“YPN5Q” is a weekly Q&A series spotlighting the state’s top young business and civic leaders and creative minds — professionals propelling change through entrepreneurship, the arts, public service, social media, and community involvement. This week, we hear from Lars Leafblad, a principal at the Minneapolis executive search firm KeyStone Search and the founder and curator of Pollen, a networking newsletter for professionals.
Name: Lars-Erik Leafblad
Age: 34
Residence: Roseville
Current job title: Principal
Current employer: KeyStone Search
1. How would other people describe you — using only adjectives?
Accessible. Adhesive. Busy. Curious. Imperfect. Inquisitive. Outgoing. Synaptic.
2. Why have you chosen to live and work in the Twin Cities/ Minnesota?
Family. Friends. Fall. Education. Arts. Cabins. The North Shore. Engaged citizenry. Jobs. Spirit of innovation. And we believe the best days are still ahead for Minnesota.
3. Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years…. I would like to have more: humility, perspective, gratitude, peace.
I would like to have less: weight, stress, distractions, anxiety.
In my work I would like to be: helping others, making a lasting impact, always learning, building networks.
In my life I would like to be: an engaged father, a loving husband, a faithful friend, a responsible citizen, a servant leader.
4. Which websites do you visit every day?
MinnPost.com
Facebook.com
LinkedIn.com
Twitter.com
StarTribune.com
5. What’s one cool fact most people don’t know about you?
I spent two summers traveling across the Midwest cooking and competing with the Famous Dave’s of America National BBQ Touring Rib Team in 1996 and 1997.
Interested in joining Pollen? Notify Lars Leafblad directly at larsl@keystonesearch.com.
To nominate a young professional for “YPN5Q,” email ypn@minnpost.com with the nominee’s full name, employer or contact info, and one or two brief sentences supporting your nomination.
