Leadership of the future: Rikard Karlsson
How do interim managers navigate a constantly changing landscape? In the series “Today's interim consultants on the future of skills development”, we talk to industry professionals about the skills needed for the future. The conversations take their cue from the cutting-edge academic training for interim managers taking place in Gothenburg in May, where theory meets practice to equip tomorrow's leaders.
What requirements do you see for interim managers' skills right now?
“The most urgent skill today is the ability to quickly structure complex problems. In the past, interim assignments were often about filling a vacancy and keeping the business running, but today we are expected to step into sensitive challenges and provide immediate clarity. This requires keen analytical skills and digital maturity - especially around how AI can be used practically. Those who combine business acumen with technological curiosity will be the most relevant going forward.”
How do you systematically keep your skills relevant?
“I see every assignment as an opportunity to develop new ways of working. I work in a structured way by combining practical application with reflection. I actively follow developments in AI and automation, but I'm not satisfied with the theory, I test the tools myself to evaluate the actual business benefits. For me, learning is about being relevant in real life, not just being up-to-date on paper.”
What skills are most important to maximize your impact in today's fast-paced world?
“The ability to build trust in record time while daring to drive change. As an interim, you have no room for long induction phases. You need to understand the culture and identify the challenges right away, while starting to deliver. This requires clear communication and the courage to address the pain points. Those who manage to combine relationship building with a relentless focus on structure create lasting impact.”
What kind of immersion do you see as most valuable for an interim manager?
“In-depth knowledge in change management and digital transformation. Organizations are looking for leaders with proven ability to drive change in complex environments. Particularly valuable is the combination of process understanding, technical maturity and the experience of actually translating strategy into concrete action.”
What is your best advice to stay competitive going forward?
“Never see yourself as ‘done’. Anyone who relies on past performance quickly becomes irrelevant. Be proactive instead of reactive: stay ahead of technological developments and understand the business logic behind the new tools. Dare to challenge both yourself and the organization you are joining. Those interim managers who continue to be problem solvers, and not just another resource, will always be in demand.”
About Rikard Karlsson
Helsingborg-based Rikard Karlsson is a strategic logistics leader with a unique breadth, from operational departmental responsibility to the role of Warehouse Manager for entire flows. With four years of experience as an interim consultant and external leadership training, he combines deep system understanding with a structured drive.
Do you want to move from resource to strategic problem solver?
As Rikard highlights, today's missions require an ability to quickly structure complexity and drive digital transformation. On May 18-22, the Interim Management Professional Program in Gothenburg. The program is tailored to give you the in-depth knowledge of change management and strategic leadership required to create added value in the most demanding environments.
