The Power of Interim Leadership
A lot of businesses hit a point where things get stuck. Maybe a key leader just left, maybe a team is off track, or maybe you're going through a big shift and everything feels a little wobbly. I’ve seen this more than a few times, and one of the smartest moves in those situations is bringing in interim leadership.
If you’re not familiar with that term, an interim leader is a highly experienced person who steps in to lead for a set period of time. They’re not a permanent hire, and they’re not just a placeholder either. Their whole job is to bring stability, clarity, and momentum to your organization while you figure out what’s next.
Let’s say your COO just left. Your instinct might be to fill the role quickly, but that hiring process could take months. In the meantime, the team’s unsure who’s leading, projects lose steam, and things start slipping. An interim leader steps in fast, often in a matter of days, and keeps things moving. They give you space to make a thoughtful long-term decision without sacrificing progress in the short term.
What I like about interim leaders is they’re typically overqualified for the role. That’s a good thing. They’ve led through complex situations before and know how to get to the heart of what’s going on. They’re not interested in office politics or climbing the ladder internally. They’re there to solve problems and get results.
Another big benefit is the fresh perspective they bring. They’re not coming in with bias or internal baggage. They’re able to see what's working and what’s not, and they’re comfortable making tough calls when needed. Sometimes, just having someone from the outside ask the right questions can unlock major clarity for the team.
These folks also help create stability when things feel uncertain. That matters more than most people realize. Teams need to know someone capable is in charge. Whether you’re in the middle of a big restructure, trying to turn around a struggling department, or just dealing with a gap in leadership, an interim leader keeps things on track.
And here’s the part that surprises people: they often leave things better than they found them. I’ve seen interim leaders improve systems, coach internal staff, and strengthen the overall operation so that when their time is up, the team is actually in a stronger position than before.
From a business standpoint, there’s also a lot of flexibility. There’s no long-term contract, no pressure to commit to something that might not work out. You can adjust the scope and timing as you go. And if it’s not the right fit, you can pivot easily.
So what makes someone really great at this work? They’ve done it before, they have low ego, and they’re fast learners. They listen, they lead with confidence, and they don’t need months to get up to speed. They know how to balance urgency with thoughtfulness.
I know some people hear “interim” and think it means temporary or second-best. But the reality is, the right interim leader can be a game-changer. They’re often exactly what a business needs in moments of transition. They buy you time, protect your momentum, and create space to make better decisions for the future.
If you’re navigating change, facing a leadership gap, or just need someone to help get things back on track, it’s worth considering. And if you want to talk more about how this could work, or want an introduction to someone who does this kind of work, I’d be happy to help.