June 30, 2025

When and How to Divest: A Guide to Strategic Spin-Offs and Carve-Outs

The strategic playbook of most companies focuses on growth through mergers and acquisitions. But that focus on M&A deals overlooks one of the most powerful tools in their arsenal: a clear, proactive divestiture strategy. The strategic shedding of underperforming assets can be a robust engine for value creation and an essential component of dynamic portfolio management for boards, C-suite executives, and private equity funds.

“While there’s plenty of evidence to suggest divestitures can create more value for shareholders than acquisitions, only about 30% of S&P 500 firms engage in them annually,” says Emilie Feldman, professor of management at Wharton and author of Divestitures: Creating Value Through Strategy, Structure, and Implementation.

This underutilization, she posits, is partly due to a psychological bias: “M&A is associated with positive terms like ‘growth’ and ‘opportunity,’ while divestitures are linked to negative terms like ‘failing’ and ‘lagging.'”

Overcoming this misperception is critical to unlocking substantial enterprise value.

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June 27, 2025

What is the Role of an Interim CIO? 5 Common Use Cases

In today’s fast-moving, tech-driven business environment, the role of the CIO is more critical — and more complex — than ever. Whether your organization is navigating digital transformation, merger integration, or large-scale ERP system upgrades, an Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) can deliver immediate, strategic value without adding long-term overhead.

(Learn more about our Interim CIO Services and Fractional CIO Services here.)

Unlike consultants or rising IT managers, a seasoned interim CIO brings deep operational and leadership experience. These executives are not only capable of taking on the same responsibilities as a permanent CIO, but they also offer a focused lens on change, transformation, and rapid results.

Here are 5 common use cases where an interim CIO can be a powerful asset to tackle high-impact technology initiatives, IT leadership gap coverage, or specialized project execution:

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June 26, 2025

Fractional vs. Interim Executives: What Are the Differences and Which is the Right Path?

Interim and fractional leadership lies at the intersection of leadership gaps and the gig economy. They are the answer to the challenges organizations face in today’s dynamic business landscape. But what are the differences between the two approaches and which one is right for your organization? And which is the right future career path for you as a high-level executive?

Let’s break it down.

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

Here’s what we found:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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May 7, 2025

Why Public Companies Rely on Interim CFOs in Times of Transition

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 using interim CFO services — 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.

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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.

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