh, objective pair of eyes to complex organizational structures. This objectivity, coupled with their independence, grants them the intellectual authority to state their observations and recommendations without fear or favor, helping the business move in the right direction.Emotional resilience and the Interim life: Mandie shares the emotional highs and lows of being an interim. While she loves the constant change, learning, and the "light bulb moment" of seeing positive results, the most difficult challenge is the required emotional resilience to frequently walk away from projects and teams when the contract ends.Send a text

What do you do when a successful, long-term career comes to an unexpected end? For Malcolm Lambeau, a former CIO and Managing Director at major British banks, it was an opportunity to hit the reset button. Fifteen years ago, a redundancy became the catalyst for a radical career change—one that led him from the corporate ladder to the dynamic world of interim and portfolio work. In this candid conversation, Malcolm shares the surprising joys, challenges, and rewards of becoming your own boss, and reveals the crucial mindset shift required to thrive as a professional interim.Malcolm is a friend of the podcast through his advice and being the very first guest - 32 episodes ago.·       The Transition to Interim Work: Malcolm shares that his shift was triggered by a redundancy from his role at the Royal Bank of Scotland. Instead of seeking another permanent position, he felt a strong desire to do something different and entrepreneurial. He was encouraged by a headhunter to explore the interim route, and he quickly realized it was the right path for him.·       The Surprises and Realities of Interim Life: Malcolm was surprised by how much he enjoyed the work, how quickly he could make an impact in new organizations, and how welcoming he was made to feel. He particularly valued being "immune to politics" and being able to focus on specific, clear objectives. Contrary to his initial expectations of long gaps between contracts, he found himself almost continuously employed for seven years.·       The Mindset of an Interim Professional: The conversation highlights that becoming an interim isn't just a job change—it's a fundamental cultural and personal transformation. Malcolm emphasizes that you must see yourself as a business. This includes doing your own risk assessment, managing your finances and accepting that you'll have to operate without the typical support staff and authority of a permanent executive. Your only power is your expertise and ability to influence others.·       Common Mistakes and Key Advice: Malcolm identifies several pitfalls for those new to interim work. A key mistake is not having a clear plan and treating it as "a bit of interim" work, which can hurt your reputation with recruitment agents who prefer commitment. He stresses the importance of building a strong network of agents and practicing your interview skills, noting that many senior professionals rely too heavily on their polish rather than preparing a well-rehearsed narrative.·       The Rewards of Coaching and Mentoring: Malcolm finds immense satisfaction in his coaching and mentoring work. He gets a buzz from helping people find jobs and achieve success. He highlights that despite the lack of a permanent team or the daily grind of corporate life, the personal reward of seeing others benefit from his experience is what makes his current work so meaningful.Send a text

This episode is a personal account of Alex Clixby, a former British Army officer who has become a civilian Interim CIO. Alex shares how his military training prepared him for leadership in civilian life and the unique challenges of fractional interims managing multiple clients at once.  Alex also delves into deeper and personal challenges that put all these things into perspective.Alex is a fractional interim, providing services to many clients.  He runs an on-demand CIO service called One IT.He was a commissioned officer in the British Army for 16 years and has worked as a civilian for the last 13, working with businesses to improve their IT, transform their ways of working, reduce spend, and ultimately help them achieve more.From Military to Civilian CIO: Alex spent 16 years as a commissioned officer in the British Army's Royal Corps of Signals, the IT arm of the military. He discusses how his military experience, which taught him leadership, management, and working under pressure, provided a strong foundation for his transition to a civilian IT leadership role. He highlights one key difference between military and civilian work as shifting from a "black and white" command-and-control approach to a more collaborative and democratic style.The Fractional Interim CIO Model: Alex explains that a fractional CIO works for multiple clients simultaneously, providing on-demand IT leadership. He currently juggles seven such roles and discusses the challenges and skills required, such as discipline and time management, to balance a large number of clients and their varying needs. He also touches on the importance of mastering administrative tasks across different platforms.Assessing Client Needs and Building Trust: When starting a new engagement, Alex conducts a five to seven-day review to assess all elements of a client's IT service, including people, processes, technology, and risk. He explains that building trust with new clients is crucial and he achieves this by presenting not only where the problems are, but also how to fix them and make improvements. He emphasizes that the fresh perspective of an interim CIO can quickly identify issues and create a clear IT strategy and roadmap.The Pros and Cons of an Interim Career: Alex prefers the variety of challenges that come with a fractional role over a single, permanent position, as he can easily get bored. However, he acknowledges the downsides, such as the occasional feeling of loneliness and the emotional toll of stepping away from projects and colleagues after an engagement is over. He also shares how this career path allows for a better work-life balance compared to a full-time role.A Personal Mission: The conversation concludes with a deeply personal and inspiring segment where Alex shares his recent diagnosis of Stage 1 prostate cancer. He explains how he has used his experience to raise awareness among men about the importance of getting a PSA blood test. He also recounts his recent achievement of cycling 150 miles to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, demonstrating his commitment to turning a personal negative into a positive.Send a text

