Becky O’Keeffe, Delivery Consultant: interview with Sapreena Kumari

Meet Sapreena Kumari the Interim Director of Future Students and Deputy Director of Globalisation at the University of Dundee

Can you describe your experience working with Odgers Interim?

I have been working with Odgers since August 2024. They placed me at my current interim contract and I was very fortunate to be placed very quickly after I joined. The support from the staff at Odgers is second to none, not only in terms of finding placements, but pre-meeting support, guidance on cost pitching and check-ins whilst on placement.

How has Odgers Interim helped you navigate the challenges of interim executive roles?

The team at Odgers are always a phone call or email away. I work primarily with Sarah and there is nothing she does not know about my sector. Having a sector expert as your key link is so crucial to a placement going well as they will often have key insights you can use to support the success of your placements. I think this really sets Odgers apart from others.

How are you finding your current interim role?

It is great, I am learning so much and in turn I am able to make changes and provide value to the organisation, as well as the teams I am working with.

What are some of the key challenges you have faced in this role, and how have you addressed them?

I work in Education so the challenges for the sector are vast! One of the key things is reading and being knowledgeable about what is happening at other institutions, being across policy and using data insights to shape strategy and choose direction. It is complex and agile but you don’t work in a fast moving sector and expect an easy ride!

How do you manage the transition between different interim roles?

It is making sure your handover is really robust, and that you have built time into leaving your outgoing placement with everything they need to continue whatever project or placement you were working on. Some of them I go back to and I always offer to support ad hoc via email in the first few months as things generally come up, but it is important to leave placements behind too! All you should take with you is your learnings. I very much treat new placements as a fresh start and this means starting again, I luckily thrive on change so moving from placement to placement is an ideal scenario for me.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as an interim executive?

If you like fast paced environments, being able to quickly to make a difference and improve things then being an interim is for you. It is incredibly rewarding to do but your personal development also grow massively as you learn so many new skills with each placement. The key thing is to decide what your remit can be and where you can add the most value, find an interim provider that can support and be available and flexible around your terms.

What are some common misconceptions about interim executive roles that you would like to address?

That they are lonely! I have made some brilliant connections through interim work who have not only become friends, but have continued to contact me for project work or anytime they need support with a particular remit.

What resources or networks would you recommend for those looking to enter the interim executive market?

Join some of your industry networking groups, there are also many interim groups you can join. Keep in touch with your provider as they will always contact you for opportunities and of course -LinkedIn!