Sara Lerdell Sulin
From strategic choices to hands-on support day to day – as a sounding board, in a project or as interim, based on what you need.
25+ years of experience·Assignments for Spotify, Klarna, MTG and Viaplay, among others·Remote and on site – in Sweden and internationally
Experience from, among others
Experience from large companies – just as much at home in small and mid-sized ones.
I have had the pleasure of having Sara in the leadership team as HR Director at two previous companies. She sees the business, makes people grow and dares to drive what needs to be done – it shows in the results.
Patrik Hofbauer
President & CEO, Telia
Selected assignments and experience
I quickly get to know the business and help leadership move from decision to execution.
Been the right hand and sparring partner to numerous CEOs who don't yet have their own HR or business partner. Like an advisory board, I share generously from my experience in HR, organisation, management and leadership – supporting, challenging and coaching.
The result: More confident decisions and a CEO who doesn't stand alone.
In consultation with the board and CEO, reviewed organisational structure and key roles in growth companies – the right people in the right roles and clear decision paths.
The result: Leadership that took the company from founder-driven to scalable.
Coached every manager in a company and tailored coaching programmes for individual managers in other assignments – focusing on each manager's challenges and the company's goals.
The result: More confident and clearer leadership with a focus on efficiency and profitability.
Stepped in as HR Director, or taken on COO-like operational responsibility, for a defined period – with a clear mandate.
The result: Several key areas raised to a stronger level – with structure and continuity, and a confident handover when the assignment is done.
Facilitated and led a company's work on strategy and business plan – clear direction and priorities.
The result: A business plan that shows how the strategy is delivered, with concrete activities, key figures and responsibilities.
Prepared companies for sale or stock market listing: a clear organisation, strong leadership, documented processes and a structure that doesn't depend on individuals.
The result: A company that stands firmly on its own – and is attractive to buyers and investors.
References
Jonas Karlén
CEO, Viaplay
“I have had the pleasure of working with Sara several times, as HR Director in an organisation under great pressure to change and as coach to my HR manager. Sara is highly knowledgeable, pragmatic and hands-on in her advice, and instils courage and drive in her colleagues and in those she coaches. With her experience and calm, she contributes to a forward-leaning and secure organisation.”
Johan Rutgersson
Owner and chairman, several companies
“My strongest recommendations for Sara! As owner or chairman of several companies, I have many times needed professional help with transformations, change or structure. People are one of the most important parts of a company, but also the most complex. Sara has a unique ability to handle both the commercial and the human without getting stuck.”
Knut Frängsmyr
Chief Commercial Officer & Deputy CEO, Qred
“As interim HR Director at Klarna, Sara worked with determination, great passion and drive.”
Johan Johansson
Group CFO & Co-CEO Sweden, Viaplay Group
“As CFO of MTG I got to know Sara as a person with fantastic drive and commitment. As HR Director, Sara and her team made HR part of the business and key players in our transformation. I give Sara my very best recommendations.”
About Sara
I have more than 25 years of experience in HR, organisation and leadership, have led teams of up to 20 people and worked as HR Director in several leadership teams – where my focus was the whole business rather than HR alone, driving strategy towards profitability and reporting to several boards. My experience is not limited to Sweden: I have worked in several Nordic countries and on assignments abroad. I know what it means to be a manager and a leader inside a business – the trade-offs, the pace and the responsibility that come with it. That is why my advice holds when reality puts pressure on it.
As an independent consultant, I combine a business focus with an understanding of the people who make the organisation work. I quickly get to grips with your situation, give you an honest perspective and help get things done. I listen, challenge and work closely with you.
I follow the needs of the assignment, not office hours – evenings and weekends when they are needed. I take responsibility for the whole and put my focus where it makes a difference.
Contact
We start with your situation, not a ready-made solution.
Visiting address: Tavastgatan 29 A, Stockholm.
I'm based in Stockholm and work remotely or on site – in Sweden and abroad.
What we discuss stays between us. If you need an NDA, I'll sign it before our first conversation.
Private individuals are also welcome – coaching on careers and life choices. Get in touch and I'll tell you more.