My name is Linda, founder of Workshop'r, author of "A practical guide to successful workshops" and a visual storyteller based in Oslo. There is a time for everything, and after 24 years in large Norwegian corporations, international consulting firms and creative agencies, I started a new adventure in January 2024, on my own. I am passionate about creating good solutions that create value for people and business, and that do not harm the planet. In the company Workshop'r, which I've founded together with Cathrine Aldorino, we help our customers create value through co-creation. I also take on assignments where I can bring visions, plans and ideas to life through visual storytelling. And I am open to relevant board assignments. My experience Full CV is on LinkedIn CEO & Business Designer // Workshop'r Co-founded and lead an innovative agency specializing in value creation through co-creative processes. Design and facilitate custom workshop experiences that transform complex challenges into actionable strategies, working in close collaboration with clients across industries. Innovation Lead / OBOS Drove innovation initiatives within Norway's largest real estate developer (2000+ employees across Norway and Sweden). Led cross-divisional innovation processes, exploring new opportunities and facilitating transformation across the organization. Specialized in translating complex challenges into engaging workshop formats that sparked meaningful change. Lead Business Designer / EGGS Design Pioneered the implementation of Business Design as a core service offering. Led strategic projects for prominent clients including Ekornes and Hexagon Ragasco, combining creative thinking with structured business approaches to deliver innovative solutions. Senior Manager / Deloitte Digital Key member of the founding team that established Experience Design practice. Managed strategic projects for clients such as Mustad and OPX while mentoring junior colleagues. Specialized in creating engaging workshop experiences that bridged the gap between business challenges and creative solutions. Executive Board program / Insead In the autumn of 2021, I took the executive board programme at Insead and the Scandinavian Executive Institute. Executive Master of Management / BI In 2004-2007 I took a master's degree consisting of Brand Leadership, Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, and Project Management. Bachelor of Science / The University of Telemark In 1997-2000 I studied engineering with a specialization in Automation. Blog Necessity is the mother of innovation I wrote this during the pandemic, about how never to let a good crisis go to waste. This was first published on Medium, in Norwegian, this is translated by automatic translation. Necessity is the mother of innovation I wrote this during the pandemic, about how never to let a good crisis go to waste. This was first published on Medium, in Norwegian, this is translated by automatic translation. The day I met George Clooney My first article 💪🏼 Which is about Idea development and creative processes. This was first published on Medium, in Norwegian, this is translated by automatic translation. My history Throughout my career is curiosity to learn new things and discover new industries has been my thing. It has taken me from being a computer engineer at Telenor, project manager and advisor in the consulting industry, innovator and concept developer at OBOS, to today being an independent business designer, creative consultant and aspiring illustrator :) Along the way, I have had the pleasure of working with companies such as REMA 1000, Eika, Aschehoug, Ekornes, Canal Digital, Rimi, Høyskolen Kristiania, Aschehoug, Mustad, Coop OBS, Hexagon Ragasco, Bama and many more. From those who need to get customers into the store every day, to those who spend 20 years from investing in a plot of land to the first buyer moving in. And from those who have a local presence and have customers they know personally, to those who have customers all over the world, with different cultures, different languages and needs that are completely different than in Norway. This has given me the opportunity to talk to a lot of people, and it is one of the things that I find most enjoyable about my job; to understand what drives people, what triggers their needs, what they struggle with and what they dream about. I think that is very important for creating good experiences :) A theme and responsibility that has grown bigger and bigger is making sure that what I am helping to create is sustainable. The only thing that should really be missing is that we don't use up the resources of those who come after us, that we create solutions that are good for people, that promote equality and diversity, and that what we create is something that can stand over time .

