For our ongoing #Way2InterimManagement series, the BBTP Team had the pleasure of speaking with Irina Rokosz. Read on to discover the key takeaways from our interview about Irina's path to interim management.
Irina Rokosz is a seasoned expert in compliance transformation and business process management. With over 20 years of steering transformations for software & IT organizations, Irina has built a career on navigating complexity. She has led teams in Bulgaria and Germany through regulatory challenges, optimized company processes, and ensured compliance with industry standards.
But when she left her last corporate role three years ago, she found herself at a crossroads. Rather than diving back into the corporate world as an employee, she leaned into freelancing.
"I saw going independent as an opportunity to focus on what I do best. By working as an external consultant, I would be able to take on multiple clients and engage in a variety of projects without the long-term constraints of an internal role."
To her surprise, Irina found the process to begin freelancing in her country of residence quite simple.
"In Germany, if you're offering services, you can be a freelancer without having to establish a formal company. This means you skip the bureaucracy— no need for an initial investment, corporate taxes, or accountants. You simply register with the tax office, receive a tax ID, and you're good to go."
Thanks to this simple process, Irina transitioned quickly to freelance mode. Within days of changing her LinkedIn status, she was headhunted for her first interim role.
For Irina, one of the biggest advantages of being an independent talent is the ability to drive focus and results within a set timeframe.
"When you're internal, projects tend to drag on indefinitely because everyone assumes you'll always be there. But as an external, I work with clear deliverables and deadlines. Clients are more focused, and we can accomplish transformations more efficiently."
Her work involves auditing existing processes, identifying compliance gaps, and implementing structured changes to align organizations with required standards. However, she is quick to point out that compliance is not a one-time achievement.
"Many companies think that once they receive their certification, the work is done. But maintaining compliance is just as important as achieving it in the first place. My goal is always to create sustainable processes that clients can maintain long-term."
One aspect that sets Irina apart is her long-term approach to process transformation. While some consultants focus on achieving quick certifications through shortcuts, she prioritizes sustainable solutions.
"I play the long game. Others in a similar role might implement quick fixes just to pass an audit, but that approach creates problems down the line. My goal is always to embed compliance in a way that integrates with the company’s culture and processes, ensuring it remains manageable even as regulations evolve."
Her passion for problem-solving extends beyond her professional life.
"I love puzzles. For me, figuring out how to take a company from point A to point B while considering their unique business goals and culture is like a giant, strategic puzzle. And I love every part of it."
Despite the variety and autonomy that freelancing offers, Irina highlights a common challenge among more experienced freelancers: the struggle to position themselves for high-level strategic roles.
"The way hiring works in corporations means that consultants are often brought in at a lower operational level—essentially just to implement solutions that have already been decided at a higher level. But the real value of an experienced consultant is in shaping those strategic decisions, not just executing them."
To address this issue, Irina developed her own framework for a freelancer's evolution, identifying the necessary steps to move from an operational role to a strategic advisory position. She emphasizes the importance of clear positioning, personal branding, and communicating the value of expertise beyond just implementation.
"There’s no corporate ladder for freelancers, so we have to create our own path. That means learning how to market ourselves, build credibility, and ensure we're in the right conversations from the beginning."
Having figured out a useful process for her own freelance business, Irina is also actively sharing her process with others and creating opportunities for independent talent to learn from each other. One way of doing this is through her LinkedIn group: Freelance Revolution: Towards Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose.
Irina’s journey offers valuable insights into interim management— both the opportunities presented by being an independent talent and the challenges that come with it. Her structured approach to business, combined with her deep expertise and strategic mindset, highlights the potential for freelancers to shape high-level business decisions rather than just execute them.
As companies continue to use external hires for specialized expertise, positioning oneself effectively in the market becomes crucial. Irina’s story serves as an inspiring example of how freelancers can carve out a fulfilling, impactful career on their own terms.
Best Best Talent Platform is a community of over 1500 C-level experts, including process-oriented Irina Rokosz. If you would like to advertise an assignment on our platform, get in touch with our team. We are always happy to match the best companies to the best talent.
Is Irina the perfect match for your needs?
Irina is both a BBTP Member and also an independent talent. If you are interested in working with Irina, you can get in touch with her directly using the information below:
Irina Rokosz
https://irinarokosz.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinarokosz/
contact@irinarokosz.com
Are you an interim manager with a story to share?
Best Best Talent Platform’s #Way2InterimManagement campaign is an opportunity for BBTP Members to share their experiences and highlight their diverse talents.
If you would like to be highlighted in the #Way2InterimManagement campaign, contact BBTP’s Community Manager, Leah Martin: leah.martin@bestbesttalentplatform.com
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