For the first fifteen years of my adult life, I lived on autopilot. I was confident, well-intentioned – but mostly focused on my own answers rather than asking the right questions. Slowly, I began to see where I was heading, and realised that the change I needed had to come from within. It wasn’t easy, but it was essential.
Today, my life and work are rooted in reflection, understanding, and being fully present – both for myself and for others. I believe we can avoid needless shame and resist the pull of consumption, status-chasing, and superficial recognition. What matters most to me is staying grounded in what gives life real depth and meaning.
Through experience, education, and a deep curiosity about human behaviour, I’ve learned the value of meeting people exactly where they are – without judgement or expectation. For me, the journey and the growth along the way matter just as much as any goal.
In recent years, I’ve reflected deeply on who I am, who I’ve become, and how I got here. For a long time, I set out to prove Søren Kierkegaard wrong – to not only live life forwards and understand it backwards, but to do the opposite. In many ways, I’ve succeeded, and I’ve gathered some brilliant insights along the way.
One of my greatest accomplishments is my design of spaces and tools that help people quiet distracting emotions and then accessing their core values and authentic feelings—turning them into constructive strengths. This transformation has been a true blessing for many leaders, empowering them to fully engage what makes us human—and what makes us truly effective: our complete selves.
Gratitude and genuine recognition have been central to that journey. Most people, I’ve found, struggle to truly notice and take in the good – especially when it’s about themselves. We tend to offer quick, result-based praise instead of powerful, constructive acknowledgement. That’s why I’ve made gratitude a deliberate practice – to give my life’s journey the attention and value it deserves.
I’ve taken time to sit still, reflect, and list – in chronological order from childhood – the people who have truly played a role in my life. This isn’t about remembering names for the sake of it, but about understanding why I remember them. I’ve separated memories shaped by photographs from those etched by real experiences that left a mark.
Shortcuts to gratitude are common – “No one mentioned, no one forgotten” is a favourite – but it’s not enough for me. Here, everyone is mentioned, and everyone is remembered. And while some may have been forgotten, that’s life. The risk of forgetfulness is no reason to hold back from feeling sincere gratitude.
In closing: I am grateful for the opportunity to work with people, and I truly value my colleagues at the Norwegian Opera & Ballet. I look forward to many more years of learning and exploration together – not only for the sake of art and results, but also for the sense of belonging and equality that is so essential in people’s lives. And without ever becoming rigid, I can hardly imagine a single place or situation on earth where this belief wouldn’t lead to extraordinary performance.
Sincerely, Anders.