Atelier Vik er meg, Linda, og jeg er en selvstendig business designer, kreativ konsulent og historieforteller, åpen for oppdrag. What does the future look like? What does the future look like? While no one can predict the future, we can certainly help shape it. ✨ As a seasoned business designer with a creative twist, I'm passionate about exploring possibilities and crafting solutions that help us navigate the unknown with confidence and imagination. Think of Atelier Vik as your creative companion in: • Business Design & Co-creation • Visual Storytelling & Illustrations • Board Leadership Want to explore possibilities or visualize your ideas? Let's chat over coffee! Contact Meet Workshop'r: Where Innovation Meets Co-creation Tired of traditional consulting that delivers solutions in a vacuum? At Workshop'r, we believe the best ideas emerge when bright minds come together. We're your partners in: • Vision Sprints: Clarify your future direction in just a few days • Product Sprints: Transform ideas into testable concepts • Custom Workshops: Tailored sessions for your unique challenges Together with my brilliant partner Cathrine, we bring structure to innovation and make complex challenges manageable through expertly designed collaborative processes. Our secret sauce? A perfect blend of business design, creative thinking, and years of experience working with Nordic industry leaders. Plus, we make it fun! Ready to co-create something amazing? Let's chat! ✨ Visit website The Workshop Guide you have been waiting for: A practical guide to successful workshops From Chaos to Co-creation: A Practical Guide to Running Successful Workshops' Ever wondered how to transform a room full of diverse minds into a powerhouse of innovation? This guide is your answer! Drawing from years of experience facilitating workshops for Nordic industry leaders, I've packed this book with practical tips, tried-and-tested methods, and real-world examples. What's inside: • Step-by-step workshop planning frameworks • Proven facilitation techniques • Tools for handling challenging group dynamics • Templates you can use right away Whether you're a seasoned facilitator or just starting your workshop journey, this guide will help you create magic in any room. Ready to level up your workshop game? 🎯 Buy Vibekoding: A super power for innovators As an innovator, I've always believed in the power of rapid prototyping and early testing. With vibe coding, I've discovered a completely new way to bring ideas to life – without waiting for developers or budgets. From concept to working app in hours, not months. See how I've used vibe coding on my own project, Lili Bellini. Read more My expertise 1 Co-creation & Business Design Through Workshop'r, I help organizations unlock their potential through expertly designed workshops, sprints, and collaborative processes. Visit website 2 Storytelling Tired of presenting your brilliant ideas with boring bullet points? Let's transform your vision into engaging visual stories that captivate and inspire. Learn more 3 Boardwork With 25 years of industry experience and executive education from Scandinavian Executive Institute and INSEAD, I bring fresh perspectives to board positions. Contact me Nobody throws away a bunad! What if business sustainability was less about guilt and more about creating lasting value? Through the lens of Norway's beloved national costume, the bunad, this article explores how traditional craftsmanship and thoughtful design can inspire modern businesses to create more sustainable products and services. Discover how centuries-old wisdom might hold the key to greener business models of tomorrow. 🌱 Read article Hi there 👋 My name is Linda, founder of Workshop'r, author of "A practical guide to successful workshops" and a visual storyteller based in Oslo. There is a time for everything, and after 24 years in large Norwegian corporations, international consulting firms and creative agencies, I started a new adventure in January 2024, on my own. I am passionate about creating good solutions that create value for people and business, and that do not harm the planet. In the company Workshop'r, Cathrine Aldorino and I help our customers create value through co-creation. I also take on assignments where I can bring visions, plans and ideas to life through visual storytelling. And I am open to relevant board assignments. Contact

Vibekoding: A super power for innovators As a business designer, I've spent 25+ years helping companies innovate. I've facilitated countless workshops and sprints, and unfortunately seen too many good ideas die in queues because we lack the resources to test them. But now I've discovered something that changes everything: vibe coding. What is vibe coding? Vibe coding is the art of building functional digital products based on intuition, creativity, and low-threshold technology. It's not about writing perfect code, but about capturing a mood, an experience, a "vibe" – and making it reality. My first experiment: Lili Bellini Adventure Builder Lili Bellini is my project where I create coloring books for children (of all ages! 