In today's busy and noisy world how do you stand-out and get noticed for who you are, what you can do? In this episode, I sit down with headhunter Nick Diprose to discuss a profoundly simple yet often overlooked strategy: authenticity. Join us as Nick explains why your CV is just the beginning and how building a genuine, personal brand can transform your career, allowing you to connect with recruiters and clients on a much deeper, more effective level.I am very pleased today to be in conversation with Nick Diprose.Nick started his career with British Steel working in large infrastructure projects, and has spent  the last 20 years growing professional services businesses.  He founded Holdsway in 2013 with the goal of promoting interim executives as the ‘expert game changers’ of the economy.  Nick is a familiar guest on the podcast, his previous episode is one of the most popular called “Negotiate your day rate”.·       The CV as a Starting Point: Nick clarifies that while a clear and well-written CV is essential, it's merely a starting point. In a "busy, noisy world," a professional needs to go beyond the resume to truly stand out.·       Defining a Personal Brand: A personal brand isn't just a name or your last few assignments. It's about a person's identity: who they are, what drives them, what they do, and how they do it. It's a "you brand" that helps others instantly recognise what you stand for.·       Relationships Over Transactions: The conversation highlights a common misconception among interims that the recruitment process is a transactional, numbers game.  Nick argues that a successful approach is built on relationships and mutual investment. Recruiters are busy people, but a proactive interim should seek to build a genuine connection rather than just tick boxes.·       Nick offers concrete and practice advice for interims. He emphasizes the need to know yourself first, understanding your motivations for being an interim and your core value proposition. This self-awareness allows you to be clear, confident, and genuine when engaging with recruiters. He encourages interims to be prepared, proactive, and accessible, focusing their efforts on a select group of recruiters who align with their style and market.·       The Benefits of Building Relationships: The tangible benefits of investing time in relationships with recruiters include expanding one's network and gaining access to opportunities faster. Nick also highlights that these relationships are a two-way street; a good recruiter will invest in you, helping to refine your CV and providing valuable feedback, while you should also invest the time to get to know them.·       Authenticity and Consistency: The episode concludes with Nick's core message: be you. He advises that a person's brand should be their authentic self—"warts and all"—and not a polished, inauthentic facade. Being genuine helps a person attract the right work with the right people at the right rate. Nick asserts that if you're not authentic, you're "acting," and this can lead to unfulfilling work.Referenced: Tony Martin, Robert Cooper, Al Hall, Tim Fulton, Mark Cooper, Kevin Paterson.Send a text

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Tim Mattos, who recently made the courageous leap from a 14-year career as an IT Director at Aldi to the dynamic world of interim leadership. Discover what it takes to transition from a long-term successful permanent role to a flexible, high-impact interim career, and how embracing uncertainty can lead to incredible personal and professional growth. Tim's insights on rediscovering confidence, navigating challenges, and the unexpected joys of independent work will leave you re-evaluating your own career path. Tune in to learn why fortune favors the brave and how you can increase your "surface area for luck" in your own professional journey!Tim has recently become an Interim, he's just completed his first assignment after it was extended.  Previously he was an IT Director at Aldi where he worked for 14 years.  It's a huge achievement to make such a transition from being a long-term permanent employee to being an Interim and it demonstrates Tim's determination, agility, flexibility and courage.  With the new experiences fresh in his mind, I'm looking forward to a colourful and fascinating conversation.Seeking Entrepreneurship and Flexibility: Tim realized that he was no longer a natural fit for Aldi’s evolving shape and that it wasn't authentically him.  He wanted to be entrepreneurial and wanted a flexible future where he could leverage his 20 years of operational leadership.  A key attraction to the interim world was the opportunity for accelerated learning through diverse exposure and repeated experiences across different organizations and sectors.  Thinking of the interim role as a "next chapter" rather than a final destination helped unblock the decision-making process.Reframing Skills: Tim quickly realised that his long tenure at Aldi had already equipped him with extensive experience in leading transformations; he just needed to reframe his existing skills for the interim market.  He had to build an external professional network from scratch, a process he thoroughly enjoyed and found crucial for success in the interim world. Similarly he had to tackle the administrative work of setting up a limited company, registration, insurances, and managing periods between assignments, all of which are foreign to permanent employees.  Inwardly, the transition was about rediscovering lost confidence and backing himself. Tim found immense empowerment in having a client rather than a boss, which allowed him to set boundaries, speak more plainly, and stand by his opinions.Embrace Challenge and New Experiences: Tim's love for challenge, new experiences, and curiosity, makes him a natural fit for the interim lifestyle.The Vast Market for Interims: Tim realized the sheer size and dynamism of the job market, particularly the 80% comprised of SMEs, where significant opportunities for interims exist.Increasing Your "Surface Area for Luck": Success in landing interim roles comes from being the right person with the right skills on the radar of the right people at the right time. Proactive networking and being prepared for opportunities are crucial.Agility and Decisiveness: Interim professionals need to be super agile, able to move fast, understand their financial implications and make quick decisions with available information.Emotional Resilience: Closing contracts and handing over to permanent hires can be emotionally challenging, as it means becoming no longer needed, and it is helpful to recognise that it is a sign of successful completion of an assignment.Send a text

