Stephen Farrant is an experienced independent consultant, advisor and non-executive director, working with business leaders across a range of sectors on sustainability strategy, engagement and implementation. He was approached by Oxford HR in the summer of 2024 to take on a part-time, short-term assignment with Manufacture 2030 to help the organisation’s engagement with the pharmaceutical sector and the decarbonisation of its supply chain.
When Stephen took on the interim role at Manufacture 2030, they needed someone to step in at short notice, and to focus on two key priorities: firstly, to re-build momentum with members / sponsors, and secondly to provide support and guidance to the team. The context for this was that there had been a huge amount of team change in recent months. This had impacted both team morale internally and the confidence of members externally, so they were looking for someone with a degree of experience and gravitas who could hit the ground running.
Challenges Faced
Asked about a significant challenge he faced in this interim role, Stephen says: “I have been working with large businesses on collective action programmes in the sustainability space, as well as sector-based decarbonisation programmes, for many years now. So that much was all reasonably familiar. But there was a significant learning curve for me in terms of the dynamics of global pharmaceutical companies and their supply chains. And of course, learning how Manufacture 2030 operates, its systems and its culture. Additionally, as this role is only 2 days a week and I have to fit a lot of other client work around it, it can be a challenge keeping on top of the volume in the limited time available. Being focused and organised is essential.”
Decision Making
With regards to decision-making in a temporary role, Stephen thinks that is really helpful if you have been round the track a few times and worked in lots of different senior roles in the past. While the specifics of each decision are of course different, experience can be a great help in knowing the sorts of things that are likely to require a sense-check or sign-off from someone else, as opposed to the types of decisions where you just need to find solutions and keep moving. Having a clear briefing on strategy at the outset really helps, and after that his instinct is to be clear about the direction of travel, keep people informed as he goes and keep going. As an interim, significant decisions on people issues, budget or strategy would always need to be checked with the CEO, but for operational matters it is more a question of keeping people updated and informed.
Stakeholder Management
To manage relationships with the board, donors, and partners, the key is showing a lot of interest in them, and enthusiasm for what they are trying to do. Being a good listener helps. If you can demonstrate relevant experience from elsewhere that is certainly a plus. Going in with questions, curiosity and a willingness to help rather than pretending you know all the answers is key.
Reflections and Advice
It can be really rewarding if you’re willing to give it a go, because the opportunity to make an impact when it is most needed is real. As an interim, you are in a unique position because you bring fresh eyes and a new perspective to the business, and at the same time you are free of the baggage and emotional ties that often come with being a long-term employee. For Stephen, he derives a lot of satisfaction both from sharing his own knowledge and experience with those around him, while also learning loads of new things for himself. If you like variety and love a challenge, it can be a great option.
Future Outlook for Interim Leaders in the Climate Tech Space
Stephen thinks there will always be a need for interims, both because of the flexibility they can bring when a sudden resourcing gap opens up, and also to help with significant changes on a short-term basis and while the business decides what their longer-term requirements might be. The ability to bring fresh perspectives, experience and knowledge from elsewhere is also a real plus.
