Lester Mak
Non-executive director and board adviser
Strategy • value creation • transformation
Director, Bright Intervals (independent consultancy)
I help boards and investors make clear choices, then deliver against them. I’m most useful when decisions are stuck, delivery is drifting, or you want an independent view ahead of a deal or board reset.
Outside work, you’ll often find me at a chessboard.
About Me → .
When to bring me in
A board decision is stuck and you need clear options and trade‑offs
Delivery is drifting and you need focus, cadence and follow‑through
You’re preparing for investment, diligence, or a board reset
You want an independent view before a hire, partnership or major spend
What I do
Board roles: NED / committee support across strategy, transformation and performance
Investor support: commercial/vendor diligence, value creation plans and post‑deal activation
Executive support: strategy → execution (90‑day priorities, KPIs, operating rhythm)
Experience
Governor & former Co‑Chair (Durston House School Education Trust)
Former Ofcom competition policy manager
19+ years across consulting, regulation and independent work
Ex L.E.K. Consulting
Founder, Bright Intervals
How I help
Board & committees
(NED / Chair)
I help boards get to the real decision quickly, test the plan, and keep oversight practical.
Typical situations
Strategy and priorities when the agenda is crowded or uncertain
Oversight of transformation and value-creation programmes
Governance, decision cadence and stakeholder alignment
Investors & PE
(deal and portfolio)
I help investors get comfortable on the real risks and the real upside, then turn the thesis into priorities and a cadence.
Typical situations
An IC decision needs clear drivers, risks and trade‑offs
The value‑creation thesis needs sharpening into a few board‑level priorities
A portfolio company is off‑plan and you want an independent view on what to change
Executive adviser
(strategy → execution)
I support CEOs and leadership teams to set direction and translate it into an executable plan and operating rhythm.
Typical situations
Strategy refresh: choices, focus, and a coherent narrative
Activation: 90‑day priorities, KPIs, accountabilities and cadence
Decision support in moments that matter (growth, change, transactions)
Founders & startups
I advise early teams on viability, go‑to‑market and execution. I also make early‑round investments in technology-based startups, and I’m open to co‑founding where the fit is exceptional.
I work sector‑agnostically, often in high‑scrutiny environments and with technology-enabled businesses.
Testimonials
A few comments from clients and colleagues
“His strategic expertise and wise counsel was of great value to the Board during a period of change and ultimately a merger with St Paul’s School. Lester was a conscientious, reliable, responsive and highly collaborative colleague.”
Ann Collier
Former Co-Chair, Durston House School Educational Trust
“His combination of cumulative experience, the highest quality standards, strong analytical capabilities and effective and engaging communication style can deliver high value to almost any client.”
Diogo Silva
Independent Consultant and former Partner, L.E.K. Consulting and Accenture
“He has proved himself a good, critical sounding board at various key junctures who has a wealth of experience and commercial understanding”
Ramin Takin
Founder & CFO, Exabler
““Lester offers a compelling alternative to big name consulting firms for tailored strategy development support.”
Joel Wittgren
Investment Professional, Solix
Selected experience
I’ve worked across board, investor and executive settings, often in high‑scrutiny environments and technology‑enabled businesses.
Board & governance
Governor and Co‑Chair, Durston House School Education Trust
Former competition policy manager, Ofcom
Investor work (diligence and value creation)
Supported commercial and vendor diligence across technology, services and regulated markets
Helped investors and management teams pressure‑test investment cases, clarify key assumptions and define board‑level priorities post‑deal
Strategy and transformation (executive adviser)
Led and supported strategy refreshes where the agenda is crowded or uncertain
Advised on operating model and delivery cadence to improve focus and follow‑through during change
Provided independent decision support in moments that matter: growth choices, major change programmes and transactions
In total: 80+ roles and engagements across strategy, value creation and transformation.
Ways we can work together
NED and committee roles
For chairs and boards who want an independent voice on strategy, performance and transformation, with practical oversight that supports delivery.
Investors and PE
For deal teams and portfolio leaders who want clarity in diligence, and an independent view on what to prioritise after close.
Executive adviser
For CEOs and leadership teams who want help turning direction into an executable plan and operating rhythm, especially when priorities compete or delivery is drifting.
If you are considering external support, the quickest way to test fit is a short call.
Let’s catch up
Happy to talk over a short call, or meet in person if that’s easier.
Or we could play a few games of chess.
You decide.
Send me a message
I aim to respond within 1 business day.