😉). While working on the books, I had an idea: What if users could create their own personalized coloring book? This wouldn't just provide a unique experience, but also allow me to add new illustrations continuously without having to produce entirely new books. As a bonus, I'd get tons of valuable insight into what users actually like and want. Since I had neither the budget nor the desire to wait months for developer help, I decided to do it myself with Databutton. In just a few days, I built Lili Bellini Adventure Builder – an interactive app where children can create their own Italy adventures and personalized coloring books. The result? A working prototype that not only captures the essence of my brand and engages my target audience, but also gives me continuous learning about what really resonates with my users. Here is the link if you want to take a look : https://lilibellini.databutton.app/lili-bellini-adventure-builder (And if you want to download and color, use the code CONAFFETTO 💕) Why vibe coding is perfect for innovators Rapid validation: From idea to testable prototype in hours Low threshold: Minimal technical expertise required High learning: Quick feedback from real users Creative freedom: Focus on experience, not technical limitations But here's the important part: Technology is just the tool Creating a product is easy. Creating a product people want, use, and pay for? That's still difficult. This is where my experience from business design becomes crucial: 🎯 User insight: Who are you really for? 💡 Value proposition: What problem are you actually solving? 🔄 Iteration: How do you learn quickly from mistakes? 📈 Business model: How do you create sustainable value? Vibe Coding + Business Design = From ideas to reality! When we combine the technical accessibility of vibe coding with solid business understanding, we get something magical: the ability to test, learn, and iterate at a pace that matches the speed of ideas. My advice to other innovators: Start with the problem, not the technology Build to learn, not to impress Test early, test often Remember that the product is just the beginning – the business is the goal Want to explore vibe coding yourself? After working with innovation for over two decades, I can say that vibe coding is the closest we get to democratizing product development. But remember – the tool is only as good as the strategy behind it. Want to learn more about how you can combine vibe coding with solid business development? Let's talk.

Bringing Complex Ideas to Life Through Visual Storytelling ✨ Every great idea deserves to be understood. Whether you're pitching to customers, colleagues, or investors, the right visual story can transform complex concepts into compelling narratives that resonate and inspire. By combining strategic thinking with creative visualization, I help organizations communicate their visions with clarity and impact. Visual Summaries Strategy & Vision Presentations & Talks Custom Illustrations Some of my illustrations Everything contextual, so my style varies depending on the context in which the illustration will be used, and the story it shall tell. Common to all is that I try to bring out a mood and evoke an emotional response. Visual Summary Bringing key insights to life! This illustration captures my takeaways from SXSW 2024. I transform meetings, workshops, lectures, or processes into engaging visual stories that make complex ideas memorable and shareable. Because sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words! ✨ Visual Storytelling A comic-style illustration based on a tale by Espen Andersen, Associate Professor at BI. Whether it's a comic strip or a user journey, I transform visions and ideas into visual narratives that engage and inspire. Let's make your story unforgettable! 🎨 Personas Want to make innovation more human? My illustrated personas help teams develop deeper empathy with users and customers, leading to better solutions. These aren't just characters on paper - they're tools for inspiration that teams love to work with. I've received fantastic feedback on how relatable and effective these personas are in creative processes. Because great design starts with understanding real people! 👥 Talks and Articles What can modern businesses learn from traditional Norwegian bunads? I've explored this question through talks and articles, creating illustrations that bring these insights to life. Sometimes the best innovation inspiration comes from unexpected places! 🧵 Mood Illustration Sometimes the best way to capture an idea or vision is through the feeling it creates. These atmospheric illustrations help teams connect with the emotional core of their concepts. Because innovation isn't just about logic - it's about feeling too! 💫 Concept sketch Created for OBOS' test arena at Vollebekk - a living laboratory where 60 residents help explore the future of better housing. This illustration visualizes how we can innovate for both people and planet. Because sustainable innovation should feel like home! 🏡 Portrait Transforming photographs into distinctive illustrated portraits that capture personality and character. Every face tells a story - let's capture yours! 👤 Innovation Model How far from core business can we venture? What should we avoid when developing new concepts? I created this illustration to answer these common innovation questions, showing different paths to growth. Making strategic thinking visual! 🎯 Marketing materials Created for Osteopath Thale Strand, these illustrations transform clinical imagery into engaging marketing visuals. Used across her website and marketing materials, they help tell the story of her practice in a more approachable way. 