BEST PRACTICES
OF CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
and strategic planning for your business
I step in and take management responsibility to lead your business to target results: higher profit, stronger control and a more capable team. You will see real growth in numbers — exactly where before it seemed impossible.
Olga Lerner
СЕО, Business Development Director, Interim Executive, strategic mentor trusted by high‑revenue businesses and projects. Founder of Lerner Management Consulting & International (LMCI)
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Welcome to my website!
My name is Olga Lerner
I am a Managing Executive trusted with business growth and strategic projects. In the roles of Interim CEO, Project Leader, Managing Partner, Board Member and Independent Director I support, structure, monitor and deliver your plans.
Over my career since 1997 I have gone from sales and crisis management to international partnerships and strategic transformations across Russia, CIS, MENA and Southeast Asia. Since 2013 I have also built my own business in Southeast Asia and led projects for small and medium‑sized companies in Russia and abroad: creating high‑performing teams, opening new markets, turning loss‑making units into profitable ones, managing M&A and implementing management systems and quality standards.
17+ years of international executive experience
17+ years as CEO, Managing Director and Managing Partner across Russia, CIS, MENA and Southeast Asia.
Cross‑industry management experience
International logistics, finance and fintech, petrochemicals, private education, technology and start‑up projects.
International educational background |
Executive MBA (Metropolitan State University, London), Economics and Marketing Management (Plekhanov Russian University of Economics), Artificial Intelligence (Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Certified Facilitator and Executive Business Coach (PwC)
Certified Facilitator and Executive Business Coach (PwC). Certified mentor (Nixos) with 400+ hours of individual and group sessions.
Crisis management executive
Led 3 projects from loss‑making to profitability with up to ×5 peak returns.
| Career path from Sales Specialist (since 1999) to CEO of international |
Career path from Sales Specialist (since 1999) to CEO of international corporations and Managing Partner, Board Member of Russian enterprises (by 2025)
Services
| Unlike traditional consulting, I bring hands‑on executive experience and best practices with personal responsibility for business results. Not advice, but management and implementation of solutions until results are achieved. |
| My services are designed for owners and top executives whose companies have grown faster than their management system and who want to turn “manual control” into a sustainable, profitable and scalable business. |
| I am also invited where the operating model cannot keep up with growing demand, in crisis situations, and for international expansion. |
Project Results
Управление коммерческой недвижимостью (образование):
✓ Рост выручки на + 500% (1-е место по росту выручки среди частных школ премиум - сегмента);
✓ 31 место среди частных образовательных учреждений в списке Форбс;
✓ В Королевстве Саудовская Аравия открыла первый международный кампус сети;
✓ Создала собственные стандарты сети, соответствующие требованиям международных
стандартов Q&S
Телекоммуникационное оборудование
За 1 год открыла офисы и склад в ЮВА и организовала поставки оборудования
✓ 7 государственных контрактов заключено с заводами на импорт оборудования по ценам, которые позволили обеспечить рентабельность проекта с первых партий
✓ Все контракты безостановочно пролонгируются по настоящее время, а компания вышла в ТОП-10 лучших интеграторов по итогам года
Операционная IT-платформа для нефтяной отрасли
За 3 месяца вывела проект на стадию тестирования, заключив контракты с ведущими нефтяными компаниями
Commercial real estate (education):
✓ Revenue growth +500% (1st place in revenue growth among premium private schools in the segment);
✓ Ranked 31st among private educational institutions in the Forbes list;
✓ Opened the first international campus of the network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;
✓ Developed network Q&S standards aligned with international Q&S requirements
Telecommunications equipment
Established Southeast Asia operations within 12 months: offices, warehouse and supply chain for telecom equipment.
✓ Secured 7 government contracts with manufacturing plants at pricing that delivered profitability from first shipments.
✓ All contracts remain active with continuous renewals; the company achieved TOP‑10 integrator status that year.
