Seizing Business Growth Through Interim Leadership

Discussion with Carlos Ayuso

In times of crisis and transformation, businesses must act swiftly to realign their strategies and stabilize operations. Interim management has emerged as a vital solution, offering organizations the flexibility, expertise, and strategic direction needed to navigate restructuring and turnarounds effectively. With over 30 years of experience, Carlos Ayuso has worked across industries, leading major restructuring efforts in automotive, rail, and manufacturing sectors. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in restructuring distressed companies, overseeing large-scale supplier negotiations, and implementing cost-saving initiatives in multinational firms. His hands-on approach and ability to navigate complex business challenges have helped organizations regain stability and drive sustainable growth. In this discussion, we explore why businesses turn to interim management, the key skills these executives bring, and how they can make a lasting impact.

Why Companies Choose Interim Management in Restructuring

When a company is facing major restructuring, waiting to find the “perfect” permanent hire isn’t always an option. Businesses need leaders who can jump in immediately, identify the core issues, and start executing solutions from day one. Unlike permanent hires, interim executives bring targeted expertise and operate with a results-driven approach, delivering impact without long-term commitments.

"A company looks for interim management when they realize they don’t have the skills in-house to handle a restructuring or turnaround", says Ayuso. "Then you have two choices: hire someone permanently and figure out what to do with them after the project, or bring in an interim leader who can focus on the task at hand without the long-term complications”.

Another advantage is their extensive experience. Many companies in distress need leaders who have successfully navigated similar crises. Instead of trial and error, interim executives bring a roadmap based on real-world successes. They know what works and, just as importantly, what doesn’t. Their presence also allows businesses to execute a milestone-driven project without the complexities of long-term integration. Financially, it’s a smart move—hiring a full-time executive for a temporary crisis can lead to unnecessary long-term costs.

The Essential Qualities of an Effective Interim Executive

Interim managers aren’t just there to keep things afloat; they’re there to fix, improve, and transform. To do this, they need a unique blend of skills—technical expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to lead through uncertainty. More than anything, they need to inspire confidence from the moment they walk through the door. "You need emotional intelligence. You need to be stress-resistant. You have to have a clear vision of how to drive this boat through the storm", Ayuso emphasizes. 

"You have to be hands-on. While consultants often provide valuable strategic insights, an interim manager plays a different role—they stay engaged throughout the process, ensuring that plans are not only developed but also effectively implemented day by day”. Execution is just as critical as expertise. Unlike traditional consultants who provide recommendations and exit, interim leaders stay to see things through. They are deeply involved in implementation, ensuring that the strategy translates into tangible results. 

They also need to be resilient, as restructuring projects often involve high-stakes decisions under tight deadlines. Lastly, they must be skilled at rallying teams—without buy-in from employees and managers, even the best-laid plans can fall apart.

Overcoming Cultural Resistance During a Turnaround

One of the biggest challenges interim leaders face is resistance to change. Employees may feel uncertain about the future, and skepticism about leadership changes can make transitions difficult. Managing this resistance effectively is key to a successful transformation. "You have to explain things carefully and show that there’s a better way forward", Ayuso says.  "The most common phrase you’ll hear is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ That’s when you have to say, ‘Yes, but now it’s not working anymore".

Trust is essential. Employees need to understand why the change is happening and how it will benefit both them and the organization. Transparency goes a long way—acknowledging past efforts rather than dismissing them outright helps ease tensions and makes people more receptive to new approaches. Quick wins are also powerful. By demonstrating early successes, interim leaders can build confidence in the new direction and encourage broader acceptance.

"You need to be convincing, sell the idea that the project is achievable and that the future will be better if it is achieved", Ayuso emphasizes. "If employees don’t see the benefits early on, resistance will only get stronger".

Every company has its own culture and dynamics, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The best interim leaders take the time to listen to employees, understand their concerns, and incorporate their perspectives into the transformation plan. This creates a sense of shared ownership and increases the likelihood of success.

Balancing Short-Term Fixes with Long-Term Strategy

Turnarounds often require immediate action, and in many cases, short-term decisions must take priority over long-term strategic goals. A skilled interim executive understands that while immediate actions may not always align perfectly with the company's long-term vision, they are necessary to ensure survival. The key, however, is to have a clear plan for realignment once stability is achieved. "Sometimes you have to make tough decisions that aren’t ideal for the long term because the crisis is too big", Ayuso states.

Interim managers rely on structured frameworks to stabilize the business before refocusing on growth. Prioritization techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix, Pareto Principle, or the 333 Method help leaders quickly identify what must be addressed first. These tools ensure that decisions are made efficiently and with the most impact, even in high-pressure situations.

"To postpone a decision is not a decision”, Ayuso emphasizes. ou have to act quickly and ensure that every move contributes to stability while keeping a clear roadmap to readdress the long-term strategy". In addition to immediate crisis management, interim leaders also focus on improving customer satisfaction and securing long-term agreements with key clients. This helps lay the foundation for sustainable growth once the business regains stability. Process reviews and operational adjustments further ensure that inefficiencies are addressed early, preventing similar crises in the future.

Beyond operational decisions, people management plays a crucial role in stabilizing a company. Effective interim executives understand that a successful turnaround is not just about processes and numbers but also about people. Employee engagement, team building, and clear communication are essential to ensuring that the workforce remains motivated and aligned with the company’s evolving objectives.

Key Takeaways 

Interim executives play a critical role in helping organizations navigate complex transitions. Their ability to quickly assess challenges, implement strategic solutions, and drive immediate impact makes them invaluable assets in times of uncertainty. The following key takeaways highlight the essential benefits of engaging interim leadership:

Agility and Rapid Response: Interim executives step in immediately, addressing urgent challenges without the delays of traditional hiring. Their presence ensures businesses don’t lose momentum when leadership gaps arise.

Proven Expertise: With experience across industries, interim managers bring best practices and tested strategies that work. They help organizations avoid costly mistakes by implementing approaches that have delivered results before.

Strategic Cost Optimization: By engaging interim executives on a project basis, companies gain world-class leadership without long-term financial commitments. This allows businesses to focus resources on areas that drive the most value.

As businesses navigate uncertain times, interim leadership remains an invaluable resource for ensuring resilience, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. With seasoned professionals like Ayuso leading the charge, companies can turn crises into opportunities and emerge stronger than before. Their presence ensures businesses don’t lose momentum when leadership gaps arise.