Leading Like a Grill Champion – The Surprising Parallels with Interim Management

When you think of leadership, creativity, and teamwork, BBQ competitions might not be the first thing that comes to mind. 

But for Daniel Weiermann, an experienced manager and BBQ champion, the two worlds have more in common than you'd expect. 

In the business world, Daniel is a seasoned interim executive known for his sharp thinking, clear communication, and an unrelenting drive to create clarity in complexity. With a reputation for asking the right questions, building consensus in difficult negotiations, and continuously evolving through self-reflection, Daniel brings a unique blend of structure and adaptability to every assignment. 

Not only is Daniel a successful interim manager, but he's also coached his son to competitive greatness in BBQ competitions, all while leading his own teams to victory. The experience has given him unique insights into leadership, mentoring, and performance under pressure — insights that are just as valuable in the corporate world as they are at the grill. 

From mentoring and decision-making to navigating stress and building high-functioning teams, Daniel has found that the BBQ pit and the boardroom share more in common than one might think.

Leadership: Calm Under Fire 

Daniel’s journey as a BBQ competitor and coach to his son sheds light on important leadership qualities that can be applied in interim management roles. For Daniel, the key to success in both fields lies in preparation, creativity, and empowering your team. 

“Good preparation is essential,” Daniel explains. “For example, when choosing the menu. This calls for creativity, and the team leader must involve everyone to develop the best ideas together.” 

This insight mirrors the high-performance expectations of interim managers. Whether you're managing a short-term project or navigating a BBQ competition, the ability to plan ahead, get your team on board, and prepare for any unexpected challenges is a common denominator in achieving success. 

“When the pressure increases, it's especially important for the team leader to remain calm and give clear, calm announcements.” 

Planning, collaboration, and clarity of purpose: Daniel leads not by control, but by coordination. Not by reacting, but by staying grounded, thinking strategically, and moving the team forward one challenge at a time. 

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Building a Cohesive Unit 

In the world of BBQ competitions, as in interim management, success depends on the ability to work together under pressure. 

“Clear divisions of labor and good communication ensure that everyone is on track.” 

Whether leading a group of seasoned professionals or stepping into a team with limited prior experience, the ability to quickly assess the situation, delegate tasks effectively, and maintain morale is essential. And just like at the grill, when things get hectic, staying calm is key. 

Whether leading a group of seasoned professionals or stepping into a team with limited prior experience, the ability to quickly assess the situation, delegate tasks effectively, and maintain morale is essential. And just like at the grill, when things get hectic, staying calm is key.  

“If everyone around you is losing their minds, do the exact opposite. Stay calm, think strategically, and act thoughtfully.” 

Daniel also believes in bringing diverse perspectives to the table. His inclusive approach helps each individual feel valued, sparking creative ideas and solutions that emerge from collaboration. 

“In well-coordinated teams, this often happens silently, making collaboration even more efficient.” 

When things don’t go according to plan, Daniel views mistakes as learning opportunities. This mindset encourages resilience and innovation, while his steady, constructive leadership style helps maintain energy and focus – even when navigating setbacks. 

Daniel creates a balanced environment where autonomy and support coexist, allowing both creativity and precision to thrive.  

From Grill to Business: Mentoring and Supporting Team Members 

As a coach to his son and a leader in corporate settings, Daniel understands the balance between guidance and independence. 

“It’s important to nurture his strengths and give him the space to utilize them, even if I personally prefer a different approach.”  

In business, this means fostering ownership among team members, especially those still developing their skills. Interim managers often bring specific expertise to the table, but it’s just as important to cultivate a sense of ownership and creativity within the team. 

“You simply let it go, knowing that he'll grow better by trusting his abilities and his intuition,” Daniel explains. 

Daniel stays present as a steady support butnever overshadows those he mentors. This balance allows individuals to flourish, teams to self-organize, and fresh solutions to emerge. 

Motivation: Trust and Confidence Under Pressure 

Motivating others is less about control and more about confidence. Daniel’s calm, focused presence helps others perform at their best — even under intense pressure. 

“You can easily offset weaknesses by compensating for lack of experience with simple, solid performances. This gives security and helps ease the pressure.” 

By trusting people’s abilities and involving them in meaningful ways, Daniel cultivates an environment where individuals are motivated to rise to the occasion. 

He’s also deliberate about praise and encouragement, especially when the pressure is high. After intense moments in a team competition, he makes time for “a quick high-five, encouragement, and praise” after a high-pressure moment can reignite the team's energy for the next challenge. 

Above all, Daniel motivates by example. His calm authority, thoughtful questions, and belief in the team help others keep their cool and do their best work. 

“The team captain must exude confidence in every situation. Their calmness and trust in the team are crucial for keeping a cool head even in stressful moments.” 

Innovation: Encouraging Creativity Under Fire 

Daniel’s BBQ philosophy also reveals a powerful truth about innovation: it thrives when people are trusted and inspired.  

“Even though BBQ is constantly evolving, we love being innovative and keeping things exciting. It’s about being open to new ideas and learning from every competition.” 

This spirit translates directly to interim management. When leaders foster creativity and openness, teams don’t just meet expectations — they exceed them. 

Encouraging experimentation, learning from every iteration, and staying flexible enables teams to adapt and improve — especially when navigating change. 

Real-World Impact: Daniel’s Role at SIM 

As an interim manager at Swiss Interim Management (SIM), Daniel works at the interface between client needs and operational delivery. He brings his expertise into complex transition environments, stepping in to lead teams through periods of change, restructure, or growth. He helps build alignment across teams, supports restructuring, and ensures that change is embraced constructively. His calm, structured approach and ability to foster team cohesion have made him an invaluable asset, turning transformation into progress.

Final Tips: Advice from a Champion 

Daniel’s insights are practical and powerful — whether you're managing a high-pressure business project or grilling for gold: 

• Build on your strengths: 

“Focus on what you do best and develop those skills further. For areas where you’re less strong, seek out team members who are more proficient in those skills.” 

• Seek coaching: 

“Especially in high-performance roles, it's helpful to have a coach or mentor who provides feedback, motivates you, and helps you refine your strategy.” 

• Stay calm: 

“In hectic situations, your calmness is contagious. Think strategically, act thoughtfully.” 

• Radiate confidence: 

“Your attitude significantly influences those around you. When you appear confident… this motivates others and builds trust.” 

• Prepare thoroughly: 

“Good preparation is key. Involve your team early on to develop a strong strategy together.” 

• Encourage creativity: 

“Give your team room for creativity. Allow innovation and new ideas… this can lead to unexpected, outstanding results.” 

• Communicate clearly: 

“Clear instructions and natural authority are essential for managing performance. Misunderstandings cost time and nerves.” 

• Learn from mistakes: 

“Reflect on mistakes instead of getting angry about them: Mistakes are learning opportunities.” 

Whether leading a company through a period of change or mentoring a BBQ team to victory, Daniel Weiermann shows that the same principles apply: preparation, trust, communication, and calm leadership. In both settings, success comes from creating the right environment — and letting people thrive in it.  

With Swiss Interim Management you have a partner at your side who not only advises, but actively helps to shape a successful transition. Let's discuss the next steps together!