🌟 Cityscape I'm in love with Roma and urban architecture in general! :) I create digital illustrations of houses, cabins, offices, or any favorite place. Let's capture your special spaces in a unique artistic style! 🏛️ Concept sketch A rapid concept visualization for a consulting service, created during a creative sprint. Sometimes the best ideas need just a day to take shape! Quick, clear, and effective visualization of possibilities. Nevlunghavn ❤️ Your special places deserve special treatment! Whether it's a house, cabin, office, or favorite spot, I create digital illustrations that capture the essence of meaningful spaces. 🏠 Flower meadow I love illustrating flowers! :) Perfect for adding a touch of natural beauty to various materials, like summer greetings. Because sometimes we all need a little bloom in our day! 🌸 Stemningsillustrasjon

Innovation sprint Contact A method for exploring possibilities in a safe environment What does your future look like? No one can predict the future, but you can help create it. An innovation sprint is a tool for identifying and concretizing opportunities and ideas for what you and your company can be in the future. Our innovation sprint is a standardized framework based on well-tested methodology and "strictly" facilitated process. We tailor the sprint together with you to adapt the process to your needs and everyday working life. We run a standard sprint over a continuous week, but we can adapt this to your needs and requirements for implementation. From insight to validated idea We start by diving into insights, trends and signals of the times. We then work creatively with ideas and prepare simple concept prototypes of the ideas that trigger us the most. We end the sprint by testing whether our ideas make sense for more people, this could be for colleagues, partners, potential customers or other relevant target groups. Clarisse Aase O. Fossum Director Membership activities OBOS "Linda and Cathrine ... Several of the concepts we came up with are alive and well today." Earl Naustvik "A great testimonial can boost your brand's image. Click to edit and add your own." Karine Storaker Braaten “Have customers review you and share what they had to say. Click to edit and add their testimonial.” Before, during and after a sprint Preparation A good result depends on a good understanding of the task. An important part of the preparations is therefore to collect and obtain insight that is relevant to the task we are to solve. In order for the implementation to be a good experience and to give a good result, we prepare a detailed storyboard for the sprint, and together with you we find the right participants and place for implementation. Implementation We facilitate the sprint, and the participants' role is to contribute their knowledge, experience and thoughts. The sprint itself is carried out with all participants participating throughout the sprint, at the same physical location. Remote sprint is also an option, but then with all participants on screen, not hybrid. Documentation Much of the documentation is done during the sprint We can also prepare a visual documentation of the process and the results of the sprint, and prepare a plan for the way forward. Catherine & Linda. Cathrine and Linda met at Deloitte in 2017, and that was the start of our collaboration which has resulted in the methodology and process we use in our innovation sprints. In OBOS we refined this framework and together ran 8 different sprints over 2 years with different themes and for different environments in the company. (see references and cases here). Cathrines is a chaos pilot and is a driven process manager, her expertise is in creating and facilitating design-driven innovation processes. Linda is an experienced business designer and Contact Location is part of the experience We recommend that all participants are together at the same physical location for the best quality in the sprint. It can be on your premises, or we can help find a suitable location. We are based at The Counduit in Oslo, and generally have a good overview of suitable premises in Oslo. A nice alternative if you want to really get out of everyday life is to add all or part of the sprint to beautiful Galtebo Gård in Spydeberg. This is Cathrine's childhood home, which has today been converted into premises suitable for this type of activity. Read more about Galtebo here: https://galtebo.no/ Telephone Linda +47 99 22 33 67 Catherine +47 93 44 19 65 E-mail lindavik@me.com cathrine@levainconsulting.no Connect Linda Catherine

Nobody throws a way a bunad! Yes, I believe we can. But first, let's explore why customer experience plays a crucial role in the green transition. We Can't Rest Environmental Responsibility on People's Conscience I believe that we cannot put the responsibility for the green shift on people's consciences. Most companies have started to offer green alternatives to not-so-green products and services, with the message that you can buy these with a clear conscience. And it is good thing that there are green alternatives, but I think the path about people's conscience is an unnecessarily long detour, and at worst a dead end. We all have a conscience, it is to varying degrees that we are driven by it, and it is not always the conscience that is the most important driver when we have to make a decision. Nobody Throws Away a Bunad! So who has succeeded in delivering products or