Women play an important role as bridge builders in times of crisis

Our interview series "Women in interim management" enters its fifth round. This time, the focus is on Diana Perez. She is not only an experienced interim manager in the field of marketing and sales, but also works as a mentor to empower women in management positions. In an interview with Marie-Luise Mann, Head of Manager Relations at Deutsche Interim AG, Diana Perez shares her personal experiences and talks about why women have an important role to play as bridge builders - especially in times of crisis.

Mrs. Perez, you work in areas that are traditionally dominated by men. What is it like to work as a woman in interim management - especially in sales?

Diana Perez: In marketing and sales in particular, I often encounter the attitude that in times of crisis, men are preferentially selected for leadership positions. I'm not the only one to make this observation; female colleagues also notice it. Even men confirm this. There seems to be a general perception that men are better suited to taking action and making quick decisions in turbulent times. But I am convinced that women add enormous value, especially in these phases of uncertainty, and create an environment in which employees feel emotionally picked up and supported.

How do you see your role as an interim manager? And what approach do you take in terms of collaboration and development within a company?

DP: I am a firm believer in the power of networking and mentoring. As an interim manager, I see myself as a "bridge builder" who mediates not only between different departments, but also within a team. My approach is based on breaking down silos and ensuring understanding and orientation. In this way, I not only support employees professionally, but also promote their personal and professional development. Women in companies are particularly grateful for this kind of support. They appreciate it when an experienced female colleague has the courage to question existing structures and break new ground.

You raise some interesting points. How do you assess the role of women in terms of leadership and - as you say - as "bridge builders"?

DP: Women bring a unique perspective to leadership roles, which is extremely important in times of crisis. In addition to the ability to think and act in a solution-oriented way, women are generally characterized by strong communication skills and a high degree of empathy. These qualities enable them to create clear and transparent communication channels and thus ensure security and trust within a company or team. I see building and maintaining connections as one of women's greatest strengths. Especially in turbulent times, this is indispensable.

Connections are a good keyword. To what extent do sales and marketing work together? And how is this connection put into practice?

DP: Unfortunately, marketing is still seen too much as a support function for sales in many companies, especially in the B2B sector, rather than as a strategic partner. In my experience, there is often a lack of understanding of the synergy effects that can arise from close cooperation between these two areas. Effective marketing should be an integral part of the corporate strategy and not just be reduced to operational advertising measures. It is about recognizing and using the full potential of marketing to strengthen the brand and drive business growth. A future-proof marketing and sales setup is crucial for sustainable success.

Mrs. Perez, thank you for your time and the interesting insights!