Flexible working models are an opportunity for women in interim management

In the fourth installment of our interview series "Women in Interim Management", we would like to introduce you to Kristina Willi. The Switzerland-based interim manager is certain: as the world of work continues to diversify, interim management is becoming increasingly important. Kristina Willi is using this change in attitude and the increasing demand for temporary specialists as an opportunity to combine her own career with the demands of family life. In an interview with Marlise Stauffer, Managing Director of Swiss Interim GmbH, she discusses the importance of flexible working models for both mothers and SMEs and highlights the opportunities for young women in interim management.

Mrs. Willi, can you start by telling us about your professional background?

Kristina Willi: At the age of 34 and as a mother of two, I work around three days a week. My academic background is in finance: I completed my Master's degree at the University of Bern. I started my career in controlling. But I soon switched to accounting to deepen my knowledge. This experience enabled me to develop extensive expertise in finance. This is particularly beneficial in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as I can cover both controlling and accounting. Before entering interim management, I held several leadership positions where I managed employees in various language regions of Switzerland, including Ticino and Lausanne.

That's remarkable. How long have you been working in interim management and how many mandates have you successfully completed so far?

KW: I have been active in interim management for around two years. During this time, I have taken on three mandates, all of which lasted more than six months and overlapped to some extent. I have also worked on two smaller projects. I also supported a few other companies on a longer-term, ad hoc and hourly basis. This variety of experience shows how valued my work is and how multifaceted the field of interim management can be.

Absolutely. How do you see the development of interim management in Switzerland?

KW: Interim management only gained importance in Switzerland at a late stage. Demand has risen noticeably in recent years. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of external specialists, particularly for bridging vacancies or special project requirements. One interesting aspect here is the trend towards part-time work and job sharing. The latter means that there are several people responsible for a specific task. These working models are particularly popular after parental leave, which in turn increases the demand for interim managers. As women are increasingly returning to their old roles, companies are increasingly looking for external support to bridge the gap.

That's a good keyword: what role does part-time work play in interim management?

KW: Part-time work is becoming more and more important. I work part-time myself and see that this is by no means an obstacle to a successful career in interim management. Many companies are now open to assigning mandates on a part-time basis. They recognize that interim managers work very efficiently and productively. This trend allows women to return from maternity leave at a high level without having to settle for positions for which they are clearly overqualified.

So the opportunities for younger female interim managers are good?

KW: There is definitely a trend towards younger female interim managers. In the past, the field was dominated by people who had largely completed their careers and were working at C-level. Today, more and more interim managers are also being sought in middle management. This opens the door for younger talents who can contribute not only strategic but also operational skills. The latter is particularly in demand in SMEs. In this environment, a hands-on mentality and practical knowledge are highly valued. I myself have found that my operational skills in particular have helped me to be successful.

In conclusion: What advice would you give to women who want to get into interim management?

KW: It's important to be aware of your own strengths and to use them specifically in interim management. Networking and a proactive approach are crucial. Providers can also be a valuable support - especially for those who may have less experience in selling their own services. My journey has shown that courage and a willingness to take on new challenges are key to success in interim management.

Mrs. Willi, thank you for the insightful interview and good luck for the future!

Are you an interim manager and would like to share your experience and insights? Deutsche Interim AG invites you to take part in the interview series Women in Interim Management. You will have the opportunity to share your professional perspective, experience and sound advice with the di community in a personal interview. In this way, you will help to increase corporate awareness and sensitivity to this key topic.