The future of leadership: Elin Ward
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?
We are in an environment of exponential change. This creates a psychological strain on employees as established identities are challenged by AI and new ways of working. As interim leaders, we need to be able to provide direction and stability without micromanaging. Another urgent skill is the ability to make decisions; we need to master different decision-making methodologies to know what issues are burning here and now, and which ones will affect the company in ten years. Having the courage to make wise and timely decisions is crucial.
How do you systematically keep your skills relevant?
For me it is about learnability - the willingness and ability to constantly absorb new knowledge and perspectives. I live by the motto that if we prioritize knowledge, success will follow. I train my brain just like a muscle; I attend at least four trainings per year and read at least twelve books to secure new ideas. You need that strength training to be sustainable and relevant over time.
What skills are most important to maximize your impact in today's fast-paced world?
Communication skills! This is partly about really listening and understanding the perspectives of others, and partly about being able to answer the question ‘WHY’ in all situations. Everyone affected by a decision needs to understand the purpose behind it. This means that we need to be able to package the same message in different ways depending on who we are talking to in order to create real understanding.
What kind of immersion do you see as most valuable for an interim manager?
I believe we need in-depth knowledge in three areas: law, behavioral science and economics. We need to be able to assess business risks, but also to understand how to meet human needs such as safety and belonging in the workplace. Finally, we need to become even more adept at balancing the triad of cost, quality and time in business.
What is your best advice to stay competitive going forward?
Always be curious - and above all, lose the prestige.
About Elin Ward
Elin Ward is an interim manager and project manager in process development with nine years of experience in leading change. Based in Stockholm and driven by a passion for lifelong learning, she combines expertise in law and economics with a deep understanding of human behavior. Her leadership is based on the motto that success follows knowledge, and today she acts as a bridge between complex business decisions and human security.
Do you want to develop your learnability and strategic decision-making?
As Elin points out, leading in exponential change requires constant training and new perspectives. On May 18-22, the Interim Management Professional Program in Gothenburg. The program is a unique opportunity to deepen your skills in areas such as law, finance and leadership, so that you can continue to make wise decisions and deliver value in a changing world.
