Deploying an Interim CEO to Lead Strategic Initiatives and Ensure Organisational Continuity for a Disability Services Provider
The Brief
The Board Chair at a leading disability services provider contacted Future Leadership™ to identify an Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the resignation of the incumbent.
The organisation required a seasoned executive with a strong understanding of the disability sector to provide stable leadership during the transition while the search for a permanent CEO continued. Future Leadership™ was tasked with finding an interim leader capable of ensuring organisational continuity, managing time-sensitive projects, and preparing the team for a seamless transition.
Increase in General Management Skills
According to the American Management Association, only 14% of businesses consider themselves “well prepared” to handle a sudden loss in senior management. Add to that the fact that it takes at least four months to fill an executive role, and an Interim Executive experienced in operations makes a lot of sense!
Increase in Customer Experience Skills
These days experience is everything. What truly makes for a good experience? Speed. Convenience. Consistency. Friendliness. And human touch. Our Interim Executives deliver a great experience while improving your customer experience!
Increase in People & Culture Skills
Organisations are constantly changing as they respond to internal and external pressures. Continual process improvement can enable team engagement and lead to growth. Interim Executives bring fresh eyes and effective industry best practice to the execution.
Increase in Data Analytics
Complex challenges require critical thinking and in the age of information-overwhelm it is imperative to have analytical minds at the table. These skills range across finance, data science, systems and more. An Interim Executive can be the right person to optimise your inputs to maximise your output.
The Process
Future Leadership™ responded promptly, presenting a shortlist of four highly qualified interim executives with extensive backgrounds in leadership within the disability and social services sectors.
Each candidate brought relevant skills in strategic partnerships, advocacy, and operational leadership. One of the candidates, a senior executive skilled in strategic partnerships, fundraising, business development, communications, and people leadership, was selected as the successful interim CEO. With her experience, she was well-equipped to address the organisation’s immediate needs and support critical project deliverables.
Emerging Capabilities
Corporate Governance
Expertise in establishing and maintaining frameworks for organisational transparency, accountability, and compliance with governance standards.
Senior Stakeholder Management
Skilled in engaging and collaborating with senior stakeholders to build trust and drive strategic objectives effectively.
Executive Management
Proficient in leading executive teams and overseeing organisational operations to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
Non-Executive Director
Experience in providing oversight, independent judgement, and strategic guidance at a board level, enhancing decision-making processes.
Programme Governance
Competent in overseeing complex programs, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities, and managing risk effectively.
The Outcome
The appointed Interim CEO commenced the role within one week of her interview, initially in a part-time capacity, then transitioning to full-time. Her ability to immediately begin in a three-day-per-week role allowed her and the executive team to address several urgent project timelines.
In the first three months of her placement, the Interim CEO’s contributions were highly praised by the Board, which appreciated her strategic approach and immediate impact. Impressed with her achievements, the Board extended her interim placement, highlighting Future Leadership™ capability to match the right interim talent to non-traditional working environments.
