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When technology stalls or transformation fails, it’s rarely because of tools or code. More often, the root issue is leadership — misaligned, ineffective, or stuck in the weeds.
That’s where interim CIOs step in. The best ones don’t just manage systems. They stabilize teams, reset direction, and accelerate outcomes — often under immense pressure and tight timelines.
At InterimExecs, we work with elite interim leaders across the globe through our RED Team. We sat down with some of our top-performing interim and fractional CIOs to understand what separates the good from the truly great.
Here’s what we found:
1. Adaptable and Unflappable in the Face of Chaos
Walking into a mid-crisis organization — with legacy systems, broken processes, and low morale — is not for the faint of heart. The best interim CIOs don’t just survive in ambiguity — they thrive in it.
“You have to accept chaos… and the ability to assimilate chaos, and deal with it, or you’re going to fail.”
— David Mitchelhill, Interim CIO
Adaptability isn’t about being reactive. It’s about reading the room fast, identifying what truly matters, and making calm, focused decisions — even when everything’s on fire.
2. Strategic — But Ruthlessly Grounded in Execution
A great CIO can think big, but what makes them exceptional is the ability to translate strategy into real-world impact.
“They want someone who can take a lot of moving parts and get something done that works and has impact.”
— Tom Murray, Interim CIO
Whether it’s stabilizing infrastructure, leading a digital transformation, or preparing for M&A, great interim CIOs bring structure, prioritization, and speed — without getting lost in PowerPoint strategy decks.
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3. Business-First Technology Leaders
The best interim CIOs don’t start with servers or software. They start with business goals.
“People ask, what’s your IT strategy? Well, that’s the wrong question. The question should be, what’s your business strategy — and how is IT going to enable that?”
— Kevin Malover, Interim CIO
That shift in thinking is critical. Whether it’s supporting revenue growth, improving customer experience, or enabling cost efficiencies, technology is a means to an end — not the end itself.
4. Trusted Truth-Tellers
As an interim leader, you’re not there to protect silos or play politics. You’re there to solve problems — and that often means saying what no one else will.
“You can’t be afraid to challenge assumptions. If you’re not asking the tough questions, you’re not doing your job.”
— David Mitchelhill, Interim CIO
Telling the truth — with tact, data, and context — builds trust. The best interim CIOs quickly gain credibility by showing they care more about outcomes than optics.
5. Fast, Focused, and Relentless on Results
Time is not on an interim CIO’s side. From day one, the expectation is clear: Get things moving — now.
Whether it’s stabilizing critical systems, launching a cloud migration, or fixing team dysfunction, the best CIOs cut through red tape, drive alignment, and make progress visible fast.
They prioritize what matters, ignore what doesn’t, and focus on delivering high-value wins that build momentum.
Final Word: Leadership That Moves the Needle
Great interim CIOs don’t just “fill a gap.” They create transformation under pressure.
They’re technologists, yes. But more than that, they’re:
- Communicators
- Connectors
- Change agents
- Stewards of strategy and execution
Their job isn’t just to manage IT. It’s to leave the organization stronger, faster, and more aligned than they found it — in weeks, not months.
Looking for a Game-Changing Interim CIO?
At InterimExecs, we connect companies with elite CIOs who don’t just lead — they deliver. If your organization needs immediate expertise, high-impact change, or a steady hand during turbulence, let’s talk.
Or follow us on LinkedIn for more insights from RED Team leaders.
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