Yannis Kramer - Interim Manager for change, optimization, and growth, Nomilk2day Interim
After twenty-three years as an employee, he decided to make a change. Now, as an Interim Manager, he helps companies with growth, structure, and above all: decisiveness. How does he do it? "Simply, together with the team: sharing ideas, bringing energy, and getting things done."
Yannis Kramer - Interim Manager for change, optimization, and growth
Over a year ago, Yannis Kramer started his first interim assignment. He combines smaller assignments, where he helps companies grow, with a larger role at Fullwood JOZ. He thoroughly enjoys this variety. Even the previously introduced DBA Law did not deter him from taking this step. "DBA Law is a point of attention, but with clear contractual agreements and a clear description of the start and end of the assignment, that can be well managed."
Where does your experience lie?
"My experience is broad. I worked for 18 years in various management roles at an alarm center, at Schiphol Airport, in the trading industry, and in the laboratory world. In my current position at Fullwood JOZ, I lead and optimize the Inside Sales team for the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, which is responsible for sales processes, customer service, and order guidance from A to Z. The beauty is that processes, people, and systems are present everywhere. That's where my strength lies."
You are frequently brought in for change. What do you solve?
"I work on change management, process optimization, cost reduction, and the implementation of ERP or CRM systems. I don't see the latter as IT projects, but as business projects. Everything revolves around the right balance between systems, processes, and the people who work with them. My focus is always internal and geared towards growth. That's when you truly make an impact."
How do you feel about interim management?
"Absolutely. After years as an employee, I enjoy the freedom and independence. I decide what I do and don't do. Besides, I love variety. New companies, new people, new processes: that energizes me. My strength really lies in that initial phase. Quickly engaging with people, observing, listening well, and analyzing. This way, I see solutions quickly. From experience, I know that after about two years, the energy I derive from a position decreases. That's another reason why shorter assignments where I build something suit me well."
You lead processes, departments, people. How do you do that?
"Hands-on, coaching, positive, and pragmatic. I involve people in the process. I don't believe in top-down change. Change must come from within. It starts with sharing ideas together. That's how you create buy-in and make people feel ownership. It's also important that processes continue to run after I have left."
As an interim professional, you ultimately have to achieve results. Is that something you resonate with?
"It might sound strange, but no. That approach is already ingrained in me by nature. 'Getting things done,' that's what I call it. Not because I have to, but because I want to. I see opportunities, solve problems, and handle matters. And if something falls outside my scope but is important? I'll still take it on."
As an outsider, sometimes you can say more than insiders. Do you notice that?
"Definitely. I have no political agenda, which gives me freedom of movement. I can address what others might find difficult. Besides, I always opt for a constructive approach."
What do you often see going wrong within companies?
"Lack of ownership. Problems persist when they fall just outside someone's responsibility. I also frequently encounter outdated processes and systems that fail to keep pace with the organization's growth. They become a hindrance to progress instead of an accelerator."
What inspires you?
"When people regain energy from their work. When they know what to do, excel at it, and enjoy it. That balance between all aspects, that's what I find beautiful."
You juggle multiple assignments. Isn't that difficult to plan?
"That's actually the beauty of being self-employed: you're in charge of your own schedule. Besides my main four-day assignment, I have the flexibility to assist a small company in its growth, for example. With good planning and coordination, it's perfectly manageable. And incredibly enjoyable, too!"
Can you see yourself returning to a permanent position someday?
"Not at the moment. This suits me so well. And I'm not doing it to take a month off between assignments. On the contrary: when I'm in discussions with a new client, I get so excited that I'm eager to start the job quickly. But never say never. If something truly unique comes along, I'm open to it. For now, I'm fully enjoying the interim life."
Are you a decisive interim manager, or is your organization looking for a professional who effectively tackles complex business challenges? Contact our specialized . directly.
Photographer: Marcel Rob
[Published: May 2025]
