At the beginning, the situation seemed almost impossible to solve.
A business group with multiple entities had fallen into serious difficulties. Cash flow was deteriorating, loans were being transferred between entities, transparency was missing, and trust was disappearing. The creditor decided to act — and chose a solution that, for them, was an experiment. For us, it is everyday practice: Interim Management.
A pilot project was launched. We deployed an experienced Interim Manager with a clear mandate. The results exceeded expectations.
“Trust cannot be bought. But it can be earned — systematically, every day, one decision after another.”
— Interim Manager deployed on the project
A DECLINING BUSINESS CONDITION: QUIET SIGNALS, VISIBLE CONSEQUENCES
The situation continued to worsen. The business group, owned by Slovak entrepreneurs, started struggling — some entities generated losses, cash flow became insufficient, loans were shifted between companies, and supplier invoices were delayed.
The creditor responded. The loans moved into Workout mode. And then came an unusual step: instead of focusing only on control, the creditor proposed cooperation — involving an Interim Manager from #TOPHEADS.
A PILOT MODEL WITH TOP HEADS: EXTERNAL SUPPORT THAT WORKS INTERNALLY
The goal was not only to gain access to numbers. The goal was to create a system that would be trustworthy for the creditor, acceptable for the company’s management, and most importantly — functional.
We deployed an Interim Manager with experience in reporting, auditing, and transactions. His mission was clear:
• implement meaningful reporting across all entities,
• rebuild trust and prepare the company for key decisions,
• professionally support the sale of part of the business in order to relieve pressure within the structure and finances.
PHASE 1: WHEN DATA BECOMES A DECISION-MAKING TOOL
“Reporting for the creditor alone was not enough. I needed to create a system that would also help management make the right decisions.”
Different data structures, incomparable reports, inconsistent methodologies. The Interim Manager created a unified reporting template for the entire group — including comparisons, comments, and management overviews. This standard:
• eliminated chaos between entities,
• created a transparent basis for dialogue,
• enabled all parties to focus on what truly mattered — and act accordingly.
PHASE 2: TRUST IS NOT BUILT THROUGH OPINIONS, BUT THROUGH PERFORMANCE
“From the beginning, they saw me as ‘the creditor’s person.’ Distrust was open and visible. But I came to work — not to judge.”
The first weeks required caution. Cooperation developed gradually — based on results, precision, and a systematic approach. Instead of control, understanding emerged. And instead of barriers, a respectful partnership was built.
“We did not expect such high added value.”
— Owner of one of the entities
PHASE 3: A TRANSACTION THAT REQUIRED MORE THAN EXCEL
The group decided to sell part of its portfolio — but the first attempt failed. Data was missing, valuations were incomplete, and due diligence materials were insufficient.
The Interim Manager entered the process during a critical phase and:
• completed the reporting required by investors,
• created a valuation framework for assets, liabilities, and forecasts,
• coordinated negotiations and legal transaction conditions.
The sale was ultimately completed. And although the process had to restart from the beginning, with better preparation it could have been completed faster and under more favorable conditions.
WHAT THIS CASE DEMONSTRATES ABOUT INTERIM MANAGEMENT
✅ Speed — deployment without lengthy recruitment processes.
✅ Seniority — an experienced leader capable of acting in complex situations.
✅ Continuity — bridging two worlds: the bank and the company.
✅ Results — systems, trust, transaction execution, stabilization.
CLIENT FEEDBACK:
“We tested Interim Management. The results speak for themselves.”
This pilot project demonstrated that when time, money, and trust are at stake, control alone is not enough. Action is required.
And this is exactly where Interim Managers create value — not as a temporary patch, but as an intervention at the core of the problem.
📩 If you are looking for a solution, not just another report, contact us. We will be happy to present concrete possibilities tailored to your situation.
#People #InterimManagement #TOPHEADS #Workout #InvestmentRecovery #CaseStudy #Leadership #Trust