Sparring in Zürich – in the evening, once the floor has gone quiet. Or in the afternoon, once the house is empty.

With someone who knows neither of you and does not push a direction – staying or leaving. Before a lawyer, family or friends take sides, we work out what you yourself see and want: what is over, and what is not? What does it mean for the children, the house, for you? I talk only with you; if your partner also wants a counterpart, I name a different professional. Marital property, maintenance and custody belong with your lawyer, and sparring is not couples therapy.

With someone who has no role in your family. Who takes care of them, who decides what happens to the family home, who is already getting more – these questions come while the parents are still alive, and they reopen old roles between siblings. In the conversation we work out what you yourself want and what you will say to your siblings, before it turns into a dispute. I talk only with you, not with the whole family. Care arrangements, powers of attorney and inheritance law stay with the specialist services and your lawyer.

With someone who does not care whether you accept. Whoever is asking wants a yes; the people around you mostly see the honour. Your questions are different: why you, and what is really expected? Do you have the time, and towards whom would you face a conflict of loyalty? I have never sat on a board myself and say so openly; I test your reasoning, not the company. Liability, contract and fees you clarify with your lawyer.

With someone who gains nothing from any answer. Career, the children’s school, your partner’s job, ageing parents in another country – everyone in the family has their own reckoning, and rarely does anyone say out loud what it is really about for them. We work out what keeps you here, what draws you away and how much of that holds for your family too, before you resign or sell. Tax, pensions and residence stay with your fiduciary and your lawyer.

With someone who is neither your employer nor your family. A year off can be the right decision or a way of avoiding another one: what do you want to get away from, and where do you want to go? What does it mean for your role, your partner, the children – and how do you say it at work? We sort that out before you announce it. Employment law, pensions and finances stay with your specialists. I took a year out myself and know what it clarifies and what it does not.

In the evening and at the weekend, yes; early in the morning, generally not. By arrangement: mostly in the evening, on Mondays also during the day, and on Saturdays and Sundays. We meet at your home, at your office once the floor has gone quiet, or on a walk. We agree the exact time in the confidential conversation beforehand; the same applies to online sessions.

I commit in writing to confidentiality – including the fact that we know each other, and beyond the end of our work. That applies towards all third parties: family, business partners, employers – including the person who referred you. If I already talk with someone from your family, your company or the other side, I decline, without naming anyone. I record nothing, keep brief notes and destroy them no later than 12 months after we finish. There are three limits: a legally binding order from a court or authority, an acute danger to life or safety, and a threat to a child’s welfare. Even then, I speak to you first wherever possible.

Yes. Travel is included in the fee for every on-site and walking session – anywhere within 60 minutes’ drive of Wetzikon, from Zürich and Winterthur to Zug, Rapperswil and Einsiedeln. That covers the city of Zürich and both lake shores, all nine Gold Coast municipalities, Zug, Baar, Cham and Rotkreuz, as well as Wollerau and Pfäffikon SZ. You pay the same whether we meet in Küsnacht ZH, Baar or Wollerau. From Wetzikon I reach the Gold Coast in about 20 to 25 minutes, Pfäffikon SZ in about 25 to 30 minutes and Zug in about 45 to 50 minutes. Lucerne, Meggen and Hergiswil by arrangement; I tell you the travel cost in advance.

Your home, or your office after hours, is where we are least likely to be disturbed; if you prefer walking, choose the woods over the lakeside promenade. On the Zürichberg or Adlisberg you meet fewer acquaintances than by the lake, on the Zugerberg fewer than in Zug’s old town. If you wish, we agree beforehand how you introduce me if anyone asks. If someone does see us, they see two people talking. And if no place suits, we speak by video or phone.

Yes. I work in English and German – and switching between the two is fine if that is easier for you. Use the language in which you can say most precisely what you mean, and change whenever it helps. For international executives in Zug and Zürich, English is often the working language while German is the language of the surroundings; I know both sides and, where useful, help you read Swiss conventions.

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