services with long lifespans that create lasting value for their owners? I thought of the bunad. I've never heard of anyone throwing away a bunad. On the contrary, a bunad often outlives its owner. A used bunad is often more valuable than a new one, and it's more likely to be sold online for a good price than end up in the trash. What can other industries learn from the bunad? I've done a simple analysis, looked under the hood, and found some relevant elements for others. And just to be clear, I'm no bunad expert – my reflections are based on the fact that the bunad is a product that lives long and creates value for its owner throughout their life. #1 The Bunad is Designed with Life Changes in Mind Bodies change over time, becoming larger or smaller, and even at the same weight, kilos tend to shift throughout life. The bunad's design accounts for this – it can be easily adjusted in or out, up or down, adapting to its owner rather than the other way around. The bunad can also be upgraded with new jewelry, shirts, scarves, or other accessories. This ensures the bunad remains relevant throughout its owner's life. As a bonus, bunad owners avoid many one-time-use purchases. #2 The Bunad Has a Perfect Design System A bunad is essentially a design system, consisting of terminology, patterns, rules for materials and colors, and knowledge. This makes it simple and safe for customers to buy and own a bunad. Order a Vest-Telemark bunad, and you won't get a Nordland bunad. This doesn't change year to year or from supplier to supplier. If something happens to the bunad, customers can always get it repaired, even if the original shop has closed or they've moved elsewhere. #3 The Bunad is Not Just a Garment, It's a Story The bunad tells a story about its owner – obviously about their place of residence or belonging, but also about crafting traditions, who made the bunad or jewelry, who owned it before, or the story of when they received it. This makes the bunad immune to seasonal trends. There's no crisis in wearing the same bunad repeatedly, and no awkward moment when two people wear the same bunad to a party. Instead, the bunad becomes part of your unique identity while telling a shared story. #4 The Bunad Customer Experience is a multi player delivery Since the bunad lives long, many touchpoints and actors together deliver this experience, made possible by the design system. While some may be irritated by the "bunad police," I think this design system facilitates a democratic business model that makes room for local actors and social entrepreneurs who maintain craft traditions and can deliver local products and services. So in summary; What can we learn from bunad? #1 An adapted and scalable design means that we can create meaning and value for the customer for a long time. #2 A good design system can make the experience, and the investment, safe and predictable for the customer. #3 The "disadvantage" can be turned into an advantage by creating emotional value for the customer. #4 A co-creative business model is potentially win-win-win-win – good for the customer, good for you, good for partners and good for the planet. Are you interested in exploring how you can get a greener business model? I would be happy to have a chat to see if there is anything I can contribute with ☕️

My portfolio Welcome to my portfolio. Here you can see a selection of my work. Take a look at my projects to get a better understanding of what I do.

Creative sprint Do you want to explore opportunities, solve a problem or redefine your business and value proposition? A creative sprint is a great tool where we can come up with concrete ideas and measures in a short time. A sprint can last a few days or weeks. We put together a team of wise minds with different perspectives in a well-facilitated process to solve a task together. This is an example of activities in a creative sprint over a week. The team starts by having insights presented and discussed so that they gain a common understanding of the task. We then work creatively to open up various ideas, which we then prioritize and prototype, and finally we test the idea on a relevant target group. Before, during and after a creative sprint Preparation A good result depends on a good understanding of the task. An important part of the preparations is therefore to collect and obtain insight that is relevant to the task we are to solve. In order for the implementation to be a good experience and to give a good result, we prepare a detailed storybook, and find the right participants and place for implementation. Documentation Much of the documentation is done during the sprint by the participants I can also contribute by creating a visual documentation of the process and the results of the sprint, and by preparing a plan for the way forward if desired. Implementation I facilitate the sprint, and the participants' role is to contribute their knowledge, experience and thoughts. The sprint itself is carried out with all participants participating throughout the sprint, at the same physical location. Remote sprint is also an option, but then with all participants on screen, not hybrid. Curious as to whether this is something for you? Sometimes you have a very specific problem with a lot of insight on the issue. At other times, you might have picked up signals that make you want or feel the need to explore new possibilities; it could be new players in the market, new services or products from competitors, a new technology that offers opportunities or challenges, or new rules that affect the business. I have extensive experience in carrying out creative sprints and can tailor the process based on different needs. A framework and toolbox that can be easily adapted so that I can offer a plan for your needs and framework. I also have a large network of good collaborators to bring with me if necessary. Still curious, get in touch and we'll have a chat :)

