Since autumn 2019, Nimble:Bi has been part of eXpression Umeå's incubator program Creatives - now it's time to take the next step. Behind the company that analyzes and visualizes business data is Jonas Sandström. The IT consultant who loves the interaction between stability and creative intuition, freshly ground fine coffee and making a difference for real.
Entrepreneur Jonas Sandström is sitting in a Corona-secured café when I call him on a button-free digital line. We're running a so-called audio meeting - that is, a video meeting without pictures. Quite unusual these days but I think both appreciate some screen-free time.
Jonas, who recently made an exit from the Creatives incubator programme, otherwise spends much of his working day in front of the computer. Through his company Nimble:Bi, he helps companies and organisations understand their business data in a visual way (so-called business intelligence).
For me, solving puzzles through programming is a natural driving force that gives me energy. For the customer, I want to find smart solutions that solve a real problem in the best possible way, freeing up time and resources for other things that are important," says Jonas.
Inspiration comes mainly from meeting other people. Encounters that open up new contexts and provide additional perspectives and knowledge.
That's the fun of consulting. It's a big reason why I've chosen to go into this type of business. Whether it's LKAB or Frasses, large established companies or smaller niche contexts, there are always new insights and perspectives to take in. It's usually new problems that you have to tackle that require creative solutions.
It was from the IT consulting industry that Jonas came when he was ready to start his own business. After some time as an independent consultant, a longing for a creative context arose. Through a friend, he came into contact with eXpression Umeå and he applied to the Creatives incubator programme.
It must have been September 2019 when I came in and started the journey at eXpression. It was joy right away. When you're like me, someone who likes to create new things, it's nice to be in a context where you get help sorting ideas, setting goals and being challenged.
I ask him if he sees any difference between the Jonas who started in the incubator and the one who is now stepping out.
Absolutely. If the foundation before was a bit of a rollercoaster, I have much more stability now. Today I'm not just putting out fires, but have a base of repeat clients that I top with development projects, where I can experiment and test new things. That's exactly how I want it. Today I have the space to choose, a luxury I don't take for granted.
Jonas is a guy who likes to quantify things, see the numbers and statistics behind them, but he's equally a creative soul who needs a certain amount of chaos - in the middle of the order. It's as much right brain as left brain when he's working. Finding a way to master this ongoing tug-of-war has become a recipe for success.
I have learned to dance with the two opposites that are a distinct part of me. Routines have become important, or rather rituals. Mornings are sacred and almost always look the same. Before I open my laptop, I want to make sure I'm in the right mode. So I make sure to get up early and start the day by meditating and writing down thoughts. It's become a purging process. I get out of my own head.
He continues after a small pause for art.
I start by being and feeling the body. That sets me up to be productive later. After that, I grind the coffee beans, weigh, measure and brew. With coffee in hand, the workday can begin.
Only structure becomes too rigid, only freedom becomes too loose at the edges. Jonas seems to have found his way to optimise and find balance in life. Those of you who have met him know what I mean. He has a natural calm about him that is contagious and helps others feel good around him.
I had promised Jonas that the interview would take 30 minutes and time is running out. But I had to take stock of the present and the future. What's next and where will we find him in three or four years?
Honestly, I don't know exactly where I'll be in three years. But I'm moving towards developing some kind of service or product that can be scaled up. I guess that's what's on the agenda right now. I'm working on that development project and testing my way through, while I have some longer larger projects rolling along. I want to keep creating value for others no matter what I do. That's what I'm passionate about. That and freedom.
Last question Jonas. I thought I'd have a cup of coffee and I know you're a bit of a geek. What's in your cup today? Anything you can recommend?
Papua New Guinea from Costas is really good, I've had it. Then I think it will be something Brazilian with a bit of speed," concludes Jonas Sandström, and I'm guessing, with the significant wide smile.
Fact box
Name: Jonas Sandström
Age: 30
Coming from: Born Umeå, raised in Lycksele
Bor: East in town
Preferably eat: Pata negra or Pineal sausage
Do on a Friday after work: Hanging out with friends
Inspired by: People who live their own truth
Philosophy of life: When life feels heavy: This too shall pass. Zoom out. Gratitude.
When life feels king: Here and now. Enjoy. Gratitude.
Jonas' three tips for new entrepreneurs:
- Clarify for yourself what value you can offer the market - don't overstate or understate
- Dare to charge for the value you deliver
- Aim to deliver more value - in relation to the time you spend - than yesterday
