June 13, 2025

Top 5 Qualities of a Great Interim CIO

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 CIOs to understand what separates the good from the truly great.

Here’s what we found:

Read More

June 11, 2025

Leadership Accountability Isn’t What You Think: What Interim and Fractional Execs Must Get Right

In the world of interim and fractional executives, there’s no room for fluff. You’re dropped into a company mid-crisis, mid-turnaround, or mid-transformation. You’re expected to hit the ground sprinting—not just running.

So let’s talk about the word that gets tossed around like confetti but is often completely misunderstood: accountability.

We sat down with Sam Silverstein, founder of Sam Silverstein Enterprises and the Accountability Institute, and author of multiple books on leadership and culture, to unpack what accountability actually means—and why it matters more than ever for executives who lead without long-term guarantees.

Spoiler alert: It’s not about barking orders or micromanaging from the corner office.

Read More

June 10, 2025

Interim COO Success Story: How He Unlocked Millions in Operational Improvements at a National Food Manufacturer

When a national deli meat manufacturer faced declining yields, equipment inconsistencies, and looming leadership turnover, they called in a seasoned interim COO from InterimExecs’ RED Team to get operations back on track.

Michael Bartikoski, a veteran operations executive with deep roots in food manufacturing, stepped into the role with three goals: stabilize operations, improve yields, and build the next generation of leadership.

Read More

June 10, 2025

When Should You Hire a CFO?

Running a growing company means wearing a lot of hats — but at some point, financial decisions become too complex to manage without expert guidance. Whether you’re scaling fast, navigating uncertainty, or preparing for a major event like fundraising or exit, there comes a time when you need more than a bookkeeper or controller. You need a CFO.

What does a CFO do for your business? InterimExecs RED Team’s Vic Datta, who has more than 25 years of deep experience as an interim CFO, says companies increasingly expect CFOs to see around corners.

“What you get is this need for sort of an athlete that looks at operations, that looks at finance, that looks at IT, and that also looks very numerate…sort of connect all those dots, and forecast performance as well as forecast basic sales and margins for the firm,” he says. 

But should that be a full-time hire? An interim solution? Or would a fractional (part-time) CFO be enough?

Here’s how to know when it’s time, and what type of CFO might be right for your business.

Read More

May 13, 2025

Guide to Hiring a Fractional CFO: What to Know Before You Make the Call

Hiring a fractional CFO could be one of the most impactful decisions you make this year. Whether your company is preparing for growth, managing a complex financial challenge, or gearing up for fundraising, a seasoned financial leader can bring clarity and direction — without the overhead of a full-time hire.

In this guide, we break down when to bring in a fractional CFO, what to expect, how to choose the right one, and how InterimExecs can match you with a RED Team leader who’s ready to make an immediate impact.

Read More

May 13, 2025

CIO vs CTO: What’s the Difference — and Which Do You Need?

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven business world, knowing the difference between a Chief Information Officer (CIO) and a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is more important than ever. If your company is experiencing rapid growth, going through a big digital transformation, or bringing teams together after an acquisition, having the right tech leadership can be a game-changer for your strategic success. And sometimes, the smartest move is to bring in an interim CIO or CTO to provide the expert guidance you need without rushing into a permanent hire before you’re completely ready.

So, what are the key differences between a CIO and a CTO? And how do you figure out which skillset your organization actually needs ? Let’s break it down so you can confidently decide when it’s time to bring in a CIO, when a CTO is the right call, and when an interim leader might be the perfect strategic advantage.

Read More

May 8, 2025

Embracing VUCA in the Workplace: How Your Company Can Thrive in a World of Constant Flux

The landscape of the business world has always been in motion. Today, that reality is amplified. We’re operating in an era defined by unprecedented speed and interconnectedness, where disruptions can emerge from anywhere and reshape entire sectors overnight.

This hyper-dynamic environment makes traditional planning feel increasingly precarious. As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.” Today, those punches can land swiftly and unexpectedly, making it difficult to predict what’s next.

The U.S. Army War College has an acronym for that: VUCA. It stands for:

Read More

May 8, 2025

When the CEO Quits: How to Prepare and Respond

A record 2,221 CEOs announced plans to leave their posts in 2024, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. It’s the highest total the firm has tracked since it began keeping records in 2002. The trend continued in January 2025, with a record 222 CEOs leaving their posts.

Perhaps most troubling, Russell Reynolds says that just 28 percent of those CEO departures were planned. While that’s a 7 percent increase in year-over-year stats, it still means that the majority of companies scramble to fill a leadership void when a CEO leaves or unexpectedly resigns.

What are the most important steps a company should take when the CEO quits?

Read More

May 7, 2025

Why Hire an Interim CFO? Public Companies Can’t Afford a Financial Leadership Gap

When a public company CFO leaves unexpectedly, the pressure is on. Reporting deadlines, investor calls, and team continuity can’t wait. And it’s a growing problem. CFO turnover among S&P companies hit the highest level in six years in 2024. That’s why more boards are hiring interim CFOs — experienced financial leaders who can step in immediately, stabilize operations, and build confidence.

To explore how this works in real time, InterimExecs CEO Robert Jordan sat down with two seasoned finance veterans, Mitch Cohen and Lawrence Firestone. Both have extensive experience as public company CFOs.

Read More

May 5, 2025

What Is a Fractional CIO — and When Should You Hire One?

Not every company needs a full-time CIO (Chief Information Officer). But nearly every company needs smart, strategic technology leadership.

Enter the fractional CIO — a senior executive who brings years of tech and business experience to your company on a part-time or project basis. Whether you’re scaling fast, modernizing outdated IT infrastructure, preparing for a sale, or looking for IT to fuel your business growth, a fractional CIO gives you the leadership you need — without the full-time overhead.

Read More