After many years of hard work to put Nexus in order and to prepare the company for the future, I more and more often came to think about the advise from Henrik Engsner from 2014 (see separate article) “You should start thinking about a next chapter where you can help other CEOs instead of being a CEO”.
One day in the autumn 2018 I invited Nexus Software Director, Magnus Malmström, into a conference room.
I asked him: “Magnus, how long do you think I shall stay as CEO for Nexus?
Magnus’ answer was direct: “It’s not my decision, but the day you want to leave, I think you are looking at your successor…”
I knew that the board and the owners liked Magnus, so it was easy to prepare for Magnus to take over.
It took almost five years from the moment when Henrik Engsner planted the idea of “not being CEO anymore” until I was ready.
And that was the beginning of me changing from being the CEO to being an advisor to CEO, to Boards or the owners of different companies. This change has allowed me increase my learnings and also to make new friends. I have upgraded to Lars 2.0
Next year, I will continue to share stories and learnings from companies like Infotheek, Centralpoint, Flex, Nordlo, Eco Datacenter, ClimateView ant others.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Make sure you recharge your batteries. As a leader, you are responsible for your own energy levels.