Oil & Gas operational IT platform
Fast-tracked the project from concept to pilot deployment in 90 days, securing partnerships with Tier-1 oil & gas companies and validating product-market fit ahead of schedule.
Fintech
✓ Achieved 30% reduction in operating expenses within 90 days, reallocating resources to growth initiatives.
✓ Streamlined operations through process automation: scaled the network to 220 branches with 300 employees vs. prior state of 213 branches with 500+ staff — a 40% productivity gain per FTE
and others
For a complete overview of my projects, please see my CV
What I can do for your success
In our partnership my task is to identify hidden losses and opportunities, build a manageable system, remove limitations and lead your business to sustainable growth — beyond the point where it previously seemed to have reached its limit.
Business and management system diagnostics
Timeframe: 1 – 4 weeks
Result:
A clear picture of the current state: strengths and weaknesses, risks and losses. A prioritised list of issues and growth opportunities with their estimated impact on profit, resilience and manageability.
Deliverables:
Structured analytical report: key findings, visualised metrics and root cause analysis.
Process and management chain map/model: mapping of core business processes and management structure, with identified bottlenecks and losses.
Concrete recommendations: actionable changes to the management system, processes, roles and KPIs.
Additionally (optional):
Change roadmap: sequenced action plan with steps, timelines, owners and expected impact on key metrics.
Project-based CEO
(Interim CEO)
Duration: from 6 to 12 months
Result:
Achievement of key objectives: revenue growth, cost optimisation, profit/EBITDA improvement, and reaching target KPIs aligned with the business plan.
Implemented management system: documented processes, defined roles and regulations, robust control framework and aligned team incentives.
Trained leadership team: transferred competencies, appointed functional leaders with clear areas of accountability and ownership.
Reduced owner involvement: significantly decreased owner's time spent on day-to-day operational decisions.
Deliverables:
Еще...
Operating business model: business plan with forecasts, budget, key regulations and governance matrices.
Additionally (optional):
Upon project completion, you receive a functioning operating model with KPIs and regulations, a leadership team ready for autonomous execution, documented financial results and a development plan for the following year. This includes development of operating standards/Q&A/ISO frameworks for further certification, if applicable.
Executive Mentoring for Founders and Leadership Teams
Timeframe: 3 - 6 - 12 months
Result:
Stronger management maturity, better decision quality and improved team alignment. Sharper focus on strategic priorities with measurable progress on key objectives and a significant reduction in the founder's operational load.
What changes for the founder:
Clarity of vision and priorities: a clear understanding of where the business is heading and what to focus on right now.
Confidence in management decisions: fewer reactive moves, more deliberate steps and predictable outcomes.
What changes for the leadership team:
Еще...
Alignment and a shared language: executives are clear on goals, roles and mutual expectations.
Stronger management skills: planning, delegation, feedback and accountability become standard practice.
What changes for the business gains:
Consistent progress on strategic goals — not just firefighting.
Reduced dependency on the founder through stronger, more capable leaders.
Deliverables:
Individual mentoring objectives for the founder and each member of the leadership team (1–2 pages with defined goals and KPIs / success benchmarks).
Personal development roadmap:
key management competencies to develop, identified growth areas and priority focus for the duration of the programme.
Individual progress report for each participant:
documented shifts in mindset and behaviour, management skills strengthened during the programme and key results achieved.
Post-programme development recommendations:
tailored next steps for the founder and leadership team to sustain and build on progress after the mentoring engagement concludes.
Preparing for Investment^ Scaling and International Expansion
Timeframe: 2 - 6 months
depending on the current readiness of the business and the specific goals: investment, scaling or international market entry
Result:
A complete investment and scaling-ready package: confirmed operational maturity and achievement of target metrics required to move to the next stage.
Proof of investment attractiveness:
Achievement of target metrics: revenue, margin and retention.
Operational readiness: A system built for ×2–3 growth without compromising quality or margin.
Еще...
Due diligence readiness: All critical documents compiled and figures supported by primary source data.
