Leadership of the future: Patrik Modig
How do interim managers navigate a constantly changing landscape? In the series “The future of leadership”, we talk to industry professionals about the skills needed for the future. The conversations take their cue from the top-level academic training for interim managers to be held in Gothenburg in May 2026, where theory meets practice to equip tomorrow's leaders.
What requirements do you see for interim managers' skills right now?
The most pressing need is for fact-based decision-making. Many companies today are struggling with complex business systems that need to integrate with modern automation and production. As an interim leader, you must quickly understand how the workflows and data are interconnected. If you don’t have a firm grasp of the business’s core data, you won’t be able to generate the accurate key performance indicators needed to make the right decisions. A fundamental prerequisite for achieving operational excellence is simply that decisions are based on hard facts rather than gut feelings and opinions.
How do you systematically keep your skills relevant?
For me, it’s more about a philosophy of life than a checklist. You have to maintain a genuine curiosity and be humble enough to learn from your mistakes. The journey through one’s professional life is a process of constant learning. I also see it as my responsibility to foster a positive corporate culture; long-term results require that management establish a culture where everyone wants to grow and do good.
What skills are most important to maximize your impact in today's fast-paced world?
The most important skill is ensuring the organization has what it needs to perform. This requires you to quickly understand how the organization is actually doing and where the shortcomings lie. You need to be able to see the bigger picture by combining fact-based key metrics with strategic activities, while also fostering a collaborative work environment. This requires a combination of seniority, clarity, and the right personality to get everyone pulling in the same direction. It’s important to always remember your contribution to the workplace environment. As a senior consultant or interim manager, you have a great opportunity to positively influence this. A good workplace environment promotes both performance and well-being.
What kind of immersion do you see as most valuable for an interim manager?
In-depth knowledge of performance management is incredibly valuable. It gives you the tools you need to actually help the organization steer in the right direction from a leadership position. It’s about going beyond short courses and truly understanding the methodology behind how to drive and measure performance in a sustainable way.
What is your best advice to stay competitive going forward?
Do your best in every role and make sure you exceed expectations—a strong resume is built on a track record of proven competence. Combine strong leadership with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of LEAN, performance management, and modern IT environments. If you stay curious and ensure that your decisions are always backed by facts, you’ll remain relevant.
About Patrik Modig
Since 1990, Patrik has built up extensive international leadership experience in the industrial sector, having previously held top positions such as global CEO and head of Europe and the Nordic region. His expertise spans business development (LEAN), global project management, and site management roles in the steel, concrete, and electronics industries. After eight years as a senior interim consultant, he is currently driving strategic investments as Expansion Manager on a long-term assignment for Hitachi Energy in Ludvika.
To continue developing in the role of interim leader
As Patrik emphasizes, it takes both the right tools and a strong framework to successfully lead organizations through change and achieve operational excellence. For those of you who want to develop your strategic leadership skills, broaden your expertise, and gain academic credibility in your professional role, there is Interim Management Professional Program.
Learn more about the program and share your thoughts on upcoming sessions here
