Redirecting.work

That reflection came with the realization that he wanted to be part of something bigger, something more integrated. His wife had recently re-entered her own career full-time, and their conversations—along with feedback from trusted mentors and peers—helped him clarify that a new chapter might involve returning in-house. He wasn’t chasing a title or prestige. Instead, he wanted to find a role where he could leverage the full arc of his skills, drive tangible impact, work globally, and contribute to a company in the midst of transformation.

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One learning of these days on his own is that he does not thrive on business development - something I often hear. He offered some sage advice for other entrepreneurs who may not love business development.

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• Lean first and foremost strongly into your core strengths. For Lars these were content, storytelling, and network-building.

• Invest in learning traditional business development skills.

• Connect your efforts to measurable business outcomes.

• Develop a more commercial mindset, and avoid the “shiny object” trap by focusing your energy on initiatives aligned with your core business goals.

 

The Transformation Process

 

The pivot wasn’t immediate or easy. Many of the most compelling opportunities required relocation, which wasn't an option at the time due to family commitments. He had to pass on some exciting roles in places like San Francisco and New York. Eventually, an opportunity emerged with Fruitist, a tech-enabled consumer packaged goods company focused on superfruits, where the Chief People Officer saw value in Lars's location, background, and global mindset.

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Transitioning back into a corporate role after years of autonomy came with its own adjustments—like losing control over his calendar and adapting to a more hierarchical structure. But Lars approached it with a beginner’s mindset. He stressed the importance of being curious and humble, especially in a build-from-scratch environment. "You don’t come in with a playbook," he said. "You come in with experience, but you tailor everything to what the business actually needs."

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Current Role and Reflections

Today, Lars serves as Head of Talent Acquisition at Fruitist, helping to build the talent function from the ground up. The company has global operations and deep roots in data-driven operations, making it an ideal place for Lars to apply his tech-forward experience in a new sector. Within just four months, he helped grow the corporate team by 20% while laying the foundation for long-term recruiting systems and strategy.

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He reflects that returning to a corporate role has been invigorating. He's reconnected with the rhythm of collaborative problem-solving, gained new insights into global workforce operations, and appreciated the rare chance to build anew in a thriving, high-impact business.

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Advice to Others

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• Be clear on your goals. Know why you’re pivoting and what you want to gain. For Lars, that meant finding a role where he could:
   

  • Leverage his broad skill set.

  • Drive tangible business impact.

  • Operate on a global scale.

  • Join a company in a transformative phase.
     

• Be realistic about how others see entrepreneurial experience. You may see your versatility and grit as strengths, but some companies may view your nontraditional path with skepticism. Find the right match with leaders who value what you bring.
   

• Don’t go it alone. The transition can be bumpy. Have a personal “board of advisors,” mentors, or a strong support network to offer feedback, perspective, and encouragement.

 

This pivot marked the start of what Lars sees as the “third arc” of his career. Whether he stays the course or moves again in a few years, he’ll do so with intention, clarity, and the same deep curiosity that’s fueled every chapter so far.