Geopolitical shifts, economic fluctuations, and rapid technological change are creating challenges and opportunities for companies worldwide. In this context, interim managers are becoming an increasingly strategic resource.
We asked four interim leaders to share their perspectives on why companies should consider interim managers during uncertain times. The diverse experiences of these BBTP Members form an informative picture of interim management and its many uses today.
Mia Ruusila is a seasoned finance manager with experience in companies ranging from Fortune 500s to small owner-managed businesses. Mia believes that interim management is the quickest way to inject high-level capability exactly where it’s needed.
“An interim manager is a fast way to boost your business with specific skills and knowledge or to secure an area where your expertise is lacking. Sometimes you need specific knowledge just for a short period to overcome a hurdle. Interim managers can quickly grasp the situation and implement change, often bringing valuable out-of-the-box thinking from working across industries."
She emphasizes that interim managers can step in at speed, identify barriers, and implement rapid improvements— especially when organizations are facing unfamiliar challenges. Although Mia specializes in finance, she advocates for the use of interim managers for any function, for example, communications, HR, or procurement.
“In uncertain situations, interim management is a very low-risk investment. It is your silver bullet to accelerate business growth and profitability."
Karl-Heinz Schulte is an IT and digital transformation expert. In his experience, interim managers offer both speed and stability to companies in times of crisis.
“Interim leaders bring clarity when structures are shaken – we are trained to enter fast, analyze sharp, and act without legacy politics.”
A recent assignment in a global life-sciences group illustrates his point. Joining as Interim CIO during a high-pressure phase under private equity ownership, Karl-Heinz quickly helped to stabilize services and teams, then established and implemented a clear Target Operating Model that aligned with the company’s strategic goals.
The work was successful. By combining operational fixes with long-term transformation, the company's IT was repositioned from a cost center into a true driver of global business growth.
"As an Interim CIO, I ensure that rapid change is not chaotic but a smart step toward sustained competitiveness. My role is simple: Give boards confidence and companies momentum."
Outi Kettunen is a successful business manager and change management leader. She believes the power of interim management lies in the ability to combine experience with execution.
"Interim managers are true senior leaders delivering multiplied value compared to permanent employees. We support top management, working across all organizational levels to ensure rapid value creation during uncertain times."
Outi emphasizes that interim managers operate with extremely high standards, knowing that part of their job description is delivering value from day one.
“We are experienced seniors, not necessarily by age, but by our careers and work history. We can take full business responsibility — for people, money, and material — and operate in multiple roles, fulfilling needs that less experienced professionals are unlikely to meet. An interim manager helps company personnel to achieve results they never thought possible.”
From leading technological change to entering new markets or building strategic partnerships, Outi says interim leaders provide the decisive action that uncertainty demands.
“Interim managers don’t manage on paper—they make actions real.”
Rudi Hautequest is a multilingual international CFO who has led transformations, M&As, and scale-ups across four continents. For Rudi, interim management is a pragmatic solution in complex times.
“Interim managers bring immediate expertise and leadership without the long onboarding process of permanent hires. This means that companies can get insights and implementation faster than through traditional employment.”
Interim management also offers companies an opportunity to get an external perspective. Fresh eyes are often exactly what organizations need when under pressure or when struggling with an ongoing issue.
“The external perspective of interim managers helps organizations navigate change with clarity and confidence. We thrive in volatile environments by offering stability, strategic insight, and rapid decision-making.”
Whether rebuilding finance functions, leading integrations, or implementing performance frameworks, Rudi’s work demonstrates how interim leaders deliver calm, capable execution when the stakes are high.
From Karl-Heinz in Germany to Mia and Outi in Finland, and Rudi in Belgium, these leaders illustrate the breadth and depth of what interim managers deliver. They enter at speed, bring clarity to uncertainty, and drive real transformation.
As the global economy shifts and new opportunities emerge from disruption, interim leaders are proving their value as a strategic tool in a changing world. For many companies, the question is not whether to engage an interim manager, but how to use their expertise most effectively.
Best Best Talent Platform hosts a professional community of C-level experts, including interim managers and board professionals. If you could use the assistance of one of our experts, we would be happy to connect you.
Last, but not least— if you liked this blog post, feel free to leave a comment below. We are always happy to hear what our readers think about the content we produce.