My services Do you want to explore opportunities, solve a problem or redefine your business and value proposition? A creative sprint is a great tool where you can come up with concrete ideas and measures in a short time. Creative sprint read more Do you need help developing a new concept or new business model? Business design is a subject area that combines business development and strategy, with the approach and method of design. Business design read more Telling a story is important to succeed in selling an idea or vision to customers, colleagues or investors. Simple visualizations of complex solutions can make storytelling simpler, and stronger. Storytelling read more I have board education from the Scandinavian Executive Institute and INSEAD, and am happy to have a chat about relevant board positions. Board work Contact

Necessity is the mother of invention Oslo 01.12.20 As Christmas approaches, and in an especially dark November, it seems that my summary of what I've learned this year won't be quite like usual. Here are 8 things I'm reflecting on after 8 months of pandemic, with a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel and plenty of creative energy. #1 We'll do it like we always have" is no longer the right answer. Hurrah! Because even though life will normalize, this new normal will likely be different from the old one. Creativity is essential for thinking differently and not falling back on the same old solutions. #2 Technology saves lives. We're all crossing our fingers and washing our hands while waiting for technology to give us a vaccine so life can return to normal. But creativity and technology are also part of the solution. The fact that life has been able to continue as normally as it has is thanks to technology allowing us to be social, be entertained, buy what we need, work and earn money, learn new things, and so much more. #3 Enthusiasm is essential. Efficiency is nice and all, and digital solutions have helped us move much of our daily operations and production to new channels. But efficiency isn't everything. The feeling, energy, and enthusiasm I get from experiencing something together with others isn't the same through a screen. Not in private life, and not at work either. I don't think I'm alone in appreciating creating together with others more after this. #4 Necessity is the mother of invention. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. There's wisdom in old sayings, and the ability to see opportunities in a crisis has proven to be a valuable trait. Creativity is an investment in the future, not a cost. #5 Those of us who never loved nine-to-five life won. I hope the time spent on overcrowded buses during rush hour is over. And that measuring value creation no longer needs to be about counting hours. Good ideas and useful insights don't necessarily appear at the office during office hours - I think we in the creative industry have something to teach others here. #6 Always have a Plan C. Even though the virus anxiety will hopefully loosen its grip eventually, we've learned that strange things can happen. It's not about constantly being in full preparedness mode, but about reflecting on how external circumstances can affect our plans and solutions. #7 It's become acceptable to talk about feelings. We've become a bit more human, even at work. After being invited into colleagues' and clients' living rooms, we've seen that behind all the "work faces" there are children, kitchen counters, and houseplants. Checking in over coffee and talking about how we're doing has become something we do. Psychological safety is an important prerequisite for daring to think differently. #8 It is possible to change habits. Right now, I'm looking forward to the next time I'll stand in the security line at Gardermoen airport, finally traveling again. But I don't think I'll ever do a day trip to London for a meeting again. And that's good - for me, the economy, and the planet 😊

Meet Lili Bellini 👋 Lili Bellini is a curious little adventurer who sees the world through wondering eyes. With her camera and endless curiosity, Lili travels the world, capturing moments that spark the imagination. Each of her adventures becomes an invitation for children to explore, create, and learn about different cultures through play and creativity. Lili's first adventure begins in Italy and comes to life in a coloring book where little (and big) artists can add their own colors to her memories. From sunny beaches to bustling markets, from gelato (ice cream) to iconic monuments - every page is a new discovery waiting to be brought to life. But Italy is just the beginning... Where will Lili's curiosity take her next? Stay tuned for more adventures as this little explorer continues to explore our wonderful world! 