SÖKA | TALENT ADVISORY
SÖKA is a boutique search and talent advisory firm for founders and leadership teams who can't afford the wrong hire.We reject high-volume, transactional recruiting. By intentionally limiting our client engagements, we deliver a genuinely bespoke, partner-led experience grounded in deep organizational clarity and cultural alignment.At SÖKA, search is our mechanism — but strategy is our mindset. We don't just fill headcount; we build the foundational teams that drive sustainable growth.
End-to-End Search
Tailored, exhaustive execution to secure critical leadership, executive, and specialized professional talent across all organizational tiers.
Talent Advisory
Specialized consultation on structural optimization, workforce planning, recruitment process design, and proactive talent mapping.
Fractional HR Leadership
Embedded, high-impact guidance at the Chief People Officer or Senior HRBP level. Ideal for growth-stage or transitioning organizations that require organizational strategy, workforce architecture, and leadership advisory without the permanent executive overhead.
Jakob Lagerstedt
With over 20 years of experience spanning talent acquisition and people strategy, I partner with founders and leadership teams to build the foundational teams that drive sustainable growth.
As VP of People at Xilis, a venture-backed precision oncology biotech, I built the People function from the ground up. I know firsthand what it takes to navigate infrastructure gaps, hiring urgency, and the intense cultural stakes that define growth-stage companies.
Whether executing a critical executive search, embedding as a fractional People leader, or auditing your organizational design, I bring a deeply consultative, data-driven approach to ensure total alignment between your business strategy and the talent required to execute it.
Testimonials
"Jakob is one of the best people leaders I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He offers a perfect blend of genuine compassion with impeccable execution. At Xilis, I would often turn to Jakob for counsel and help while hiring senior level positions for my team; his intuition for people matching is unrivaled. Similarly, I worked closely with Jakob on culture initiatives, development and general people matters. He earned the trust of all employees and was a kind ear that everyone at the company turned to for advice."
Elena Helman
VP, Data Science, Bioinformatics, Ultima Genomics
"Jakob joined Xilis to spearhead Talent Acquisition and quickly took over all HR activities at the company in addition to TA. Jakob singlehandedly (only with temporary help!) led the people function of the company from 40 to 120 people, and became a central figure respected by everyone, critical in maintaining team cohesion and spirits as we focused on big goal that felt unachievable at times. Our policies were solid, culture strong, and people strategy clear, and team members motivated - all thanks to Jakob's passion, unwavering dedication to the company's mission, and motivation to learn and succeed together with the company."
Daniel Delubac
CEO, iOrganBio
"Jakob is the best HR leader I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He leads with genuine compassion while always keeping the critical mission of the business in focus. Every aspect of HR — from hiring and goal setting to performance management — was smoother and more effective under his leadership than I’ve ever experienced. Jakob was always open to feedback and acted on it thoughtfully, creating a culture of trust and continuous improvement. He consistently balanced advocacy for employees with the broader needs of the business, earning deep respect across teams. I would gladly work with him again anytime."
Michael Swanson
Director of R&D Software Engineering
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