The Downside of Management Consultants and Why Interim Executives Deliver Results

October 15, 2025
The Downside of Management Consultants and Why Interim Executives Deliver Results

Market volatility, supply chain disruptions, and rapid technological change have left many companies in need of effective leadership. Often, those companies turn to consultants for instant help. But they continue to struggle. Why? Because consultants strategize and deliver impressive decks. But they don’t stick around to turn those ideas into results.

What those companies really need is an effective leader who can strategize, AND deliver results. And they need it now.

The answer is a rock star interim executive who can be on-site, taking charge and making progress in as little as 48 hours.

How Interim Executives Fill the Execution Gap

Enter the interim executive. This career specialty is unique to veteran executives who make vision a reality within organizations of all shapes and sizes.

Eric Kish, an Interim CEO and turnaround expert, noted that consultants analyze and present a document to the owners. However, “there is no real responsibility from the side of the consultant on what will happen to that document.”

Kish recalls being thrown into a crisis at a manufacturing plant in Asia. There was no time for a lengthy study.

“It took one week to gather the information, and in the next week, I was able to lead the company. People are looking at you as the solution, and they want to see action. Usually, companies have decision-making blockage, and that is where the interim executive comes and immediately brings fluidity to the decision-making process.”

Leadership, Authority, and Results

Dan Fuhrman, an Interim CEO and corporate development executive, sums it up: “Interims are about leadership and action, about implementation, execution, and results.”

While many consultants have deep subject-matter expertise, interim executives combine that expertise with decision-making authority. They lead teams, make calls under pressure, and are measured directly on the results they deliver.

In a world where delays can be fatal to a business, that difference in accountability is critical.

When to Choose an Interim Over a Consultant

Consider an interim executive when:

  • A key leader has suddenly departed.
  • Your company is in financial or operational distress.
  • You’re preparing for a major transformation, acquisition, or sale.
  • Execution speed will determine success or failure.

The Bottom Line

Consultants can bring valuable ideas. But without a leader in place to implement them, even the best strategy risks gathering dust. Interim executives bridge that gap — owning the plan, leading the team, and delivering results that stick.

FAQ: Consultants vs Interim Executives

Q: What’s the main downside of management consultants?
A: They don’t stick around to execute their recommendations.

Q: Why are companies choosing interim executives?
A: Interims lead from within, execute on plans, and are directly accountable for measurable results.

Q: Can an interim and a consultant work together?
A: Yes — consultants can provide insights while interims lead the execution of those strategies.

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