Interim CEO appointments are on the rise. As boards contend with increasing leadership turnover, unexpected CEO departures, and growing pressure from stakeholders, many are turning to interim leaders to provide stability while they identify the right long-term successor.

But succeeding as an interim CEO is far from straightforward. Leaders are often expected to build trust quickly, make important decisions with limited information, and create momentum across the organization—all while operating under significant uncertainty about their own future.

So, how can interim CEOs succeed in the role? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Efe Ekhaese, Aimee Williamson, and Justus O'Brien—who share their perspectives on:

▪ Why boards are increasingly appointing interim CEOs

▪ The unique pressures and challenges that come with leading on an interim basis

▪ How leaders can build trust, clarity, and momentum during periods of transition

▪ What aspiring permanent CEOs should consider when navigating interim appointments

"The most fraught word in interim leadership is ambiguity. The first question that an interim CEO needs to ask is: Why am I here? What am I trying to accomplish?"

Justus O'Brien

Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Four things you'll learn from this episode

Interim CEOs don't have the luxury of a traditional onboarding period. With limited time and high expectations, they must absorb information quickly and make decisions before they have complete certainty.
There is no universal playbook for interim leadership. Some situations require leaders to preserve stability, while others demand rapid transformation—success depends on understanding which mandate the board has given you.
Trust is built faster when leaders look beyond the executive leadership team and listen to the layers below. Engaging stakeholders across multiple levels of the organization helps interim CEOs make better decisions and build credibility more quickly.
Ambiguity can undermine even the most capable leaders. The most effective interim CEOs reduce uncertainty by aligning early with the board on expectations, authority, tenure, and long-term succession plans.

In this 19-minute episode, we will cover:

(2:26) Why interim CEO appointments are increasing

(3:09) How CEO turnover, burnout, and succession planning challenges are shaping leadership transitions

(6:06) The unique pressures of serving as an interim CEO

(8:51) Why clarity on your mandate is essential for success

(9:56) Examples of interim CEOs who have led through crisis

(13:32) How to build trust quickly across the organization

(14:10) Managing competing ambitions within the executive team

(15:58) When and how to discuss becoming the permanent CEO

A closer look at the research from this episode:

Global CEO Turnover Index | Russell Reynolds Associates

The Three Areas Boards Spend Their Time But Aren’t Seeing Results | Russell Reynolds Associates