Interim profile
Candidate ID: 1302238
Year became an Interim Manager: 2008
Functional Focus: Strategic Sales and Marketing Management
Corporate Career Summary:
An experienced Manager with over 22 years in the Oncology Healthcare environment including seven years Nursing and 15 years Pharmaceutical experience. Eleven years of which have been marketing specific roles, seven years with direct report responsibilities developing strong people management skills with demonstrable success with both Marketing and Sales teams.
Pharmaceutical experience includes working with some of the Top 15 companies, during which time I have experienced many aspects of product and sales management in Oncology, covering end of life cycle management and no less than 8 product launches including high profile Oncology products.
“What made you decide to become an Interim?”
The opportunity or excuse, conveniently presented itself when a small Pharmaceutical company I was working for was bought out. Sadly, as is all too common with takeovers, the buy-out company placed their people into the senior positions which effectively meant I had no job. What seemed to be a total disregard for peoples’ experience, track record or work ethics infuriated me, so I decided to put my self worth to the test by setting up my own company and marketing my attributes and passion for Oncology.
“Any regrets?”
No not at all, whilst at times I miss managing a team and having direct reports, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how quickly I have been made to feel a part of so many different teams.
“What are the upsides to being an Interim?”
- Variety
- Financial reward
- avoiding excessive internal focus and politics
“What has been the high point of your Interim career so far..?”
The number of clients I have had and the continued learning and experience I’m getting both in Haematology and Oncology.
“And the biggest challenge?”
At one point for a period of two months, I had four projects on the go and three company lap-tops (including e:mail) plus three mobile phones to keep up to date with, including my own company!
“What do you enjoy most about being an Interim?”
The variety and my customers.
“And least?”
Sense of isolation at times.
“How do you cope with the ‘feast and famine’ nature of interim work?”
Keep putting out feelers, maintain relationships and plan your next project well in advance.
“What networks would you recommend that keep you in touch and are useful to you?”
- Interim agencies/recruitment agencies
- NHS web-sites
- PM live
- Linked-in
“What is the ‘buzz’ that keeps you interimming?”
The independence and autonomy, I’m the toughest but the most honest boss I’ve ever had.
“How do you set a day rate?”
Mmm, Think of what you’re worth and half it!! (See second bullet point below)
“What top tips would you give an aspiring interim manager?”
- Plan to do a 10 hour day
- Under promise and over deliver
- Under no circumstances talk like a consultant
- Respect your clients
- Have a coach / mentor (I’m available for the right price!)
- Continually challenge whether your adding value
“What basic housekeeping things are important (set up as a Ltd company, get PII, find a good accountant, business cards etc.)?”
- Be honest and timely with expenses
- Have a business bank account
- Set up as a limited company
- Have a good accountant
- Make sure you keep learning, either in placements or go on courses
- Set-up a web-site
- Business cards
- Be able to describe what you offer in a sentence, you’ll get asked it lot’s particularly when you’re just starting out!!!