🎨 Coming soon Lili Bellinis Italia Coloring book Join curious traveler Lili Bellini on her colorful Italian adventure! This coloring book combines the charm of vintage polaroid snapshots with the joy of coloring, taking young artists on an exciting journey through Italy's most beloved experiences. Through four chapters, children will: • Splash into fun at the Italian beach (Alla Spiaggia) • Explore vibrant local markets (Al Mercato) • Discover delicious treats at restaurants (Al Ristorante) • Meet Italy's most iconic sights and symbols What makes this coloring book special: ✓ Learn Italian words while coloring! Each illustration includes its Italian name ✓ Polaroid-style frames make each page feel like a real travel snapshot ✓ Perfect for ages 4-10 ✓ Hand-drawn illustrations that capture Italy's charm ✓ Educational and fun - combines creativity with cultural discovery From sunny beach umbrellas to classic Vespas, from bustling markets to graceful gondolas, each page offers a new Italian scene waiting to be brought to life with color. The book includes playful introductions and closing messages from Lili herself, making young artists feel like they're part of her travel adventure. This coloring book is more than just a creative activity - it's a passport to imagination that inspires children to dream about their own future adventures while learning about Italian culture and language. The book is coming soon, follow @lili.bellini on Instagram or drop me an email for news. Get in touch

The Day I meet George Clooney at 7-11 in yoga pants It never happened. Unfortunately. Or maybe fortunately. Or perhaps it did happen, but I missed it because I was checking Instagram. Listening to a Podcast. Or lost in daydreams. Or maybe I didn't see him because I wasn't looking for him, or maybe I didn't recognize him. Oslo is bubbling over with incubators, accelerators, creative studios, lofts, co-working spaces, and so on. All designed to create perfect creative spaces. To create valuable encounters that facilitate innovation, creation, and preferably revolution. Those of us here have managed to free ourselves from this burdensome heritage, the boring history, the narrow-minded preconceptions and limitations that have characterized the rest of the world and large companies until now. And here we sit with our Macs, hipster glasses, drinking overpriced coffee, waiting for the Great Idea. Meanwhile, we read the same blogs, the same books, and attend the same lectures; we look at each other and play ping pong while we wait. And when the idea finally drops in, we believe it will be completely unique, entirely different from everyone else's. I don't think magical moments happen here, in the way we've planned, or when we're prepared. That doesn't mean it's wrong to search and practice - on the contrary, I think it's super important to train, both in seeing and creating opportunities. And sure, we might get lucky, or be incredibly skilled, so that we manage to make it happen exactly as and when we want. But I think it's more important to train so we're prepared to recognize the truly good ideas when they appear, and to receive and refine them into something more than just a good idea. I believe in the importance of practice. I practice looking for things I don't know exist. Noticing what's happening around me, all the time. Trying to recognize something I haven't seen before, looking at things from a different perspective, through others' glasses. Understanding why people think, act, and feel differently than I do. Sometimes by asking and digging, but mostly by observing and reflecting. For me, having a camera in my pocket has helped sharpen my senses. Because I enjoy taking pictures, I'm constantly looking for subjects, and it has made me notice things I hadn't seen before. I don't always need to follow the textbook to gain insight and find inspiration. Process and methodology are useful tools to have, but they're not goals in themselves. The most important thing is feeling confident that what I know is good enough for me to venture out onto thin ice, even when I'm not prepared. And knowing that it's perfectly fine to do things I haven't done before. And it is, especially if I do it with great people I trust. Besides, I'm convinced that it's healthy to be a bit bored sometimes. We shouldn't constantly optimize our lives, minute by minute; only watching the coolest series, only listening to the most educational podcasts, or only going for the most local, most authentic experiences, where our senses are overstimulated with stories and flavors, all the time. Then it can be difficult to notice things happening around you. So doing completely ordinary, everyday, and slightly boring things, in perhaps boring places, with ordinary people who aren't exactly like us, can be both nice and smart. For the brain to function and creativity to awaken. The devil is in the details. And, in the rush to create something completely magical and new, that no one has seen before, one should never underestimate the value of good craftsmanship. Even though it can be incredibly fun to taste something new, it can be absolutely magical to eat the perfect pasta. Good ideas aren't so good if they don't work. Back to George Clooney. Maybe I have met him without realizing it. Or maybe it's that George Clooney isn't George Clooney, for me. I hope I'm able to spot gold when I least expect it, and see opportunities that aren't obvious. In the meantime, I practice :) Denne artikkelen publiserte jeg først på Medium.com 22.11.2019.