‘‘If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you need to be purpose driven and not profit driven regardless of what your investors might have you believe. Lead with purpose and profit will follow.”

Neil Francis

The Entrepreneur’s Book - The crucial ‘why’ questions that determine success

Leadership for Digital & Technology Businesses

Board level advisory, consultancy & Non Executive Director support

I work with founders, CEOs, and boards of digital, SaaS, and technology enabled organisations to help them scale sustainably, strengthen leadership capability, and navigate complex periods of growth, change, or transition.

While technology is the context, leadership is the constant.

With nearly three decades of experience building, leading, and advising digital organisations, I bring a practical, commercial, and human-centred approach to board level decision making by combining deep sector knowledge with strong governance, strategy, and leadership development capability.

This service sits alongside my broader leadership advisory work and is designed specifically for organisations where technology is central to long-term value creation.

How I help

Growth & commercial focus

  • Market positioning and go‑to‑market strategy

  • Scalable operating models

  • Enterprise sales and partnerships

  • Balancing innovation with operational discipline

Board‑level support

As a Non‑Executive Director, I provide:

  • Independent challenge and constructive oversight

  •  Strategic clarity during uncertainty or rapid growth

  •  Support for founders moving into CEO or board roles

  • Governance, risk, and stakeholder insight

  •  Mentoring for senior leadership teams

Experience

I’ve founded and scaled digital businesses exiting twice, led one of the UK’s early internet development companies, co-founded an award-winning digital healthcare platform, and advised SaaS and technology ventures at board level.

Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with and delivered digital solutions for global brands and major organisations including Disney, Heineken, BP, The Coca-Cola Company, the NHS, Royal Bank of Scotland, Miller Homes, and Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland - alongside numerous SMEs and public-sector bodies across the UK.

My background spans SaaS, digital agencies, health tech, accessibility technology, e-learning, and public-sector digital transformation, enabling me to quickly understand both the technical and human realities of modern technology organisations.

“Empathetic leadership builds trust, and trust builds resilience.”

Neil Francis - The Leadership Book: Acheiving the empathetic edge

Typical engagements

  • Fractional advisor to founders and CEOs

  • Board and Non‑Executive Director roles

  • Scale‑up and growth readiness support

  • Pre‑ and post‑investment strategy

  • Leadership development for technology teams

  • Engagements range from short‑term strategic input to long‑term board appointments.

Who I work best with

  • Digital and SaaS businesses preparing to scale

  • Founder‑led companies building their first board

  • Technology firms navigating investment, acquisition, or exit

  • Organisations seeking stronger commercial leadership

  • Boards wanting deeper digital and leadership capability

Let’s talk

If you’re a founder, CEO, investor, or chair looking for experienced, pragmatic board‑level or executive support, I’d be happy to explore how I can help.

You can contact me directly 0771 252 7158, neil@neil-francis.com or connect via LinkedIn to arrange an initial conversation.