Executive Counsel
A partner for the whole move.
Beside you for as long as it takes.
The move matters, and the variables are complex.
You’re a leader, or about to be. This probably isn’t a routine step — there’s market timing to read, perhaps board and investor dynamics to manage and a great deal decided in what is left unsaid. Perhaps you’re looking to make a pivot, change industries or manage challenging circumstances. You don’t want a course. You want someone beside you, thinking and creating with you.
Competence is the ticket, not the prize.
After a point, capability is assumed. What decides the outcome is harder to see from the inside: how you’re read, where the real leverage sits and the conversations that define a role before it’s advertised. By the time we work together, you know how to run your search. What you want more of is sharper judgement, better access and someone alongside you to hone your instincts and validate your approach.
How it works
A foundation, then counsel.
Foundation — weekly, across eight weeks.
One session a week: executive positioning and narrative, a complete executive CV and LinkedIn rebuild, networking architecture and a clear read on the wants, needs and desires of your target audience, including ExCos, boards and investors.
Counsel — flexible, month to month.
• Two 60-minute sessions, or four 30-minute sessions — whichever suits – to tackle any topic and generate new ideas
• Unlimited 10-minute calls for the quick things
• Introductions, market intelligence and important-conversation prep
• A quarterly refresh of your materials, with priority time held for you
Why it works this way.
The hardest part of a senior search is rarely the start. It’s the middle, when momentum is building, and that’s exactly when counsel matters most. We set the foundation, commit to the first stretch together and continue only while it’s earning its place.
Where it sits: Executive Counsel runs the entire Basel Method with you — all three pillars, continuously — with the Mindset core held steady throughout.
“What we did was human-focussed. You transformed my search and how I approach it. With the first board appointment in place, the next one will be much easier.”
TJ, Chief Medical Officer & now Board Member, Biotech
A partner for every scenario.
Foundation — CHF 4,950
Counsel — CHF 995 / month
An intensive eight-week Foundation, then flexible monthly Counsel: two 60-minute sessions or four 30-minute sessions, plus unlimited 10-minute calls and a quarterly refresh. Plan for the first three months of Counsel, with the option to break after the first month. After that, month-to-month with 30 days’ notice. You’re never locked in.
Results
Roles secured.
First Board Seats
First C-Suite appointments
First Venture Partner roles
“The outcome exceeded what we set out to achieve: a dual-focussed role, working with the most visible deal-makers in the industry, and the financial freedom to control my future.”
WK, now Chief Commercial Officer, Biotech
FAQs
Common Questions.
What does "daily access" actually mean?
Exactly that — I’m available through the duration of the move, not only booked in defined slots. When a conversation is about to happen, an offer arrives or something unexpectedly moves, you can think it through with someone in real time.
How long does it run, and what does the monthly cover?
The Foundation is intensive and upfront to quickly get you to a best-in-class position; the monthly Counsel runs flexibly for as long as the move takes. Some moves resolve in a couple of months, some take longer — you’re not locked into a fixed term. It’s easy to underestimate the time taken to complete senior hires.
Why multiple narratives — isn't one strong story enough?
Not when you’re being read by boards, investors, ExCos and HR at once. Each room runs a different thought process. The work is giving you a positioned narrative for each, all true, none contradicting the others. Often, clients are considering corporate vs start-up/scale-up environments, with different priorities and motivations to address.
Is this done for me or with me?
Both. I’ll handle the CVs, LinkedIn profile, story building, executive positioning and turning your book of contacts into something for the digital age, amongst others. When you’re on your own, we’ll prepare for every important conversation – whether that’s with a prospective boss or investor or gently letting down an important advocate due to talking another path. You leave with better instincts to spot opportunity and sharper judgement.
"One company was always going to be disappointed, and having John's support to navigate that while maintaining strong future relationships was invaluable."
Bea McDonald, now IP Counsel, HIPRA
Insights