Some decisions deserve an independent perspective.
An important decision may already have been extensively discussed.
The information may be available. The arguments may be well developed. And yet important assumptions, alternatives or consequences may remain insufficiently examined.
An independent perspective can be particularly valuable when:
an important board decision is approaching
several credible options are available
a proposal deserves independent challenge
strategic and institutional considerations pull in different directions
the consequences of the decision warrant additional scrutiny
the people closest to the situation would benefit from an outside perspective
Practice
The value I bring is independent judgement.
I examine complex situations, challenge assumptions, consider alternatives, risks, consequences and trade-offs, and form my own assessment. Where appropriate, I give a clear recommendation and explain my reasoning.
The most consequential decisions often arise when legitimate responsibilities pull in different directions. Responsibility for the decision remains with those who carry it.
How I work
Strategic Decision Review
For one consequential decision or strategic question, considered carefully before it is made. The most clearly defined way of working with me.
For chairs and executives who value independent judgement over time, as strategic questions arise, with the continuity of someone who already understands the institution.
My strongest field of experience is Swiss foundations: from the first questions of purpose, statutes and establishment to the moments when governance, roles and ways of working need to evolve while remaining true to what the institution was created to serve.
foundation governance
institutional development
strategic direction
funding approaches
board and executive relationships
founding and organisational evolution
About
WHY HANNA
HANNA BYLAND
I am a Swiss lawyer and independent strategic adviser working with foundations at moments when governance, strategy and institutional responsibility meet.
My perspective comes from working with institutions in different forms of responsibility. I serve on foundation boards and investment committees, support boards at defining moments, and carry executive responsibility for a Swiss entrepreneurship foundation with a 40 year history.
Institutions look different when you are responsible for carrying them. Decisions are no longer theoretical. They influence people, relationships, culture and the institution that will exist years later.
This experience shapes my judgement.
I combine the independence of an external perspective with the understanding of someone who carries that trust myself.
My work is personal, while being embedded in the established legal practice of AWG.
I advise people establishing foundations in Switzerland, as well as existing foundations facing governance questions and demanding decisions.
As Chief Executive Officer
I lead a Swiss foundation supporting entrepreneurship.
As a Foundation Board Member
I serve on governing and supervisory bodies, bringing an independent perspective that strengthens the quality of collective decisions.
As an Investment Committee Member
I contribute to long term investment decisions, connecting capital, purpose and institutional responsibility.
Bar Admission and Registration
Admitted to the Bar in the Canton of Basel Landschaft, 2017 Registered with the Bar of the Canton of Basel Stadt Advisory services in German and English
Perspective
Perspectives for people with responsibility.
Here I share thoughts and experiences from my work with foundations, families and governing bodies. Some pieces take up current questions; others explore decisions that shape institutions over the long term.
Some questions are worth taking from the page into the room.
I occasionally join foundation boards and other governing bodies for a focused conversation about institutional character: what the organisation stands for, what its decisions reveal and what should remain true as it evolves.
A first conversation is exploratory. It helps us understand the question you are facing and whether I can contribute meaningfully. There is no obligation to proceed.