What if we told you that one of your greatest assets isn't just your skills, but your confidence? Join us as we sit down with Lauren Curry a global voice on confidence as a tool for personal transformation. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to amplify their impact, especially those navigating the unique challenges of interim roles. Lauren will share actionable strategies on building self-trust, leveraging visibility as economic power, and challenging outdated notions of what confidence truly means.Confidence is a Muscle: A central tenet of Lauren's philosophy is that confidence is a muscle to be built and stretched through practice, rather than an innate personality trait. She defines confidence as self-trust – trusting one's ideas, voice, experience, and the ability to recover from mistakes.  She highlights that confidence comes in "all volumes" and can be quiet, kind, or gentle.The Importance of Introspection and Progress Tracking: Lauren advocates for regular reflection as a crucial aspect of growth. She shares her personal practice of a weekly "meeting with myself" to document achievements and learnings. Visibility as Economic Power and Personal Branding: A powerful theme is Lauren's assertion that "visibility is economic power" and that "good work alone is not enough." She urges professionals, particularly interims, to actively and deliberately build their personal brand, likening oneself to a "product." Key strategies for branding include:  Showing up where target audiences are (LinkedIn, podcasts, panels, etc.); Having a clear, memorable headline or theme for what you're known for; Sharing work in progress and learnings openly and starting to build a reputation before it's needed, as it serves as a "runway" for future opportunities.The Cost and Reward of Independent Operation: Reflecting on 15 years of self-employment, Lauren describes being an independent operator as the "most expensive confidence exercise you'll ever do," due to financial uncertainty, unseen effort, constant self-promotion, solitary decision-making, and continuous risk-taking. However, she emphasizes that the reward – freedom, ownership, and personal growth – is immense.Send a text

Today we’re focusing on career longevity, and talking with an interim with an incredible track record of over 20 assignments in the UK and Australia.  Lynn Thomas talks about resilience, energy, adapting, and resilience. If you're curious about a career that offers constant challenge, huge diversity and variety, and the flexibility to align with your life, this episode is going to be very interesting.Qualities of a Successful Interim: Lynne emphasizes that an interim professional is a "problem solver" and "connector," akin to an "emergency physician" or "paramedic" for organizations. Key qualities include resilience, diplomacy, confidence, and humility. She shares how she developed these attributes, likening it to "building muscle" through diverse experiences.Navigating Challenges and Building Trust: The conversation touches on the inherent challenges of interim work, such as walking into unfamiliar and sometimes hostile environments. Lynne stresses the importance of building trust with managers, especially when they might feel nervous about an outsider. She highlights the ability to provide clarity amidst confusion and see what internal staff might miss.Finding Assignments and Networking: Lynne discusses how the landscape for finding interim roles has evolved. While traditional agencies still exist, she now heavily relies on her network, reputation, referrals, and platforms like LinkedIn to secure new assignments.AI's Impact on the BA Role: Lynne shares her practical use of AI as a "personal assistant."  She emphasizes that AI does not yet replace high valuable human capabilities such as curiosity, emotional intelligence, understanding organizational politics, facilitating workshops, or mediating conflicts.Send a text

