Hi, I'm Adrian Knight
I Help Senior Executives Secure Paid SME Board Roles So They Can Grow Their Income and Impact
My mission
To bridge the gap between experienced corporate leaders and ambitious SMEs, helping executives step into paid board roles that deliver real income, impact and growth.
How I Got Into This
For over a decade, I’ve helped senior executives transition from corporate leadership into self-employment, guiding them to take control of their careers and build independent, fulfilling futures. In the past five years, my journey evolved deeper into the SME space through business acquisitions - successfully acquiring and scaling more than a dozen companies across multiple industries.
Using a structured, no-money-down acquisition strategy, I built a multi-million-pound revenue group within just 24 months, growing to over £3 million in annual sales and a team of 20 employees. This hands-on experience gave me a unique, practical insight into what drives SME success: strong leadership, operational scalability and real value creation.
Today, my work is focused on bridging the gap between experienced executives and ambitious SMEs. My approach is grounded in first-hand experience - I know what it takes to navigate the complexities of high-level leadership while making a tangible impact in fast-moving, entrepreneurial businesses. Having worked closely with senior leaders making this shift, I understand the challenges and opportunities they face in balancing financial goals, strategic positioning and long-term fulfillment.
The Values That Guide My Work
I believe in integrity, impact and shared success. SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and I’m driven by a commitment to help them thrive by connecting them with experienced leaders who can make a real difference.
I work best with leaders who are not only ambitious but also deeply committed to bringing their full experience and wisdom to the table. People who care about making a meaningful impact, building trust and leaving a legacy of growth and stability.
For me, this work is about more than just filling board seats; it’s about building enduring, purpose-driven success stories that strengthen businesses and the communities they serve.
"I wholeheartedly recommend Adrian to anyone transitioning from corporate leadership into portfolio non-executive roles. He is incredibly relatable, and his unique blend of entrepreneurial experience and deep insight - gained from working with thousands of corporate executives - sets him apart."
Natalie Simms, Former International VP and CIO, Disney ABC Television Group
You should know...
I’m the kind of person who thrives on challenges... whether that’s closing a business deal or pushing my physical and mental limits through adventures like trekking coast to coast across Panama’s dense jungle, crossing the Arctic Circle, running ultra-marathons or traversing Scotland coast to coast.
I’ve learned that stepping far outside my comfort zone - in both life and business - builds resilience, sharpens focus and often leads to unexpected breakthroughs and connections that change everything.
What gives me the greatest satisfaction is working with accomplished, experienced executives and helping them step into the next powerful chapter of their lives. I know the immense value they bring to SMEs - insight, strategy and leadership that can transform a business’s trajectory.
That belief forms the heart of my mission: unlocking extraordinary opportunities for executives while helping ambitious SMEs grow, thrive and strengthen the economy from the inside out.
Your next step
Ready to secure a paid SME board role and make a real impact with your experience?
Get the SME Non-Exec Toolkit
Access practical guides, videos and templates designed to help you build board readiness and secure your first paid SME board role with confidence.
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Join the SME Boardroom Accelerator to fast-track your first (or next) paid SME board role. Gain the strategy and structure to build a profitable NED portfolio.
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Secure Paid Non-Exec Roles and Start Building Your Portfolio Career
The SME Non-Exec Playbook explores the growing demand for SME NEDs, how to navigate the hidden job market and what it takes to build a successful portfolio career. Download your copy today.