Deliverables:
Investment memorandum / data room financial forecasts, LTV/CAC metrics, unit economics and use-of-funds plan.
Audited financial model:
P&L, cash flow and growth scenarios with clearly defined KPIs and break-even analysis.
Refined management system:
documented processes, roles and IT infrastructure, fully prepared to handle growth at scale.
Important:
This engagement is designed for operating businesses with annual revenue of 1B+ RUB / equivalent, planning to raise investment or scale significantly.
Strong management delivers one outcome: a business ready to grow beyond its current boundaries — with proven metrics, solid documentation and a team that executes and delivers results.
I build a management system that drives sustainable growth: less operational burden on your shoulders, more time for strategy and full confidence in the future of your business.
Clients reviews and results
“I finally understood exactly where the business was leaking value — and we closed those gaps. Today we operate in a disciplined, systematic way, without constant firefighting or emotional chaos.”
Anton Lagutin
Founder, IT-company, Hong Kong
“I finally stepped out of day‑to‑day operations and can now focus on real strategy instead of routine management.”
Aisana Alipkalieva
CEO of a healthcare company, Kazakhstan
“I received a clear operating structure that we are now using to scale — without chaos and without sacrificing quality.”
Ramil Khamitov
CEO of a Urals financial company.
For whom my services are designed
Founders and business owners
For owners who want to step out of day‑to‑day operations, strengthen the manageability of the business, and make bolder strategic decisions.
For founders who need a partner: an independent perspective, structured strategy, and a clear roadmap for changes in the management system.
CEOs and Managing Partners
For CEOs, General Directors, and Managing Partners who are accountable for results and are looking to bring order to the management system, strengthen the leadership team, and achieve target financial outcomes.
For all leaders who value an experienced external challenger to test decisions, design processes, and prepare the company for growth.
Investors and majority partners
For investors and majority partners who need a reliable management framework in a portfolio company: diagnostics, project‑based CEO, and mentoring.
Also for those who want to reduce management risks, increase transparency and control, and get the company ready for scaling or the next investment round.
Boards of Directors
For boards that need an independent practitioner to strengthen the executive team and prepare the company for strategic change.
For collective governing bodies that want to rely on an objective view of the business and a realistic transformation plan instead of overly optimistic presentations.
Sustainable business growth is not built on the heroics of the owner, but on clear strategy, robust structure, and a team that executes without constant supervision.
By working with me, you get a clear management system that runs without your daily control: increased profitability, a stronger leadership team, and a business ready to scale 2x with no unnecessary risk or stress.
Depending on the task, I bring in my trusted partners — subject‑matter experts in HR, legal, marketing and sales, and finance — to work alongside us on the project.
First introductory meeting, 60–90 minutes:
What we cover
60–90 minutes
✓ Brief business story, current situation, key metrics, and context.
✓ Owner and/or investor goals: what exactly you want to achieve and by when.
✓ Core challenges: management chaos, team, systems, cash, scaling, etc.
Clients often say after this very first conversation: “Now everything is clear and I know what to do.”
Results of the meeting
✓ Initial hypotheses about what is actually slowing down growth and what will have the greatest impact when changed.
✓ Clear understanding of the potential engagement format, scope, and expected outcomes (diagnostics, project‑based CEO, mentoring, investment readiness, etc.).
You will have a precise view of the sequence of actions, responsible owners, and the end result.
Next steps
✓ I send you a brief summary of the key points.
✓ I prepare a commercial proposal for you.
✓ If you decide to move forward, we sign a service agreement, approve the plan, and start: diagnostics / pilot phase / mentoring program.
You will feel supported and don’t get lost in the midst of change.
We build a system designed to deliver results over the long term.
Our goal is not to “tweak a few things,” but to build a business that runs without manual control — with a capable team, clear systems, managed finances, and predictable growth.
The business matures, and you gain more free time to pursue new ideas.
Want to identify where your business is leaking value and where its real growth levers are?