Have you ever wondered what it takes to parachute into a company on the other side of the world and turn it around? Imagine navigating entirely new cultures, building trust from scratch, and making critical decisions far from home. In this episode, we're joined by Jonathan Selby, a international interim manager with two decades of experience, from the bustling factories of China to the nuanced family businesses of Italy. Jonathan pulls back the curtain on the unique challenges and immense rewards of global interim work, sharing invaluable insights on everything from cultural resilience to building unshakeable trust. If you're curious about a career that thrives on change, or simply want to understand the dynamics of international business, you won't want to miss this! Tune in to discover why Jonathan likens it to 'interim on steroids'..Jonathan is an experienced international interim and chairman of The International Network of Interim Manager Associations.  INIMA supports cross border collaboration to advance the Interim Management profession and facilitate the exchange of knowledge between Partner Associations.   Jonathan has been an Interim for 20 years including assignments in China, USA, UK and Italy where he lives.  Jon welcome to The Interim.Jonathan emphasizes that international interim management is "normal interim on steroids" due to its faster pace, greater delegation, and the need for intense personal commitment. He highlights the critical importance of a strong personal network for securing assignments in markets like Italy, where direct provider channels are less effective. He stresses the need for interims to be project creation-oriented, defining the scope, progress, and handover of their assignments from the outset.A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the cultural and personal challenges of international interim work. Jonathan outlines key personal attributes required: resilience, curiosity about different cultures, and a robust support network. He explains that international assignments demand excellent communication skills, the acceptance of greater delegation, and a wider range of responsibilities due to often limited local resources. Crucially, he advocates for a strong ethical compass, as international interims sometimes need to challenge corporate headquarters on behalf of the local entity. Practical personal considerations, such as managing increased leisure time, travel, and long weekends, are also discussed.Specifically regarding working in China, Jonathan underscores the importance of being an excellent listener and understanding "what they don't say." He highlights the effectiveness of visual tools (like lean techniques) and the immense value of building trust and coaching local teams. Simple gestures, like allowing time off for Chinese New Year train bookings or improving canteen food quality, can drastically reduce turnover and foster dedication. He reflects on the difficulty of truly understanding another culture, humorously noting his 35 years of marriage to an Italian wife, yet still being surprised.The conversation then shifts to the challenges of interim management in Italy and similar Southern European markets. Jonathan points out the smaller market size compared to Germany and the UK and its fragmentation, with typical clients being companies with fewer than 100 employees. Many Italian businesses are first or second-generation family-owned, meaning interims often deal directly with entrepreneurs who are more emotionally attached to people than investments. Jonathan observes a remarkable level of dedication and pride in work among Italian employees, often staying for decades even in non-meritocratic, family-run structures.Jonathan concludes by advising aspiring international interims to assess their character, competence, Send a text

Today, we're talking to an interim who’s got 18 years of Interim experience and, now in his late 60s, has got wisdom and experience for us all to enjoy.  We are going to debunk some myths and misconceptions about the interim lifestyle, and reveal a fundamental secret of getting assignments. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and discover what truly drives purpose in the dynamic world of interim work.Tony Martin is a Transformation Programme Director.  He has led major business change programmes in many large multinational companies in the public and private sectors and in many geographies.  I was going to list the change programmes and clients he has worked with but the list got too long.  He's known for his ability to "pull rabbits out of hats," and is currently working at Ineos.  This is my summary of that conversation with Tony MartinDebunked some familiar misconceptions about the interim life: o   "Work When You Like": Tony refutes this, even though he's been almost consistently employed for 18 years he says that the breaks between assignments are not a holiday, they too have a purpose of recharging and finding the next assignment.o   Market Fluctuations: While there are perceived quiet periods (summer, Christmas) and busy ones (April, September), Tony stresses that urgent needs mean that opportunities can arise any time of the year. Interims must always be "ready to go."o   "It's All About Your Network": While networks help, Tony highlights that 11 of his 13 jobs came through agencies, who effectively handle his business development.Not Limiting Your Market: Tony's advice was to know your strapline or market proposition (his was "I run large complex change programs”) and then advises interims to: o   Be sector agnostic.o   Be open to any geography.o   Be willing to work on-site if the client requires it, as they are paying the invoice.o   Avoid the "day rate trap." While having a rate range is important, being flexible for "really interesting" roles can open up more opportunities."Rediscover Your Relevance" Business: Tony, with a colleague, has launched a business that helps interims refine their skills, get back into the market, or pivot their careers. Key offerings include mastering strap lines and elevator pitches, LinkedIn and recruiter secrets, resume development, and interview coaching.Motivation and Purpose: At 69, Tony continues to work because he loves what he does, maintains a strong business edge, and enjoys navigating how organizations tick. He describes this as his fundamental sense of purpose.Send a text

This podcast talks about a top priority for every interim.  Are you clear what your distinct value proposition is, your professional product is, what you can do for a client?  It’s what you do really well and there are people out there who need it.  You know it, recruiters know it and clients hear about it too.  That’s your superpower and it’s the way to find work as an interim.I am very pleased to be in conversation with David Estyn-Jones.  David is a very experienced Interim, he leads Transformations and Change programme.  His key strengths are keeping things simple, focusing on the right things and building collaboration.Summary.·       Journey into Interim. David shares his journey into interim work, highlighting how his project and mission-focused background (including 10 years as an army officer) made it a natural fit. He emphasizes the appeal of variety, adventure, and the thrill of the unknown, noting that experience actually enhances an interim's employability.·       Lessons learned: David reflects on what he wishes he knew earlier, including the importance of organising your limited company, defining your value proposition, clearly articulating what problems you solve and why you are special, rather than chasing any available work.·       Continuous professional development: Actively pursuing learning and development, as it's easy for this to fall by the wayside in an interim career.  While interim roles offer inherent learning through exposure to new sectors and ways of working, David stresses the importance of continuous development. He highlights how the interim life pushes professionals to constantly evolve, contrasting it with a potential stagnation seen in permanent roles. ·       Finding assignments and building your brand: David explains that work comes from a mix of recruiters and networking.  He advises be visible, maintain an active presence on LinkedIn, clearly define your "product" – what you do, the problems you solve, and what makes you unique.  Cultivate Relationships with recruiters and ensure your network understands your value.·       The Interim Temperament: David emphasises that successful interims are comfortable with uncertainty, embracing the unknown and adapting to diverse work environments.  They are capable of selling themselves and actively seeking new opportunities.  And they know when an assignment is complete and are willing to inform the client, even if it means moving on to an unknown next step. This integrity is part of the premium interims charge.I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode of The Interim.  Our purpose is to give you thoughts, feed your curiosity, and energise you for professional success.  Go well.Send a text

