Lance Black Consultant
Business Consultant | Exit Strategy Advisor | Interim Executive
Aberdeen, UK | +44 7951 860417 | lance.black@yahoo.com | https://lance.black/
What I Do for Clients
I help established companies navigate complex business transitions—exits, acquisitions, digital transformations, and international expansion—drawing on direct experience building, scaling, and successfully exiting technology businesses across UK, European, and North American markets. My clients value pattern recognition that comes from having successfully executed the challenges they're currently facing.Core Consulting Services
Exit Strategy & M&A Advisory
Guide business owners through exit planning, buyer identification, valuation optimization, and transaction management. Direct experience on both sides of acquisition table across multiple successful transactions.
Guide business owners through exit planning, buyer identification, valuation optimization, and transaction management. Direct experience on both sides of acquisition table across multiple successful transactions.
Interim Executive Leadership (CEO/CTO/COO)
Step into senior executive roles during transitions, growth phases, or crisis situations. Provide immediate strategic direction and operational management while permanent solutions are developed.
Step into senior executive roles during transitions, growth phases, or crisis situations. Provide immediate strategic direction and operational management while permanent solutions are developed.
International Market Entry & Expansion
Establish and scale operations in new geographic markets. Proven track record building profitable operations across USA, UK, and Europe with full P&L accountability.
Establish and scale operations in new geographic markets. Proven track record building profitable operations across USA, UK, and Europe with full P&L accountability.
Enterprise Sales Strategy & Execution
Design and implement enterprise sales programs targeting Fortune 500 accounts. Track record securing contracts from $10K to $500K+ with Intel, GE, IBM, USAF, and major financial institutions.
Design and implement enterprise sales programs targeting Fortune 500 accounts. Track record securing contracts from $10K to $500K+ with Intel, GE, IBM, USAF, and major financial institutions.
Digital Transformation & Technology Strategy
Navigate complex technology transitions, legacy system modernization, and enterprise software selection. Bridge technical and business requirements for successful outcomes.
Navigate complex technology transitions, legacy system modernization, and enterprise software selection. Bridge technical and business requirements for successful outcomes.
Selected Client Engagements & Achievements
Founder & CEO - Technology Company
Software Engineering & Enterprise Solutions | International Operations
- Built $M+ software company from startup to profitable exit across USA, UK, and European markets with complete P&L responsibility and strategic oversight
- Secured enterprise contracts with Fortune 100 clients including Intel Corporation, GE Aviation, IBM, and US Department of Defense, with individual contracts ranging $10,000-$500,000
- Developed proprietary enterprise software platforms achieving 10+ year market longevity with continuous deployment at global corporations—demonstrating exceptional product-market fit and customer retention
- Scaled international operations managing 20+ professionals across software development (2-8 engineers), enterprise sales (6-8 executives), and operational support in multiple countries
- Achieved consistent profitability through disciplined pricing strategy, operational efficiency, and strategic market positioning in aerospace, defence, financial services, and telecommunications sectors
- Talent development track record: Former team members advanced to senior positions at Amazon, Shell, BP, and other multinational corporations
Sales Director
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Systems
- Drove enterprise sales growth for HP workstation, minicomputer, and database solutions targeting OEMs, VARs, and Fortune 1000 accounts
- Penetrated new vertical markets through strategic go-to-market planning and consultative selling approach
- Negotiated complex, multi-million dollar deployments with C-level executives at major corporations
- Provided solution architecture expertise for enterprise-scale technology implementations
Business Development & Technical Sales Leadership
Industrial Systems, CAD/CAE Solutions, Oil & Gas Technology
- Closed multiple six-figure enterprise deals across oil & gas exploration, manufacturing automation, process control, and industrial systems sectors
- Delivered technical solutions for offshore operations including ROV systems, subsea instrumentation, and geothermal applications in demanding North Sea environments
- Managed complex sales cycles requiring deep technical expertise combined with executive-level business acumen
- Bridged engineering and commercial functions including RF systems and medical imaging technology (MRI/CAT scan) for healthcare market
Industry Expertise
Sectors: Oil & Gas (Upstream/Downstream) • Aerospace & Defence • Financial Services • Telecommunications • Manufacturing • Healthcare Technology • Enterprise Software
Functional: Business Exit Strategy • M&A Transactions • P&L Management • International Operations • Enterprise Sales • Strategic Planning • Digital Transformation • Talent Development • Board Advisory
Education & Credentials
LLB, Law – Distinction (First-Class Honours)
Advanced legal education including intellectual property law specialization
Advanced legal education including intellectual property law specialization
BSc, Physical Sciences (Physics Major) – 2:1 Honours
Foundation in theoretical and applied physics
Foundation in theoretical and applied physics
Postgraduate Studies: Optical Electronics (Lasers & Optical Communications) • Intellectual Property Law
Technical Capabilities
Enterprise Technology Stack:
Unix/Linux, Windows Server, HP-UX, IBM AIX, macOS, cloud infrastructure, Oracle (multiple versions), Informix, MySQL, MS SQL Server
Development & Architecture:
C#/.NET Framework, C/C++, Java, Python, JavaScript, enterprise application architecture, object-oriented design, API integration
Enterprise Platforms:
HP Enterprise, IBM mainframe/midrange, DEC systems, Sun Microsystems, Oracle enterprise stack
Project Delivery:
Agile/Scrum, Waterfall SDLC, DevOps, requirements analysis, quality assurance, release management
Additional Qualifications
- International business operations: Extended tenures in Aberdeen (UK), London, Salzburg (Austria), and New York (USA)
- M&A experience: Multiple acquisition transactions across European and North American technology markets
- Board-level communication: Extensive experience presenting to C-suite executives, boards, and high-net-worth stakeholders
- Luxury brand expertise: Deep understanding of premium market psychology and positioning (Scotch whisky, automotive, luxury goods sectors)
- Published author: Multiple titles including business/sales strategy and crime/legal thrillers (10,000+ copies sold)
- Content creator: Active YouTube presence covering technology, engineering, and scientific topics
Personal Interests
Opera, literature (Russian, French, English classics), astronomy and astrophotography, carpentry and stonemasonry, cycling, philosophy, artisan baking. Fascinated by niche luxury markets including single malt Scotch whisky, Cuban cigars, and fine wines. Committed to physical fitness and outdoor pursuits.
Engagement Models
Available for: Interim executive roles (3-12 months) • Project-based consulting (fixed scope/fee) • Advisory board positions • Retained advisory (ongoing) • Exit strategy engagements • M&A transaction support
Typical engagement value: Companies navigating ownership transitions, international expansion, enterprise sales development, or complex technology decisions requiring seasoned executive perspective.
For consulting inquiries: https://lance.black/ | lance.black@yahoo.com | +44 7951 860417