25 years in HR – here is what I have learned.
It took me roughly two thirds of my career to understand what I truly care about.
That might sound like a failure. It is not. I think that is probably how it is supposed to go.
When the answer finally came, it was not particularly complicated: people, development, and growth. And above all – being genuinely curious. Learning new things. Supporting others on the same journey of finding their way.
My background is broad – sales, marketing, tech, HR, recruitment, and AI. Not because I could not make up my mind. But because that is how I am wired. Quick to think, quick to learn, good at finding context and purpose. And above all – I adapt.
Eleven days ago, I knew nothing about building a website. Now I have built my own.
That is how I work. If I do not know something, I find out.
I am bold, somewhat risk-tolerant, and I have made mistakes. But I have learned from them. And I am considerably better now than I was ten years ago – which is probably the only thing that truly counts.
What I know after 25 years is that structure and curiosity are not opposites. The best decisions – in recruitment, in leadership, in life – are made by people who can both think clearly and feel deeply".
That is what I try to do every day. Not always with great flair. But always with honesty.
If you have thoughts, questions, or simply want to talk something through – feel free to get in touch.
Magdalena Hagström Ståhl
By M Consulting
Right person. Right place. Everything changes.