What are the 7 habits of highly effective interims?  Today, we're diving deep into the very DNA of what makes an interim truly effective.   We're talking about the unspoken, the invaluable, those habits that truly set apart the highly effective among us.I am very pleased today to be in conversation with Ben Cowan.  Ben is Head of Practice for Business Transformation at Eton Bridge and has 2 decades of interim recruitment experience.  Eton Bridge is a leading interim management firm, head quartered in the UK and has made placements in 35 countries.  They are known for their people-first culture built on respect, care and building long-term relationships.This podcast episode pays homage to Stephen Covey's seminal 1989 work, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," a book that revolutionised self-help and business.  I’ve asked Ben to reflect on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Interims.Character Traits: Effective interims are confident (not arrogant), impactful, proactive, likable, reliable, and dependable. These qualities are crucial for quickly integrating into new organizations and gaining trust. Ben emphasizes that these traits are rarely visible on a CV but are paramount in real-world interactions.Communication: Clear and effective communication is vital. Interims must be able to put people at ease, reassure clients, and deliver messages effectively at all levels – from the C-suite to the "shop floor." Ben talks about the ability to storytell and paint a clear picture of change or difficult messages.Skills and Experience: While not the only factor, being an expert in one's field and having a unique selling proposition (USP) is critical. The best interims are known for something specific ("what are you famous for?"). It's not just about having the skills, but how they are conveyed and the tangible results achieved (e.g., using "I owned," "I delivered" rather than "I was involved in").Resilience: Interims often enter ambiguous and challenging situations where they are constantly being judged. Adaptability and resilience are key to navigating these environments, challenging the status quo, and accepting situations that may not be ideal. The ability to maintain an "inner strength" and stand behind one's professional opinion, even if it's not immediately accepted, is crucial. Being a problem-solver is also a significant aspect of resilience.Outcomes and Results Focus: Highly effective interims are laser-focused on delivery and achieving strategic outcomes. They bring solutions, are decisive, and operate at pace, often needing to "break eggs to make an omelet" in order to achieve the desired results. Remaining calm under pressure is also linked to this habit.Behaviour When Not in a Role: This habit focuses on how interims manage their time and relationships between assignments. It involves the "art" of gently prompting providers (e.g., quick texts, LinkedIn messages, occasional catch-ups) without being pushy or pestering. It also emphasizes patience, knowing one's worth, and not appearing desperate. Maintaining personal networks and avoiding one-sided relationships is also highlighted.Sharpening Your Saw: The final habit is about continual learning, staying relevant, and evolving one's skillset. This includes staying at the forefront of industry trends, especially in technology, and actively engaging in thought leadership and peer conversations to keep fresh and adapt to the changing business landscape.I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode of The Interim.  Our purpose is to give you thoughts, feed your curiosity, and energise you for professional success.Send a text

Are you an interim professional looking to not just survive, but thrive? Join us as we sit down with a very experienced interim sharing his journey from PwC partner into Interim, giving advice about building a successful interim career, prioritizing well-being, and embracing the evolving landscape of fractional.  This episode is about the secrets to sustained success!Mark Lockton is the founder and CEO of a niche technology consultancy company providing real-world advice to large international clients, basing this on his long career of Interim CIO and CTO roles, as well as senior roles in the big 4 consultancy firms.   Much of our conversation was about how we develop our careers, our craft, and how we manage ourselves.  Mark emphasized that becoming a successful executive is a learned skill, acquired through experience.  Interim roles offer a unique opportunity to gain experience across a wide variety of companies and industries, building a broad "tool bag" of skills and insights.  And so Mark has honed his craft - we are always learning.Mark highlights the demanding nature of interim roles and shares a powerful lesson from a "partner survival course" at PwC: the importance of establishing "non-negotiables" and boundaries. For him, this means working hard through the week but strictly no work on weekends or during holidays.Mark foresees a growing reliance on fractional and interim resources, especially for companies that need senior expertise in areas but cannot afford a full-time hire.Mark has great insight into both Interims and the Big Four Consultancies, having been a partner with them).   He noted that many Big Four consultants lack as much real-world, client-side experience as Interims who have "been there, done that," offer practical, experience-proven solutions.I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode of The Interim.  Our purpose is to give you food for thought, feed your curiosity, and energise you for professional success.  Go well.Send a text

