InterimWomen - the first Network for Women Working as Interim Managers Launches

InterimWomen, www.interimwomen.com, a new forum promoting women working as Interim Managers, sponsored by Interim Management Provider Russam GMS and Talent Management specialist, Cedar TM is launching today.

The first of its kind in the Interim Management industry; InterimWomen will support women working as Interim Managers and aims to encourage more female executives to become Interim Managers.

Russam GMS believes there is a real gap in the market for a support network for women working as Interim Managers. There are far fewer women than men in the profession at present and it hopes that the forum will not only promote the benefits of working as an Interim, but help readdress this issue and achieve a more equal gender balance in the industry.

The website will provide a resource for women working as Interim Managers and those who are starting out in the profession. It will include industry news, tips from those working in the industry, research, event listings, guides for getting ahead in Interim Management, as well as success stories.

A new mentoring service will also be central to the InterimWomen initiative. Those new to the profession will be able to apply online at www.interimwomen.com for an ëinterim buddyí and will be put in touch with up to three experienced Interim Managers in their area. Practice will vary but Mentors will provide advice and a great sounding board to ensure that the leap into the Interim world is not too daunting. This service is free, but Interims should bear in mind that Mentors would be helping because they want to and for no financial reward.

Marta Matajz, the Chair of Interim Women and Director of Client Liaison for CEDAR Talent Management states, ìMore women than ever before are becoming Interim managers, seeing it as a great way of combining a stimulating and challenging career with a better work/life balance. But, there still a large imbalance between the numbers of male and female interims and this is something we want to change through InterimWomen. We want more women to embrace the exciting opportunities that exist for Interims in the current business climate.î

ìOne of the key goals is to encourage networking and provide a level of support for Interims as it can be a lonely profession. We will host a series of networking events - the next one being a breakfast seminar on 10th April at The Athenum club in London so that women in the profession can meet and share their ideas and exchange experiences.î

At the event on 10th April 2008, board level Interim Manager, Carole Harden will be sharing her experiences of life as an Interim working in diverse organisations such as HM Revenue and Customs, Thales Aerospace, Laura Ashley and Metlife/Citgroup.

Carole will provide advice on how Interims can start out successfully and tips on how to switch seamlessly from the private sector into the public sector or vice versa. She will talk candidly about the major challenges that Interims face on assignment and how to overcome them, as well as advising on how to successfully jump on the ëmoving trainí that sums up life as an Interim Manager.