The recent crisis in Nepal, which led to massive youth-led protests over social media restrictions amid corruption and unemployment, has culminated in the prime minister's resignation and the appointment of a consensus figure: Sushila Karki, prime minister. interim, who takes office to organize elections and restore normalcy until March 2026, when elections will be held.
Sushila Karki was elected through a striking vote on Discord —the well-known communication platform originating in the gaming world— mainly by a youth who came out with the same strength and determination to overthrow the regime of their country as to clean the streets days later.
All of this leaves us with some interesting reflections, but I believe the main one is how a perfect tandem has been achieved between the and motivation of the country's young talent and the experience of senior people like Sushila, former Chief Justice.
Stabilizing and articulating priorities: the essential function of interim management
In scenarios reminiscent of the one mentioned earlier, the role of an interim manager offers concrete advantages that can be applied to the business world when a swift and robust solution is needed in the face of internal crises. Establishing a temporary authority, with credentials of neutrality and technical expertise, facilitates the management of emergencies, provides a clear point of reference for the organization, and allows for the planning of a timeline to guide the company toward a new phase with a democratic mandate. Thus, at the corporate level, a temporary manager fulfills analogous functions: stabilizing the organization, articulating priorities, and preparing the ground for succession or strategic normalization.
Legitimacy and immediate trust
One of the most useful lessons to be learned from the uprisings in the Asian country is the need for immediate legitimacy and trust. In Nepal, the appointment of a figure recognized for their track record sought to build trust among diverse actors—primarily the army and the young rebels—and accelerate basic governance agreements.
That reputation is precisely what a temporary manager with a proven track record brings to a company, enabling them to negotiate with stakeholders, ease tensions, and restore operations. The legal and practical limitations of interim governments (for example, by avoiding profound structural reforms and prioritizing administrative continuity) also serve as a reminder: the interim manager's actions should focus on stabilizing and preparing, not on restructuring without a mandate.
“An interim manager with proper coverage and support acts as a bridge: they channel the transformative energy of the teams and apply the necessary rigor so that changes are implemented safely and sustainably.”
The youth movement in Nepal has highlighted demands for a future, employment, and transparency. Within organizations, on the other hand, the pressure from young talent often requires adaptation, resulting in greater transparency, purpose, and opportunities; while senior professionals are able to contribute experience, sound judgment, and risk management skills.
Limited mandate and measurement of results
However, it's crucial to remember that a temporary nature with clear objectives is key, since, in the administration of countries, the interim leader has the obligation to call elections and ensure proper procedures. Similarly, any interim management service must have a mandate defined by objectives, deadlines, and metrics that allow for the evaluation of its contribution. This structure, precisely, facilitates accountability, allows for the measurement of results, and leaves an operational legacy—processes, governance, and a trained team—that endures when permanent managers resume their roles.
Temporary leadership for complex crises
Recent experience underscores the value of interim solutions: rapid legitimacy, neutrality in mediation, the ability to organize the transition, and the establishment of solid operational foundations. In the business environment, having interim management services with these characteristics allows companies to address extreme crises or sensitive transitions with a greater probability of success and less reputational cost.
In short, this case is further evidence that using senior executives on a temporary basis is a decision that guarantees stability and experience from the outset. At EPUNTO, we have a network of over 60.000 professionals in dozens of countries, allowing us to find the best candidate in less than 10 days.
Álvaro Petit—Business Coordinator & Brand Manager