Ottiliana Rolandsson is new to eXpression Umeå's incubator activities. With roots in the inland of Västerbotten, the all-around artist and firebrand has been whirling around in both Europe and for a long time in the United States. Along the way, she has accumulated a solid academic education and developed her artistic expression - especially in the performing arts. Today she runs Ottiliana of Sweden and is ready to take the world by storm.
Ottiliana, you are a creative multi-tasker, how do you describe your business?
- Ottiliana of Sweden is a performing arts-based company focused on creativity, leadership and health promotion that helps organisations and individuals find their authentic voice to build sustainable brands. The arts are used as a creative tool to reach and spread inspiration.
- Ottiliana of Sweden offers trainings, digital courses, performances, lectures, sales, services as a conference host, moderator and presenter.
What is your background and how did you come to do what you do?r today?
- I grew up in Umeå and Västerbotten inland. Twenty-five years of my adult life were spent in Stockholm, Germany, Brazil and finally eighteen years in the United States, where, among other things, I earned a doctorate in theatre studies.
- Theatre, storytelling and creativity have always been integral to my life. As a manager and leader, I have been driven by seeing businesses develop and employees come into their own. I have found a balance that I always return to between creative work and organisational strategy and analysis.
What in your business gives you the most inspiration and energy?
- I would say it is the opportunity to realise my dreams, to create something that can make an impact and meaning for others, to develop a business that can always be in my life.
How did you come to apply to eXpression Umeå?
- I have been involved with eXpression Umeå since the incubator's inception and am impressed by the development support they provide to creators and creative industries. It feels safe to have the incubator at my back as I develop my business at this early and important stage.
Finally, what's current right now?
- There is quite a lot going on. I collaborate with Umeå Today, for example, where I am the cultural host, and I also contribute to the work on The Umeå Handbook. I'm also working on a storytelling performance about Trojan Helen and will be giving a course in voice and performance soon. In addition, I am looking forward to a collaboration where I coach in gestalt hosting and gestalt leadership.
" Make contact with Ottiliana on LInkedIn
FACTS:
Name: Ottiliana Rolandsson
Operates the company: Ottiliana of Sweden, which is divided into three activities: THEATRICA - performing arts, THE ACADEMY - education and coaching and MASTER OF CEREMONY - I can be personally hired as an emcee, presenter and moderator.
Bor: Umeå and Bygdeträsk
Preferably eat: Useful reprocessed food. So-called rainbow food, with as many colours as possible and preferably from local sources. A passionate topic for me! I am a food hunter.
Preferably reading: Anything is possible! Right now I'm reading The Skin Bible, Fermenting and Everything by Arne Dahl.
What usually happens on a Saturday: My partner and I are in Bygdeträsk, I have taken a swim in the lake. We are doing some project on the farm and making a fantastic dinner plus the usual sauna.
Best corporate memory: Ottiliana of Sweden is just starting up, so I haven't had time to build up many memories. But one precious memory is when I was living in the US and a friend encouraged me to start my own business there. The day I registered it, he proclaimed in a solemn tone that this was a great day because now new business events will happen. I had made a start in a new world. This memory was clear when I registered Ottiliana of Sweden at the turn of the year.
Quotes you like: When Bach's sweetheart died, he is said to have said, "May I not now lose my joy of living." A mentor in the United States has repeated to me in the same spirit: "No one or nothing can take away your zest for life." A good friend says: "If I could, I would give life a big kiss right on the mouth!"
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Fabrics Pettersson Media AB, background photo: private.
