Getting to know your consultant
A profile of Jonathan Flynn, Head of Retail Practice, Interim Partners
Q: How did you get into Interim Management?
I knew Andrew McIntee, Head of Financial Services Practice here at Interim Partners (IP), from my previous consultancy and when the opportunity arose for a senior move, I researched the Company and was immediately excited by its vision. Meeting with Andrew and Doug Baird, IP’s Managing Director, confirmed my thinking that this is an ambitious, forward thinking business with a clear strategy to deliver. For me, the chance to work across the whole of the retail sector as a partner to businesses undergoing change was a fantastic opportunity to be involved in positive change management.
Q: What do you find most satisfying about your career?
First, it must be working with a company that is led with confidence and absolute belief in what it is here to achieve, which is to be the number one provider of interim management services. Within my consultancy role, I especially enjoy the challenge of getting intimately involved with our clients’ businesses so that I can help them achieve the best possible solutions from a position of real understanding. In practice, what this means is having regular face-to-face meetings, and an open and honest dialogue so that we get the right candidate to satisfy the client’s needs.
Q: What qualities do you look for in an interim management candidate?
Above all, successful interim managers must be able to adapt and deliver quickly in commercially demanding situations. Broad business experience and the ability to make incisive observations that can be turned into an opportunity for positive change are also important, as is the fundamental ability to work within different corporate cultures. Looking specifically at the retail sector, which is extremely fast moving and dynamic, there’s an added urgency to get buy-in from internal teams so that financial targets and bottom line demands are delivered promptly.
Q: How can clients get the most out of working with IP?
I think the key thing here is for our clients to have the confidence to engage us as true, collaborative partners. We have a very strong team of consultants who are all experienced in their prospective sectors. Investing time in a clear brief at the start of the process allows us to develop a precise understanding of the client’s particular issues, which means we can dedicate our time to finding the most appropriate interim managers in a very targeted way.
Q: What would you say are the key challenges for your clients in the retail sector? How can Interim Management help?
Speed of change within the retail sector is like no other. Declining high street sales plus the growth of on-line shopping, longer trading hours and an increasingly global economy have all had an enormous impact on the way companies operate in the retail arena. Interim management resource can help by being effective quickly. Interim managers who specialise in the retail sector will have had similar experiences in the past and can bring their skills to the table to ensure the focus for solutions is where it should be. They can help by dedicating their experience to where it will have the biggest positive impact.
Q: Where in the world you most like to visit?
Anywhere I could enjoy a new experience with my family. My sister has recently emigrated to New Zealand and travelled over both North and South islands – it looks beautiful! I have also worked with a number of people from NZ and they are great fun so it’s definitely on the list of places to go.
Q: Person you most admire?
I admire anyone who achieves success through working with passion and integrity. I enjoy reading autobiographies of successful people - business tycoons, musicians, chefs, sportspeople and entrepreneurs - and finding out what makes them tick. Recently, I saw Bob Geldolf speak and for a person who has achieved so much in music, business and in his humanitarian efforts I came away with a new level of admiration for him.
Q: Best restaurant
Eating at the Tri Bec Ca Grill in New York, which is owned by Robert DeNiro, was a real experience. However, I eat regularly at The Orchid in Harrogate - a favourite venue for a close group of friends, where the food is always exceptional.
Q: Most proud of?
Personally – my wife and two wonderful children who are healthy and happy and constantly make me appreciate how lucky I am. Professionally – working in a successful, growing business with the opportunity to work autonomously in a challenging sector. There is also a great team at IP and it's fantastic to work with people who constantly inspire you.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Jonathan Flynn
T: 01423 531022
E: enquire@interimpartners.com
