When one feels faced with too many options, too many intricacies or no viable options at all, it may be necessary to fundamentally rethink. The cornerstone of that fundamental rethink could be a contribution of particular expertise, an ‘essential dialogue’, in order to establish the very essence of the situation and a clear way forward. Within such essential dialogue, one experiences first-hand the value of uncompromising stringency of thought paired with cultural and ethical neutrality – especially when having to fundamentally rethink. Essential dialogue can be crucial for - resolving breakdowns and serious conflict - reconstituting an executive or supervisory board - rethinking the corporate - vision - strategy - culture - ethics.