Leadership Journeys [204] - Harald Røine - "Nothing in the world means anything. It just exists"

Choosing Leadership with Sumit Gupta

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode, Harald Røine, CEO of Buro Ventures, shares the raw realities of entrepreneurship—from burnout to breakthroughs—and reveals the mindset shifts that propelled him forward.

Starting from humble beginnings as a gamer turned coder, Harald learned early that resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking were the keys to success.

He opens up about the balance (and struggle) of managing work and life, especially as he faces the exciting new chapter of starting a family.

His insights into AI’s role in the future of business offer a fascinating glimpse into tomorrow’s possibilities.

Tune in for an episode packed with practical wisdom for any leader navigating growth, adversity, and the pursuit of a lasting impact.

You can find Harald Røine at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/haraldroine/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/buro-ventures/

In the interview, Harald shares

• "Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting young; it’s about the resilience to keep going, no matter the setbacks."
• "In leadership, challenges are inevitable, but Harald reminds us to view setbacks as opportunities—and to approach them with gratitude."
• "Harald’s story began with a love for gaming, but his journey became one of creating, adapting, and building resilience from age 12."
• "Balancing work and personal life is an ongoing journey for entrepreneurs; Harald’s story underscores the power of prioritizing what truly matters."
• "Seeing AI as a future force, Harald’s vision to create AI-driven companies reflects his forward-thinking approach and adaptability."
• "Every leader needs a powerful mindset: Harald’s story emphasizes the need to believe in oneself, even when faced with failure."
• "Burnout taught Harald a vital lesson—to listen to your body and turn challenges into stepping stones for sustainable growth."
• "Entrepreneurship isn’t just creativity; it’s a balance of passion and pragmatism, a theme Harald knows well through his journey."
• "The duality of entrepreneurship: it’s both exhilarating and demanding, requiring skills from marketing to networking—skills Harald embraced."
• "Leadership is a choice: Harald’s story reminds us to choose growth, tackle challenges head-on, and never stop learning."