More than 150 interim managers accepted our invitation to the AIM Event 2024 at the elegant Hotel Schweizerhof in Bern. Stefan Holenstein began by explaining how the interim management market in general and AIM as a leading full service provider in particular have developed over the last 12 months. After André Meier had analyzed the important cooperation between provider and interim manager (m/f), the stage was set for the "Interim Manager of the Year 2023" of the DACH region, Carlo Reato. As a highly experienced interim manager, he outlined the skills expected of interim managers and the challenges he has successfully overcome in his current mandate over the last 24 months. He summed up his presentation in a nutshell: change management + leadership = implementation + results + people management!
The second guest speaker, David Zumsteg, who has been working as an independent interim manager since 2003, has even more experience in interim management. In his keynote speech, he explained the experience he has gained in various functions and industries over the last 20 years and how interim managers should behave in order to successfully master the challenges. It was also impressive how he pointed out the differences between management consultants and interim managers. To put it somewhat boldly and exaggeratedly: Interim managers come in only to leave soon after their work is done. Management consultants present great concepts in order to get follow-up orders. Like the previous speaker, he also emphasized the importance of an authentic, honest and direct appearance and conduct on the part of interim managers.
In the subsequent panel discussion chaired by AIM partner Stefan Holenstein, the very interested guests were motivated to find out even more from the two interim luminaries by asking specific questions and to benefit from their wealth of experience. This led to a lively discussion, which could be deepened during the subsequent aperitif riche. While networking, the excellent catering and the beautifully furnished hall in the magnificent Hotel Schweizerhof could be enjoyed. Of course, the small AIM take-away gift in the form of the delicious original almond cookie, the "Berner Mandelbärli", was not to be missed at the end.
We would like to thank the two speakers for their commitment and enthusiasm and all the guests for their interest and valued participation. We look forward to continuing our pleasant and fulfilling collaboration.
