Lars Leafblad: Firms That Continue to Innovate and Differentiate Will Win

I was intrigued by Lars Leafblad even before meeting him, partly because of his name and his reputation. After we met, I found plenty more to appreciate: he’s genuine, articulate, personable, and an expert at connecting with people—traits that serve him well as a recruiter.

“I joined KeyStone in September 2007, after serving as Director of Development for the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota,” Lars shared. “I saw parallels between development work and recruiting. Both require understanding and connecting human networks.” Although he initially anticipated more face-to-face interaction, he quickly realized that much of his time would be spent on calls and digital communication with clients and candidates.

Lars’s career journey has been anything but typical for a recruiter. Starting in GE Capital’s leadership program, he went on to help launch Four51.com, a high-tech startup, before taking on roles in alumni relations and eventually earning an MBA with a concentration in Strategic Management from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Reflecting on his career path, Lars noted, “My employers took a risk by hiring me, but it’s been a very successful experiment.” With his unique background, he brings a fresh perspective to KeyStone’s retained executive search work.

What Lars Loves About Recruiting

• Connecting on a Deeper Level: “You’re brought into the inner sanctum of people’s professional selves,” Lars says. The intimacy with both clients and candidates creates a unique level of trust and insight.
• A Multifaceted Role: “Executive search is a blend of sales, marketing, psychology, negotiation, and even journalism,” he explains. His team delves into each client’s culture and narrative to understand whether candidates might fit.
• Beyond Transactional Recruiting: Lars finds the most significant reward when he partners with clients who use the search process to spark new conversations about vision, strategy, and mission. “Of course, we present qualified candidates, but when we go beyond the transactional and turn search into an engagement process, it becomes gratifying.”

Embracing Technology and Social Media

Lars has actively embraced social media, tweeting nearly 8,000 times (@larsleafblad) and publishing the Pollen newsletter, connecting civic-minded people with shared opportunities and peer recognition. Technology, he notes, is changing how talent is identified, but he believes that human connection remains essential. “There will always be a role for a trusted intermediary to connect candidates who aren’t actively looking with organizations seeking top talent.”

The Future of Recruiting

When asked about the industry’s future, Lars is optimistic but pragmatic. “Clients want clear, quantifiable value, and that’s good. They also expect more for less, which is the reality of today’s market. Firms that adapt, innovate, and differentiate will thrive, while those that stagnate or prioritize short-term gains struggle to stay relevant.”

For Lars, the key to success lies in continuous evolution and a commitment to meaningful connections—qualities that ensure he and KeyStone Search stand out in the executive search industry.