ESSENCE RELATIONS

Can there be a future without imagination?

The future follows the present. That’s a fact. We cannot change that. What we can influence is how we see the future. And, in doing so, create the conditions for action and progress. 01|03
How do you imagine your future?

Do you spend your energy avoiding risk? Or do you use uncertainty to challenge your thinking and expand your imagination? We believe it is time to reclaim the ambition to move forward and to imagine bold futures. For ourselves, for our organisations and for society. Artificial intelligence can do many things. Imagination remains human. It cannot replace the deeply human process of recognising, understanding and deciding. 02|03
We work towards a better future.

Imagination is the beginning. Our role is to turn it into action. We help family businesses, foundations and leaders understand who they are, where they stand and where they want to go. With that clarity, decisions become easier and progress more deliberate. We don’t look away. We look where it hurts. 03|03

For family enterprises and entrepreneurial families

A family enterprise should be known not only for its heritage, but for the future it is building.

Those who think beyond quarterly results and towards the next generation need to plan differently. Having grown up in family enterprises ourselves, we understand how businesses can preserve continuity over decades while continuing to evolve. We work with both the business and the family behind it. That means understanding family dynamics – not only because they influence the value of a business, but because they often determine it.

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For foundations and philanthropic funders

Because the world of foundations is changing.

Purpose alone is no longer enough. Expectations from boards, beneficiaries, partners and regulators continue to grow. Like every period of change, this brings opportunity. In an increasingly noisy world, we help foundations create clarity in strategy, leadership and governance. So you know what you stand for, where you can make the greatest difference and where to focus your resources.

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For leaders and decision-makers

To lead others, you must first know yourself.

Leadeship is a question of personality. The way we lead can be developed. That's why we begin with your story. We talk about the experiences and defining moments that have shaped who you are and continue to influence the way you lead today. We ask what should remain and what you may need to leave behind in order to see the future differently. Leaders who truly know themselves inspire trust. Anyone seeking to lead others needs qualities that stand the test of time. Innovation never stands still. It demands constant adaptation. The human factor remains.

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We create spaces

Coffee & Cigarette

Thinking and genuine dialogue are often the first things to disappear in a busy world. We make room for both. Once every quarter, we bring together people who have something to say and who are genuinely interested in thoughtful conversation. We connect stakeholders who should know each other because shaping the future rarely happens alone. At its heart, Coffee & Cigarettes is about taking time. Time to think, to challenge perspectives and to engage in conversations that matter.

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Behind the News

Every Tuesday on Vintage Radio, we look beyond the headlines. Headlines are never just headlines. Each story reflects interests, power and the way it is framed. We provide context and explain how the news shapes the way we think. What they amplify and what they leave out. The future calls for a constructive perspective. Together with Joel Grolimund we aim to provide it.

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Where history changed the way people think

Our office is at Neustadtgasse 11 in Zurich, where Huldrych Zwingli helped shape the Reformation. Today, it is where we welcome clients for conversations over good coffee, warm tea or a glass of wine.

Nathaly Bachmann

Our founder, Nathaly Bachmann, is an entrepreneur and business psychologist. Learning to navigate uncertainty shaped her from an early age. Perhaps that is why she has always been more interested in possibilities than in risks. She is drawn to people with ideas. To those who want to make a difference. Above all, she is fascinated by the moment when imagination becomes direction. She knows why she does what she does. That matters. Especially when the future becomes more complex. And perhaps that is why, after more than fifteen years, she still loves her work.

Biography

Network Partners

Our network partners combine leadership with integrity and a long-term perspective. They look ahead without losing sight of what has stood the test of time. Their experience spans legal, transactions, finance and banking. Above all, they know that trust is earned.

Regula Gmür Adriano Lucatelli Mario Cesari Thomas Gysi

Fortunately, we know your business from experience. Not just from theory.

We grew up in family businesses.

We have built and led national philanthropic foundations.

We invest ourselves and understand the realities behind a P&L.

We have developed national incubators and innovation competitions.

We initiate studies that shape public debate in Switzerland.

We know members of the Federal Council, the National Council and the Council of States personally.

We advise opinion leaders.

We keep our word.

We think independently.

We value discretion.

Thinking something through? Let’s talk.

We work exclusively with family businesses, foundations and leaders. Quite simply because this is where our experience lies. We understand the challenges you face and can quickly get to the heart of what matters.

ESSENCE RELATIONS – Strategy advisory for leadership and transformation

Can there be a future without imagination?

How do you imagine your future?

We work towards a better future.

For family enterprises and entrepreneurial families

A family enterprise should be known not only for its heritage, but for the future it is building.

For foundations and philanthropic funders

Because the world of foundations is changing.

For leaders and decision-makers

To lead others, you must first know yourself.

We create spaces

Coffee & Cigarette

Behind the News

Where history changed the way people think

Nathaly Bachmann

Network Partners

Fortunately, we know your business from experience. Not just from theory.

Thinking something through? Let’s talk.

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