Stepping Up, Stepping In: Lessons from Interim Leadership with Steve Gibling

Interim leadership is often seen as a holding pattern, a bridge between what was and what comes next. But for organisations in transition, an interim chief executive can be a stabiliser, a strategist and a catalyst for clarity.

In this episode, Matt Masters speaks with Steve Gibling, Interim Chief Executive of Selwyn District Council and former Interim CEO at Buller District Council, about what it really means to step into the top job on a temporary basis. Drawing on more than 25 years across local government, tertiary education and the not‑for‑profit sector, Steve shares a grounded, practical view of how to lead when time is limited, expectations are high and the organisation needs both continuity and confidence.

The conversation explores how to approach an interim role, whether stepping up internally or arriving from outside, and how to balance stewardship with the opportunity to make meaningful impact. Steve reflects on how to read culture quickly, how to maintain momentum on critical programmes, and how to decide what is appropriate to change when your mandate is temporary. He also unpacks the unique learning value of interim roles and why they can be career‑defining for leaders who embrace them with clarity, humility and intent.

This episode is essential listening for leaders navigating organisational transitions, preparing for executive succession, or wanting to understand how to lead well in periods of uncertainty.