Who we work for
We partner with business leaders, founders, and key stakeholders
who are determined to lead and inspire to propel their business forward
Founders and owners
‘I wish you many employees’ is said to be an old Jewish or Chinese proverb that is well-known by leaders of all kinds of businesses. Often used sarcastically or humorously, it rightfully implies that the road to success can be very challenging. It’s a way of wishing someone good luck in handling a large workload or managing a complex situation.
While ‘good luck’ is something we could wish for, strong leadership should aim for ‘good sense’. Sense for strategy, sense for people, sense for balance, sense for ethics and the environment, sense for urgency, and also a good sense of pleasure and humor. Where ‘sense’ means being sensitive as well as having a sound mind about it. Leading your business forward, taking on difficult challenges, living up to your own and others’ expectations, all in a healthy environment, can be a daunting task.
Essential advisors have been in your shoes, experienced the same thrills, anxieties, pleasures, and sorrows. We help business leaders keep on leading instead of being pushed forward.
Investors and shareholders
Active, engaged investors bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, networks, and advice that can significantly enhance a company’s growth and strategic direction. This relationship is mutually beneficial: as companies thrive with investor engagement, investors achieve better investment returns, aligning with their financial goals.
However, maintaining this balance is easier said than done. When growth slows down and new challenges arise, long-term strategic focus may be lost amid pressing immediate issues like drastic strategy changes or leadership transitions.
Essential, either engaged by investors or directly by portfolio companies, can make a significant difference. They serve as sparring partners, advisors, motivators, and monitors for leadership teams of portfolio companies, ensuring continuous, transparent communication with their investors.
We help companies navigate complexities, maintain focus on long-term goals, and achieve substantial changes or ambitious objectives, while also addressing immediate challenges effectively. This not only aids the company’s growth and resilience but also enhances the investor’s portfolio stability and potential returns.
Families
Family-owned businesses have unique strengths that often lead to long-term success. Known for their stability and continuity, they not only create a safe and secure environment for people but also maintain market leadership and success built on deep values, trusted brands, and strong leadership.
However, today’s rapid technological advancements, environmental changes, and shifting political landscapes demand that these businesses be more flexible and quick to adapt. Balancing the need for change while maintaining quality is a significant challenge. When, how, and where should we innovate to stay relevant without losing our foundational values?
Essential helps CEOs and management teams make informed decisions, develop or adjust strategies, and address the hurdles presented by a rapidly changing world. Our goal is to ensure that businesses can adapt to new pressures without sacrificing the values and traditions that make them unique.
As the need to care for our environment and society becomes more pressing, we support businesses in staying committed to social responsibility and sustainability, securing their legacy for the future.
CxO and Executive management
Strong executive management teams are the cornerstone of any successful company. CxOs (such as CEOs, CFOs, and COOs) play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation. For a company to thrive, it is imperative that these leaders not only take ownership of challenges but also share in the success of the business. While CxOs are essential for driving growth and innovation, it is vital to distinguish their roles from those of company founders or owners, especially if they do not have ownership stakes in the organisation.
Essential assists companies, owners, and stakeholders, in shaping, retaining and developing their leadership teams. This involves aligning personal and business interests, creating autonomy for decision-making, balancing long-term vision with short-term results, and fostering a positive corporate culture for CxOs. With our real-world entrepreneurial knowledge and experience we help businesses strategise their leadership discovery and development, designing co-ownership or incentive structures and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Take the Next Step
Ready to transform your business? Contact us now and tell us your story.