Zahra Hedges

Executive Interim & Fixed-Term Roles
Strategy | Transformation | Complex Change

After several years as a national CEO, I’m now taking on fixed-term executive and interim roles, as well as clearly defined project work.I work best with thoughtful, honest leaders who want to move something real, whether that’s growth, reset, stabilisation or building something new.This work sits alongside my Interdisciplinary MBA at LIS, deepening the cross-sector, complexity aware, systems-level thinking that has always underpinned my leadership.

When organisations bring me in

  • The goal isn’t yet clear, and someone needs to help define what success actually looks like.

  • There is a goal, but it needs sharper structure and delivery.

  • The organisation is growing and systems haven’t caught up.

  • A significant programme needs leadership and momentum.

  • There’s a period of transition - leadership change, restructuring or reset - and steady, accountable executive cover is needed.

  • The organisation needs someone who can represent it confidently at senior level while staying grounded and credible with teams and partners.

Sometimes I’m brought in to figure out the right question. Sometimes I’m brought in to deliver the answer.I do best with defined mandates with a clear outcome, even if part of the work is clarifying what that outcome should be.

What you can expect

  • Alignment at senior level on what we’re actually trying to achieve.

  • Strategic clarity translated into a focused, deliverable plan.

  • Decisions made, not deferred.

  • Stronger operational grip and clearer accountability.

  • Visible progress - something you can point to and say, “that moved”.

I am comfortable with ambiguity and emergent work, and enjoy ensuring things are clearer by the time I leave.

Selected examples

Across private, public and mission-led environments, this has included:

  • Scaling an organisation from c.£550k to £1.2m and tripling team size.

  • Leading the roll-out of a £15m programme across 32 local authorities.

  • Turning around an underperforming operation and restoring financial stability.

  • Professionalising a growing consultancy to enable sustainable growth.

  • Building and exiting a profitable retail business from scratch.

How I work best

I work closely with the Chair, CEO or senior sponsor, ideally with:

  • Clear backing.

  • Space to act.

  • Direct communication.

  • A values match - work in any sector but you are doing something meaningful.

In return, I bring focus, momentum and integrity, and I leave behind stronger systems and capability than I found.

Availability

Available for fixed-term executive and interim roles, typically 3–12 months.If you’re navigating growth, transition or complex change and would value a conversation, get in touch.