Are you sure you’re charging your correct day rate?  As an interim executive, setting your day rate can feel like navigating a minefield.  It’s difficult to know.  Head-hunters, client expectations, and the big question, 'What am I actually worth?'  Join us as we pull back the curtain on interim pricing. We’ll talk about how to respond, when to respond and what your response says.I am very pleased to be in conversation with Nick Diprose.  Nick started his career with British Steel working in large infrastructure projects, and has spent  the last 20 years growing professional services businesses.  He founded Holdsway in 2013 with the goal of promoting interim executives as the ‘expert game changers’ of the economy.  ·       Value over Price: Nick emphasizes that the conversation should start with understanding the client's needs and the value the interim can bring, rather than immediately focusing on price. Interims offer a solution, we’re not a commodity. ·       Have a Range, But Don't Lead with Price: While it's crucial to have a day rate range in mind, revealing it too early, before understanding the assignment's complexity and scope, can be detrimental. Listen first, then position your value. ·       Confidence is Key: Projecting confidence in your value is essential. Asking head-hunters what they think you're worth undermines your position as an expert. Know your worth and be prepared to state it (within a range).·       Market Awareness: The Institute of Interim Management survey can offer some guidance. Experienced recruiters can also provide insights into market rates. ·       Negotiation is Part of the Game: Pricing is often a negotiation. Don't be afraid to aim high initially, understanding that there might be room for slight adjustments. A price inquiry often signals genuine interest. ·       Focus on the Right Work: Ultimately, securing the right assignment that aligns with your skills and career goals is an abundant life, even if it means slightly adjusting your rate within your acceptable range.Send a text

Fractional Interim work. You've heard the buzz, but what exactly is it and how could you be part of this growing trend?  Today I sit down with an expert practitioner, a leading voice in the fractional space, to get the definitive answer. We define the model and discuss secrets of success, listen in.Today, I'm really pleased to be in conversation with Adrian Wakefield.Adrian Wakefield is co-founder of The Digital WoW Group, a purpose driven, fractional technology leadership & consulting business.  He has 35 years’ experience in technology-enabled transformation, the past 8 years as an interim. Before that Adrian enjoyed a successful career in manufacturing operations, supply chain and technology ending up as the CIO / Board Director of a global manufacturing/engineering group.Adrian defined the concept of fractional work as a model where organizations access top-tier talent, without the overhead of full-time employment. H emphasized that successful fractional work is based on a mature relationship between the consultant and the client, emphasizing outcome-driven work rather than simply hours. Adrian discusses the rise of fractional work, and the growing pool of experienced professionals in this field.I am going to remember Adrian’s motto “You never know where a conversation will go”.  He does it like a master, he talks about listening, being present and unbiased with an altruistic spirit.  It isn’t surprising, is it, that many of these conversations lead to business, I really admire that he doesn’t set-off into them with that defined purpose.Finally, we explored future trends in the portfolio, interim, and fractional worlds, with Adrian predicting continued growth driven by increasing awareness and acceptance of these flexible working models. He shares his personal mantra of staying present and curious in conversations, emphasizing the value of building genuine relationships. Adrian concluded, reflecting like me about so many people who have helped us, and offering to to connect with individuals interested in exploring fractional work. Send a text

If you are contemplating your career you may be thinking of working with a coach.  Coaches play a vital role - they are  facilitators, guides, and sounding boards.  Their questioning helps the exploration process, enabling self-discovery and ultimately helping people find clarity, confidence, and direction in their professional lives.Today, I'm really pleased to be in conversation with David Head.  David is an executive coach and career coach who offers deeply personalized coaching and mentoring. He empowers individuals to maximise their performance and thrive in their careers and to confidently navigate significant career transitions when the time is right.  I am so grateful to have him here today to share his advice and insights with us.Send a text

Join us exploring the increasing trend from traditional careers to flexible, portfolio-based work.  We look into the motivations driving executives towards this dynamic new career, and uncover the practical steps individuals need to thrive make it a success.I'm in conversation with Caroline McAuliffe.  Caroline is a Senior Partner in Interim Search for Watermark in Sydney.  She’s the co-author of an excellent book called The Rise of the Interim Executive and has been in Interim Search for 18 years.1.      The Rise of Portfolio Careers: The traditional, linear career path is being replaced by portfolio careers, offering executives more variety, control, and a greater sense of fulfillment in their professional lives.2.      Practical Steps for Transitioning: Mindset Shift: Executives must adopt a mindset of ownership and self-agency, taking responsibility for their financial stability, professional development, and career progression, unlike the support provided by traditional employers.Risk Assessment and Scenario Planning: Understanding one's risk profile, including comfort with potential gaps between assignments and income needs, is crucial.Growth Mindset: Embracing openness and curiosity towards new skills and experiences is essential.Skills Assessment: Identifying current skills and experience, along with any gaps that need addressing, is vital.Defining Values and Success: Understanding personal values and what constitutes success will guide decisions about which opportunities to pursue.Financial Planning: Proactive financial planning is a fundamental requirement for managing the variable income streams of a portfolio career.Networking: Building a broader and more diverse network beyond one's traditional industry is crucial for securing new opportunities.Personal Branding: Actively managing one's personal brand, communicating values and expertise, becomes a daily full-time job.3.      The Importance of "Superpowers": While executives often possess broad general skills, identifying and articulating specific areas of deep expertise and recent, relevant experience ("superpowers") is key for interim roles. Search firms focus on these recent "currencies" to match candidates with current client needs.  Carolyn talks about Lifelong Learning: Staying current.  Ref earlier podcast with Jacinta Whelan.4.      Cautionary Advice: Being committed – seeing through an assignment.Being open to seeking assistance, such as from executive coaches, is important.Being cautious about taking on roles that are not a good fit is crucial for maintaining one's brand and future prospects.Send a text

