The Pre-Flight Checklist for Interim CEO

Define Success – What Does "Good" Look Like?

Before taking action, align expectations with stakeholders, starting with whoever is funding the assignment.

• What are the critical goals?
• What is the timeframe for visible impact?
• What financial, operational, and cultural KPIs matter?

In turnarounds, success starts with survival while laying the foundation for the future.

Build Urgency and the Right Team

Interim leadership is about creating urgency and mobilizing people.

• Who are the key influencers you need on board?
• Where are the cultural pain points that could block change?
• Who must stay, who must go, and who must step up?

You can’t force people to change, but you can build the right environment where change happens.

Financial Control – Cash Matters

Most businesses fail due to cash shortages, not lack of profit.

• What is the cash burn and runway?
• Which quick cost reductions will have the most impact?
• Can you restructure supplier payments, debt, or financing?

If you don’t control the cash, you won’t control the business.

Sales and Growth – Quick Wins Matter

In times of crisis, revenue solves more problems than cost-cutting.

• What quick revenue wins are possible?
• Can we re-engage lost customers or upsell existing ones?
• Where is the low-hanging fruit for growth?

Momentum matters—small wins rebuild confidence and buy time for deeper changes.

Supplier and Cost Structure – The 80/20 Rule

Not all costs and suppliers are equal.

• Which 20% of suppliers drive 80% of the cost?
• Where can you renegotiate contracts, extend payment terms, or pause spending?
• Are there outsourcing or automation opportunities?

Tough decisions now prevent failures later.

Continuous Improvement – Embed Habits

A turnaround is about building a culture that prevents future crises.

• Where are the biggest process inefficiencies?
• What KPIs should be measured daily and weekly?
• How do we ensure a smooth leadership transition post-turnaround?

The best companies don’t just survive turbulence; they emerge stronger.

Interim leaders are used to navigating uncertainty.

Unlike permanent hires, we don’t have the luxury of figuring it out over time. The first 90 days are critical.

Want to know more about Interim Executives?

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