Portrait #2 : Karam Hallak, Executive Interim Manager

Continuing our series of articles regarding Executive Interim Manager, today we focus on Karam H. , a Financial Controller whose experience perfectly illustrates all the diversity of careers in this field.

A Strategic Choice for a Diversified Career

After a decade in the telecom sector, Karam felt the need to break away from his predetermined path. He saw in transition management a dual opportunity : to explore new sectors and avoid being confined to a niche, but also to take on new challenges outside the structured environment of large groups.

Can you tell us what guided you towards interim management ?

After an initial part of my career in permanent positions, I was attracted to Executive Interim Management for two major reasons. First, I wanted to discover new horizons beyond telecoms. Then, I was looking to engage in new challenges, as opposed to the rigid structure of large groups. This approach allowed me to accelerate my skills development and bring a new dynamic to my professional journey.

From the beginning, I was faced with demanding challenges, requiring quick results. I had to adapt in a very short time, working on significant projects from the first day. This experience reinforced my appetite for challenges and opened the door to rewarding opportunities.

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What advice would you give to a manager hesitant about transitioning into the interim world ?

It's essential to have a deep reflection and understand that Interim Management is not for everyone. You need to enjoy challenges, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and be comfortable with the concept of professional mobility. Developing your network is crucial, and it's informative to exchange with experienced transition managers before you consider making this move.

Transition management can be a great opportunity to discover new sectors, develop new skills, build a new career path, and it can also be a gateway to a permanent position. It can allow you to "break a predetermined path" after a few years of experience. However, I would not recommend it right after studies; in my opinion, it's better to wait five to eight years before embarking on this adventure.

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And on the other hand, if you were to give advice to companies still hesitant to engage an interim manager, what would it be ?

?I strongly encourage you to trust transition managers! They are seasoned professionals, with a strong capacity for adaptation and able to question themselves, thus increasing their chances of success in their missions. Moreover, their contractual and operational flexibility represents a major advantage for companies. With a transition manager, you have more freedom to adapt the deadlines of a mission, or even to transform this temporary collaboration into a long-term commitment, even if it was not initially planned.

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Following our collaboration, in three words, how would you describe your relationship with your talent agent at Lincoln ?

?My relationship with my Talent Agent Geoffroy Delabasle Lincoln can be summed up in three words: trust, support, and understanding.

A solid relationship is crucial: it helps to align the transition manager with the client's needs and ensures effective follow-up throughout the mission, thus contributing to its success.

My long-standing relationship with Geoffroy, which has lasted for 9 years, testifies to this importance. We have maintained regular contact, adapting to the evolution of my professional aspirations.

His deep knowledge of my career is a valuable asset.