Today, we talk about financial planning for Interims - how can we handle the fluctuating incomes and the risks that come with our independence.  We are joined by a financial advisor who will give us a financial health check.  He will guide us through how interims need to manage their finances, from budgeting to insurance, and offer invaluable practical advice.Dominic Brockes has 26 years of financial services experience as an Adviser helping personal and corporate clients.Dominic focuses on the unique financial requirements of being an Interim such as fluctuating income and the need for proactive financial planning and the lack of financial protections that our permanent colleagues often get without noticing from their employers.  And so we need to make sure we’re doing the sensible things too.He gives practical advice about budgeting,  an emergency fund, investment strategies (regular savings and lump sums), and understanding salary vs. dividends.Finally Dominic underlines the importance of protection. The discussion on insurance (life cover, income protection) is crucial and highlights an often-overlooked aspect of financial planning.  Prioritize insurance (protection) before investing. This includes life insurance (to cover debt and provide income for family), income protection (in case of illness or injury), and potentially private medical insurance.There is lots here to think about, hoping you all weigh it up and know what you need to do.Send a text

Ever wondered what possible career reinventions you could make?  This week we talk with Haydn Mursell, who has reinvented himself from being a FTSE CEO to a portfolio chairman of multiple private equity companies.  He shares his reflections, the key questions you should ask yourself if you'd like to go portfolio, and practical tips for making a successful transition. Whether you're considering a shift or simply curious about the possibilities, this episode offers relatable wisdom and actionable advice.I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode of The Interim.  Our purpose is to equip you, to make you think, to give you energy and ideas to take into your Interim life.Send a text

Imagine having a career that is shaped by your own personal purpose.  It would be a fulfilling career and abundant way of life for you.  This episode explores the journey of building such a career. We interview an Interim who at great cost and effort  has discovered her authentic self, strengths, and sense of purpose.  And she has now designed a portfolio career around that purpose.Would you like to move beyond a normal career to a purpose-driven portfolio life.  A life of abundance.I am delighted to be in conversation today with Angie Main.  Angie is an Organisational Development expert and Executive coach, her mission is to develop the leaders and environments we deserve.  Angie has left the corporate career and developed a purpose-driven portfolio interim career, that is full of variety, purpose, and abundance – and I am so intrigued to find out more.I hope you enjoy this episode of The Interim.  Our purpose is to equip you, to make you think, to give you energy and ideas to take into your Interim life.Send a text

Interim professionals aren't employees; we're independent contractors, self-employed, freelancers.  We live a mercurial life, dynamic, changeable, unpredictable.  Our permanent colleagues look at our mysterious and independent lives, with a mix of curiosity or envy, knowing that we sort-out our own affairs, we go it alone.What does going-it-alone actually entail?Free "Should I go it alone?" course: https://tinyurl.com/4rytjpkxBook: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/scpcrprtwnkryWebsite: https://www.philsterne.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philsterne/Send a text

This episode is about how to get your next assignment.  I talk with Cyr Cornberg, a 'headhunter' recruiter and he explains the steps to take to find your way to your next client.For many, getting assignments is the most difficult aspect of being an Interim Professional.  It is complicated, unpredictable and needs determination and resilience.  Let's explore it today.Cyr is Senior Director at BIE Executive, a global executive recruitment firm specialising in interim placements. With 30 years of experience, Cyr is an expert in connecting interims with clients who need them.I am sure you will enjoy this episode of The Interim.  Our purpose is to equip you, to make you think, to give you energy and ideas to take into your Interim life.  Thanks for joining us. Send a text

Is interim leadership different from permanent leadership? When we are parachuted into an organization in turmoil, how do we quickly build trust, develop effective relationships and build a strong team.  This is where exceptional interim leadership is needed. Our guest is an experienced interim executive, has seen it all and is here to share the hard-won lessons to equip you to lead with confidence and impact.Send a text

