VIENNA – Austrian communications and strategy consultant Kilian von Dallwitz has launched a new executive sparring service, “Raum für Klarheit” (Space for Clarity), aimed at providing a confidential sounding board for leaders navigating complex challenges. The service targets executives, founders, and successors within companies, agencies, and startups, offering a structured approach to decision-making and leadership development.
Von Dallwitz’s initiative responds to a perceived gap in the Austrian business landscape. He notes that leaders are increasingly consumed by short-term operational demands, leaving insufficient time for strategic planning. This observation aligns with broader trends highlighted in executive coaching circles, where the pressures of constant connectivity and rapid change are cited as key factors contributing to executive stress and diminished strategic thinking. DYNAXITY Consulting, for example, emphasizes the need for executives to “continually sharpen their skills and make strategic decisions with confidence” through dedicated sparring opportunities, away from daily routines.
“Raum für Klarheit” is positioned as a dedicated space for reflection, a counterpoint to the relentless pace of modern leadership. Von Dallwitz argues that critical decisions require deliberate thought, not simply reactive responses. “Leadership requires decisions to be made under high pressure and with significant external impact,” he states. “The necessary clarity, however, does not arise in the operational day-to-day, but in phases of conscious reflection. ‘Raum für Klarheit’ is a place where leaders can pause, sort through issues, and carefully consider decisions.” He frames seeking guidance not as a weakness, but as a demonstration of responsible leadership.
The service offers both in-person and remote sparring sessions following a defined process. Von Dallwitz employs questioning, prompting, mirroring, and contextualization to help clients clarify roles, analyze challenges, and identify potential courses of action. The stated goals are to provide a solid foundation for informed decision-making, refine leadership style, and enhance clarity in processes and communication – particularly during periods of transformation, crisis, or succession. This structured approach echoes the methodology employed by other executive sparring providers, such as DYNAXITY, which prioritizes needs analysis, self-reflection, and constructive feedback as core components of their offering.
Von Dallwitz frames “Raum für Klarheit” as an evolution of his existing communications and strategy consulting work, as well as his role on the board of Public Relations Verband Austria. He observes a shift in industry demands driven by technological advancements. While operational tasks are becoming more efficient, the need for nuanced judgment, perspective, and human-centered advice is growing. This aligns with the observations of Wolfgang Kirschstein, who positions himself as a trusted advisor supporting executives in shaping the future with “smart decisions,” offering expertise in areas like digital transformation and cultural change.
With over a decade of experience advising companies and leaders in strategic communication and decision-making – including media relations, crisis communication, reputation management, and CEO positioning – Von Dallwitz brings a practical, real-world perspective to his new venture. The rise of executive sparring as a distinct service reflects a growing recognition that traditional leadership development programs, focused on knowledge transfer, may not adequately address the unique challenges faced by executives in today’s volatile environment. Embrace, another Austrian firm, highlights the value of “pro-active, hands-on guidance” in “time-critical, strategically precarious, risky situations,” suggesting a similar demand for accessible, experienced counsel.
The emergence of “Raum für Klarheit” also comes at a time when the demands on C-level executives are reaching a critical point. Dr. Imre Marton Remenyi, founder of Leo Wien, recently introduced a model of “leadership without distraction,” acknowledging the pressures of digital overload and burnout. Von Dallwitz’s service appears to address a similar need for focused, confidential support, offering leaders a dedicated space to navigate complexity and make sound strategic choices.
While the financial details of “Raum für Klarheit” were not disclosed, the broader market for executive coaching and sparring is robust. Reinhard Vissa, for example, offers executive leadership sparring aimed at strengthening leadership identity and increasing impact. The increasing availability of these services suggests a growing willingness among executives to invest in external support to enhance their performance and well-being.
The success of “Raum für Klarheit” will likely depend on Von Dallwitz’s ability to establish trust and demonstrate tangible value to his clients. In a competitive landscape, the emphasis on structured processes, practical experience, and a commitment to confidentiality will be key differentiators. The service’s focus on providing “space for clarity” resonates with a growing desire among leaders to step back from the daily grind and engage in more thoughtful, strategic reflection.
