Lisa Tengbom and the Strategy Behind the Fast-Scaling Longevity Brand

At the intersection of strategic management, data intelligence, and operational scale sits Lisa Tengbom, a Swedish-born strategist based in Los Angeles who works on the national expansion of Pause Studio, a longevity and recovery brand operating across the United States.

Pause Studio was founded in 2016 by members of the former leadership team behind Equinox and SoulCycle, with a focus on recovery and longevity services. Today, the company operates five corporate studios in Los Angeles alongside a growing national franchise network, including multiple open franchise locations, additional studios and more than 130 projected franchise territories sold nationwide by end of 2026. Scaling at this pace requires more than brand appeal; it requires coordinated strategy, infrastructure, and execution.

As Strategy Specialist, Tengbom is responsible for designing and maintaining frameworks, data systems, and expansion strategies that support national growth. Her work includes franchise expansion strategy, KPI and business intelligence infrastructure, operational systems, and long-term strategic planning. These frameworks are used by leadership to evaluate markets, monitor unit performance, and maintain operational standards across a geographically distributed network.

A central focus of her work involves identifying operational challenges associated with rapid expansion. In fast-growth environments, scale can expose gaps in systems, governance, and execution. Tengbom contributes to the design of operating models intended to anticipate these challenges and support expansion in a structured manner.

Her professional background reflects experience across multiple disciplines. Prior to joining Pause Studio, Tengbom worked in finance and growth strategy, including contributing to the national scaling of Bodil, a prop-tech company operating in the Nordic market. Earlier in her career, she competed professionally as an alpine skier and became a Swedish National Champion, experience that informs her structured and performance-oriented approach to complex initiatives.

In addition to her role at Pause Studio, Tengbom participates in industry forums related to longevity, wellness strategy, and scalable business models. She has spoken on panels including J.P. Morgan’s Business of Wellness and LA Tech Week. She also supports early-stage founders as a mentor with Founder Institute and participates in professional leadership organizations.

Through a focus on strategic planning and operational infrastructure, Tengbom’s work reflects the growing importance of system-driven approaches to scaling businesses in high-growth sectors.

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