How do you go about changing from a normal permanent job to a portfolio career where you have several clients, can fit them around your life, and can do the type of work you are really good at.How do you make that change?In this episode, we'll explore the practical steps.  And we’ll hear from someone who did it a year ago, and can remember how it went.Welcome to The Interim.  Our purpose is to equip you, to make you think, to give you energy and ideas to take into your Interim life.  It is hosted by Duncan Stott, an Interim himself.Send a text

Professor Dirk Buyens works at Vlerick Business School and trains Interims to be better Interims.  He says their intake are a certain type of Interims who know they need to learn, and who enjoy learning.  I guess you, dear listener, are one of them, you want to learn, because you are listening to this podcast.Welcome to The Interim.This podcast will help you build your career as a successful Interim, whether it’s your 1st time or if you’re already experienced and wanting to hear from fellow professionals and keep learning.  Our purpose is to equip you with knowledge and mindset to excel as an Interim professional.  It’s hosted by me, Duncan Stott, I’m an interim.  I’ll be talking with experts and hearing their advice.Send a text

Ever dream of a career that truly fits your life, where what is needed happens to be what you are really great at, and it allows you to live the way you want?  What if you could combine your unique talents, those endeavours that you do so well, into a work life that is as unique as you are?This is the goal of portfolio working.  Put simply, a portfolio career is a working style in which you have several things on the go at once, things you’re good at, and multiple streams of income.In this episode, we'll explore what it is, how it allows people to thrive and how to make it a reality.  Welcome to The Interim.Send a text

The interim life is like riding a rollercoaster – one moment we're immersed in a fascinating project on an exciting assignment, the next we're wondering what the next assignment will be.  It's a fantastic career path, and it needs a special kind of mindset. Today, we're unpacking the secrets to mental resilience for interims, so we can navigate the ups and downs with confidence.This podcast will help you build your career as a successful interim, because for many people, being an Interim is the best job in the world.  Our purpose is to equip you with knowledge and mindset to excel.Send a text

Is it possible to transition to interim work after spending your entire career at a single company?  Today we talk with Mark Timbs who successfully converted to Interim a year ago after 28 years at a single company.  Hear about the practical steps, the challenges and the successes, and how to be all-in.Welcome to The Interim, the podcast dedicated to helping you build a thriving interim career.  Each episode, we explore the knowledge and mindset you need to excel, with insights from leading experts.Send a text

Interims are ideal for large projects because they have done them many times before.  They are project experts.   So when we combine expert Interims with in-house employees who know the business we can create the perfect project team.  Ghan Varsani has done 10 ERP projects and explains how the Interim fits into and leads this hybrid team.This podcast will help you build your career as a successful Interim, whether it’s your first time or if you’re already experienced and wanting to hear from fellow professionals and keep learning.  Our purpose is to equip you with knowledge and mindset to excel as an interim professional.  We talk with experts and hear their advice.Send a text

Dave Knight is a turn-around Interim CEO.  He describes how to quickly assess crisis situations, work with intensity and decisiveness and then to hand-on a completed brief to a permanent successor.This podcast will help you build your career as a successful interim, because for many people, being an Interim is the best job in the world.  Our purpose is to equip you with knowledge and mindset to excel as an interim professional.  It’s hosted by me, Duncan Stott, I’m an interim.  I’ll talk with experts and hear their advice.Send a text

Jacinta Whelan, a leading Interim head-hunter in Australia, explains why Interim is thriving, and how to choose your path. Find your Superpower, and a sustainable career.  Jacinda and Caroline McAuliffe authored the book The Rise of the Interim Executive, the first book to unlock the Interim marketplace for executives. The Interim podcast will help you build your career because for many people being an Interim is the best job in the world. Send a text

Mark Withers explains how to build a long-term HR consultancy, adapting, building new services, keeping up-to-date and thriving.The Interim will help you develop your Interim consultancy career, learning from experts, keeping fit and having fun.Send a text

Hear from Dave Jones how to be a fractional interim with several clients at the same time.  This podcast will help you build your career as a successful interim, whether it’s your 1st time or if you’re already experienced and wanting to hear from fellow professionals and keep learning.  Our purpose is to equip you with knowledge and mindset to excel as an interim professional.  It’s hosted by me, Duncan Stott, I’m an interim.  I’ll talk with experts and hear their advice.Send a text

Hear from Alan Mumby, legendary head-hunter, about Clients’ perspectives and how to land an Interim assignment.  This podcast will help you build your career as a successful Interim, whether it’s your 1st time or if you’re already experienced and wanting to hear from fellow professionals and keep learning.  Our purpose is to equip you with knowledge and mindset to excel as an interim professional.  It’s hosted by me, Duncan Stott, I’m an Interim.  I’ll talk with experts and hear their advice.Send a text

Hear from Malcolm Lambell how to become a successful Interim professional.  This podcast will help you build your career as a successful interim, because for many people, being an Interim is the best job in the world.  Our purpose is to equip you with knowledge and mindset to excel as an Interim professional.Send a text

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