A report of 1,600 women working as interim managers, ‘Women in Interim Management – how to succeed, the opportunities and challenges,’ has been released by Interim Women, the business network for women working as interim managers. The results lift the lid on the top attractions of a career in interim management (IM), for women it would seem the main pull is being the boss, running a business and working for a range of clients in different industries.

The survey also showed that money is not a major motivator, in spite of the fact that women in IM command an average of £604 a day. Those surveyed see it as a way of gaining greater career flexibility and a work-life balance, and a means of gaining skills and experience.

Hilary Sears, research co-ordinator, Interim Women commented: ‘Women are turning to interim management for an entirely different way of working. The women we surveyed typically have 22 years’ business experience and were former senior business executives at the top of their game. They were motivated to leave their permanent careers because they wanted to be their own boss. Interim Management has enabled them to take charge of their careers, work with different clients in a variety of industries and experience the challenges of running a business.’

The move from permanent to interim work appears to be a tricky one with half of women claiming to find it difficult with the majority agreeing that it took several months or more to find work. That said, not all found it challenging; 37 per cent found it easy to start, with many taking just a few weeks to win their first assignment.

Charles Russam, chairman of Russam GMS who set up Interim Women added, ‘It was striking that these women are so experienced, determined and resilient and they undertake Interim work because they are passionate both about being their own boss and working with different clients on challenging assignments.

‘Whilst the majority of women confessed that Interim Management is hard work, it seems being the boss is worth the sacrifices.  This report however, sends a clear message to businesses that there is a major pool of experienced, senior level women Interims out there who could help them with their toughest challenges.’

About Interim Women – www.interimwomen.com