Effective corporate governance means a stronger leadership team, transparent processes, and sustainable financial performance.
Let’s discuss, in a free of charge introductory meeting, how to achieve this in your specific business. After just one session, my clients often say: “Now everything is clear, and I know what to do.”
“I am proud to have partnered with more than thirty companies that have achieved meaningful, measurable results through our work together.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What skills and expertise can you offer specifically to me?
Our first conversation is structured so that I have enough information to create a tailored proposal specifically for you. If anything is still missing, we will add a short checklist for you to complete so that you can receive a precise, relevant proposal.
What types of companies (size, industry) have you worked before?
I work with small and mid‑sized businesses across various industries as a project‑based (Interim) CEO, and I conduct management audits and diagnostics (you can find more detail on my projects above and in my CV).
For larger companies, I offer mentoring services.
If your business consists of resources, processes, people, finances, clients, and partners (customers and suppliers) and requires management, I can help.
How do you ensure the confidentiality of information?
We sign an NDA before we start. Information about clients, numbers, and results is never published without written consent. In 17 years of work, there has not been a single incident. Reputation matters more than any short‑term gain.
What is your experience in my industry?
In my practice, I work with all tasks related to corporate governance, usually in close collaboration with the founder and the leadership team.
Any necessary industry‑specific expertise for the project team is provided either by an internal company expert or by an external specialist brought into the project, with whom I work closely.
What are your core values?
My professional values as an executive define my approach to work and sit at the core of every project:
• Responsibility for results. I do not step out of a project until we reach the agreed targets — this is the key rule.
• Honesty and transparency. No illusions and no pretty slideware — only real numbers and an objective picture.
• Practice over theory. I implement working management systems instead of leaving recommendations on paper.
• Focus on sustainability. I build businesses that grow without the heroics of the owner and without daily hands‑on control.
• Individual approach. There are no universal recipes — I work only with your numbers, context, and challenges.
• Developing people. I strengthen the owner, CEO, and top team so that the business becomes less dependent on a single person.
• Long‑term thinking. Decisions are made not “for yesterday” but with a 2–3‑year horizon and scaling in mind.
These values are the result of 17 years in corporate leadership and hundreds of solved cases — from diagnostics to taking on the role of project‑based CEO.
Why you, specifically?
I am a practitioner, and I share the healthy skepticism many have toward traditional consulting. As a rule, I do not leave a project until we achieve the desired performance.
I am an executive with hands‑on experience implementing systems who is accountable for outcomes: profit growth, better manageability, and a stronger team. You do not get advice alone — you get a working management system.
Despite my 17 years in corporate management, my experience is constantly refreshed and fully up to date. That is where my value and competitive edge lie. Using modern methods and tools to grow businesses and make them more resilient is one of my personal priorities.
I am chosen by owners and investors who want practical solutions without illusions and a frank, partner‑level dialogue: diagnostics → implementation → performance growth, not in beautiful presentations but in measurable results and on bank accounts.
I do not believe in one‑size‑fits‑all playbooks and I do not offer them: I work only with your data and your context.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Literature. I read a lot and curate themed book collections. Most recently, for workaholics and perfectionists, I put together a collection of French books on the art of a leisurely life.
Sport. I train four times a week. I enjoy thoughtful approaches to working with the body, grounded in a solid understanding of how it works and an ability to assess its limits and potential.
Travel. I have visited 64 out of 198 countries recognized worldwide and love hearing about the places I have not yet been.
Walks, routes, urbanism. I can easily walk dozens of kilometres and am genuinely passionate about exploring cities on foot.
Art. I am not a formal art critic, but I enjoy reflecting on art and exchanging impressions. I draw in the Zentangle style (Mexico).
Any topics — even new ones — that I will be happy to explore in more depth.
Let's get to know each other!
Fill out the application using this form and let's arrange an appointment for acquaintance or write to me personally: contact@olga-lerner.com
Lerner
Management
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