17/04/2026
This week something totally different! ☺️
I’m currently doing a masters degree in High Performance Coaching at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz. One of the modules of the Master Program (which is mostly an online program) is to do an internship in a different high performance environment.
Normally the idea would be to seek some other sport environment. Different, but similar so to speak…
However, I wanted to think more outside the box.
The similarities (and differences) between high performance and leadership in different areas and different contexts is something that has interested me for a long time. And something I have been curious to explore in a more serious way. So I decided to use this opportunity to pursue that thought.
I very much believe there is value in getting new and different perspectives, widening our range, seeing ideas that we are familiar with applied in a new context.
Because we, at the end of the day, are talking about getting a group of people to work together, in the most effective way we can, toward a common goal, and hopefully get them to perform at their absolute best at the right time, I think it’s obvious that there are some fundamental things that are the same. Regardless of whether it’s sport, art, business or something else. And new angles can provide new insights.
So, this week I have had the great privilege of having classical conductor Rolf Gupta as my mentor, and following him in his work on a production with KORK (The Norwegian Radio Orchestra).
I have been allowed to be a fly on the wall the whole week. Following the process from first rehearsal Monday morning and all the way through, ending with a concert last night.
It’s been truly inspirational to follow very closely someone in role (as an orchestra conductor) that has many similarities to that of being a handball coach (and of course also some distinct differences). I have really been enjoying seeing how Rolf has worked with his «team» from start to finish. And we’ve had many stimulating and interesting conversations along the way.
What's more, it's been invigorating to get to know an institution where every week basically means starting a new project from scratch and then delivering at the highest level by the end of it. Extremely impressive stuff.
Also, it’s just rewarding to watch people that are very very good at what they do, do their stuff and having fun and enjoyment while doing it.
Alway learning. Always trying to improve. Always staying curios.
As a bonus, I've gotten to listen to a lot of beautiful music throughout the week. Learning and understanding more about music that wouldn't normally feature most frequent in my playlists. Watching it evolve from something raw, unfinished and unpolished on Monday to an amazing concert experience yesterday has been truly special
Thank you Therese Birkelund Ulvo for helping me set it up.
Thank you Kringkastingsorkestret (KORK) and Gunilla Süssmann for opening your doors and allowing me to be a part of your world for a week.
And most of all, a huge thank you Rolf for your time, and even more for your openness, your willingness to share, to discuss, to explore. For which I’m truly grateful.
