Frequently Asked Questions

Most engagements involve:

• Growth-stage companies entering or scaling in Southeast Asia
• European or US companies expanding into Vietnam or the region
• PE-backed or founder-led businesses facing execution risk
• Technology, services, and platform businesses with commercial complexity

HERIO is not suitable if:

• you are looking for outsourced delivery or staff augmentation 
• you need large teams or operational capacity
• you want theoretical strategy without execution involvement
• the problem is purely technical or purely transactional
   

Traditional advisors and consultants typically:

• Operate at arm’s length from day-to-day decisions
• Optimise for recommendations, frameworks, and analysis
• Step back when execution becomes complex, political, or uncomfortable
   

HERIO operates differently:

• Stays embedded close to execution, where decisions carry real consequences
• Works within actual constraints — budget, talent, timing, and local realities
• Partners with leadership to navigate ambiguity, trade-offs, and second-order effects 
• Remains accountable through execution, not just advice
   

In short: HERIO does not advise from the outside. We think and operate alongside leadership, where strategy meets reality.

Scope is intentionally narrow and defined upfront to avoid dependency. Engagements are typically:

• Retainer-based
• Time-bound
• Focused on specific growth or execution objectives

Engagements are structured around clear objectives, decisions to be made, and outcomes to be delivered. The level of involvement flexes based on what the situation demands. In some phases this requires deep, hands-on execution; in others, focused leadership support and decision guidance. What remains constant is accountability for progress.

HERIO operates as an embedded operating partner. This means working alongside leadership, under real constraints, and staying involved through execution — while remaining independent in judgment and incentives.

Yes, HERIO operates on a fixed retainer, aligned to scope, intensity, and ownership of outcomes. This allows us to stay focused on execution and results rather than time tracking or transactional deliverables.

No, HERIO does not engage on commission-only or success-fee-only arrangements. Commercial impact matters, but leadership, judgment, and execution responsibility require a committed operating mandate. Where appropriate, success-based components may complement a retainer — never replace it.

Yes — when it matters and when it’s appropriate. HERIO supports:

• Go-to-market setup and sequencing
• Early enterprise and strategic partnerships 
• Senior-level relationship building 
• Commercial positioning in new or unfamiliar markets
   

We do not act as a lead-gen agency or outsourced sales team.

Both structures are possible. Clients may engage HERIO directly, or Gauthier in an embedded operating role, depending on the nature of the mandate, internal requirements, and contracting preferences. The commercial and legal structure is aligned upfront to fit the engagement.

Yes, HERIO can receive international payments, including via Wise and other commonly used cross-border payment platforms. Payment methods are agreed upfront to ensure simplicity and compliance on both sides.

Yes. When contracts are signed directly with HERIO, VAT-compliant (commercial) invoices can be issued in accordance with applicable regulations.

Yes — if required. Gauthier can be embedded in an operating role as a contractor, allowing clients to integrate leadership capacity without incurring additional employer costs such as social security, payroll tax, or long-term employment obligations.

HERIO advises on the most effective setup as part of the engagement design. The structure is selected based on:

• desired level of operational integration
• internal procurement or compliance requirements
• geographic and tax considerations
• speed and flexibility needed

Outcomes often include:

• clearer market entry or growth sequencing
• avoided mis-hires or premature scaling
• improved commercial positioning 
• faster decision-making with fewer reversals 
• leadership alignment under pressure 

HERIO engagements are designed to be clear, time-bound, and low-friction.

If priorities change or the engagement no longer creates value, either party may initiate a discussion to conclude the work in an orderly manner. A standard notice period of around 30 days is typically observed, allowing for proper handover and transition.

Any outstanding commitments or agreed fees are settled transparently and in good faith. The objective is alignment and continuity — not prolonging an engagement that no longer serves the business.

Decision authority always remains with the client. HERIO’s role is to inform decisions, surface constraints, and drive execution once direction is set. HERIO operates with clear, pragmatic reporting and decision rhythms. Progress is typically tracked through:

• regular check-ins with leadership 
• clear articulation of decisions made, trade-offs considered, and next actions
• concise updates focused on outcomes, risks, and priorities — not volume