An interview with Sebastiaan Boelen, Interim Manager in the FMCG sector.
Q: People get into Interim Management for a variety of reasons. How did you start, and what were you doing beforehand?
A: My first interim assignment was with an international operating FMCG company followed by an assignment with a utility that has gone private. I have found the interim opportunities to be challenging and diverse. And, given the present economic climate, I expect many opportunities for finance people with experience in turn-arounds and restructuring. 2003-2007 I worked in FMCG (Black & Decker EMEA) and before that I spent six years in the telecoms industry; all in international finance roles, from M&A; to Commercial Finance and FP&A.; I started my business career with five years as a Management Consultant at McKinsey & Co and Coopers & Lybrand after a 10-year stint in the Royal Navy as Operations Officer.
Q: You have a broad experience of working in challenging business environments, what attributes do you think Interims need to succeed?
A: An ability to build a relationship with the client/owners and the sitting management team is critical to understand their priorities and build support for the decisions that you will have to make. Being a 'quick starter' - helped of course by your own functional and/or industry experience - is necessary to get through the first weeks, make the quick decisions and build confidence within the team. Although the interim is usually only needed short term, and held accountable for short term results, developing and communicating systems and processes to manage the longer term is also necessary and appreciated. No client likes a 'apres moi, le deluge' approach.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of Interim Management, and how do you manage the work/life balance?
A: Time between assignments should be spent 'recharging', which is likely to mean something different for everyone. I spent most of my spare time with my family as I mostly work away from home during assignments. However, after a few weeks I am ready to start a new role. In terms of work/life balance during an assignment, especially in the first few months, it is mainly work. Except for the weekend, that is for the 'life' part of the balance (I try very hard to manage work around that).
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking of a career in Interim Management?
Build up a reputation in your area of expertise. The first interim assignment is likely to be the most difficult to get. Get on the radar of the agencies and continue networking. Stretch assignments are nice, but make sure you have strong experience for what you have been asked to do. That is what your clients are hiring you for. The assignments - and for a finance professional - the industries can be varied, challenging and enjoyable. Don't underestimate the pressures and expectations in the interim roles compared to more regular permanent roles. Don't forget administration and budget accordingly for lean periods.
Sebastiaan Boelen has recently completed an assignment for Interim Partners where he assisted in the debt refinancing of utility asset ENW Ltd.