Interim Chief Executive Officer engaged to fill a critical leadership gap.
The Brief
A respected Melbourne-based not-for-profit organisation engaged Future Leadership to appoint an Interim Chief Executive Officer.
The organisation was facing a critical leadership gap following the sudden departure of its Interim CEO. With no immediate successor in place and the organisation navigating a period of financial instability and internal uncertainty, the Board required a seasoned executive who could provide immediate stability, independent leadership, and a steady hand through a time of significant transition. The ideal candidate would need to bring strong governance, operational expertise, and emotional intelligence to support a team experiencing disruption and diminished trust.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
Future Leadership initiated a focused and confidential search, leveraging our extensive network of experienced interim executives. The brief called for a leader with a proven track record of CEO-level leadership, ideally within the for-purpose, health, or community services sectors.
The key to the success of this appointment was the ability to lead with empathy and professionalism while remaining independent of the organisation’s internal dynamics. The candidate needed to be capable of navigating complex stakeholder environments, making tough but necessary decisions, and restoring confidence across the Board and staff.
Following a rigorous process of targeted outreach, interviews, and due diligence, Future Leadership identified 35 candidates, seven of whom were shortlisted based on their skills, leadership capabilities and cultural fit.
The Outcome
Future Leadership successfully placed a highly experienced and respected executive with deep expertise in leading purpose-driven organisations through periods of change. From the outset, the Interim CEO brought a calm, composed, and transparent leadership style that resonated with both the Board and staff. Her ability to quickly assess the organisation’s financial position, engage with key stakeholders, and provide clear direction was instrumental in stabilising operations.
She worked closely with the Board to review the organisation’s financial underpinnings and identify pathways toward sustainability. At the same time, she provided empathetic and visible leadership to a team in need of reassurance and support. Her presence restored confidence, enabled continuity, and created the space for the Board to consider longer-term strategic options. The client praised her professionalism, independence, and ability to lead with both strength and compassion—qualities that were essential during a time of organisational crisis.
