An ex-colleague once told me that it is actually quite possible for people from the 'business world' to get positions in universities as long as they can compet

An ex-colleague once told me that it is actually quite possible for people from the 'business world' to get positions in universities as long as they can compete on the merits of their work. So before you rule it out because you won't be able to take the 'traditional path,' I'd suggest visiting your university of choice to explore the other options first.