The Interim
Build your career as a successful Interim, because for many people, it is the best job in the world. This podcast will equip you with knowledge and the mindset to excel whether it’s your first time or if you’re experienced and wanting to hear from fellow professionals and keep learning.
The Interim
Extend your Market: an Interim's guide to a Lasting Career - Tony Martin
Today, we're talking to an interim who’s got 18 years of Interim experience and, now in his late 60s, has got wisdom and experience for us all to enjoy. We are going to debunk some myths and misconceptions about the interim lifestyle, and reveal a fundamental secret of getting assignments. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and discover what truly drives purpose in the dynamic world of interim work.
Tony Martin is a Transformation Programme Director. He has led major business change programmes in many large multinational companies in the public and private sectors and in many geographies. I was going to list the change programmes and clients he has worked with but the list got too long. He's known for his ability to "pull rabbits out of hats," and is currently working at Ineos.
This is my summary of that conversation with Tony Martin
Debunked some familiar misconceptions about the interim life:
o "Work When You Like": Tony refutes this, even though he's been almost consistently employed for 18 years he says that the breaks between assignments are not a holiday, they too have a purpose of recharging and finding the next assignment.
o Market Fluctuations: While there are perceived quiet periods (summer, Christmas) and busy ones (April, September), Tony stresses that urgent needs mean that opportunities can arise any time of the year. Interims must always be "ready to go."
o "It's All About Your Network": While networks help, Tony highlights that 11 of his 13 jobs came through agencies, who effectively handle his business development.
Not Limiting Your Market: Tony's advice was to know your strapline or market proposition (his was "I run large complex change programs”) and then advises interims to:
o Be sector agnostic.
o Be open to any geography.
o Be willing to work on-site if the client requires it, as they are paying the invoice.
o Avoid the "day rate trap." While having a rate range is important, being flexible for "really interesting" roles can open up more opportunities.
"Rediscover Your Relevance" Business: Tony, with a colleague, has launched a business that helps interims refine their skills, get back into the market, or pivot their careers. Key offerings include mastering strap lines and elevator pitches, LinkedIn and recruiter secrets, resume development, and interview coaching.
Motivation and Purpose: At 69, Tony continues to work because he loves what he does, maintains a strong business edge, and enjoys navigating how organizations tick. He describes this as his fundamental sense of purpose.