The Viking Code

8The Viking Code in Society: One World Education

IN ANCIENT GREECE, two institutions embodied the vision of a united world: Zeus's Olympia, symbolizing the Olympic spirit, and Plato's School of Athens—the Academy. Both envisioned a coming together, whether to play, compete, learn, or understand. While the Olympic spirit endures, the essence of education seems to have faded.

On September 28, 2022, I spoke at TechPoint, a leading technology conference in Kristiansand, Norway. It was one of those flawless autumn days, a harbinger of winter, inviting one to savor the moment.

Here, where everything felt different from the usual, I met someone backstage who was also different: fellow Norwegian Johan Brand. He's a fascinating blend of a modern lumberjack and a Nordic sailor, inspired by the marine exploration pioneer Jacques Cousteau, reincarnated in a contemporary hipster style. Dressed in a cream-colored blazer paired with the historic and symbolic orange cap, reminiscent of Cousteau, he exudes confidence, intelligence, and creativity. When Brand enters a room, you feel it. Clear and poised, he radiates the energy of the Viking Code. Beyond his seafaring appearance, Brand also harbors a genuine passion for the ocean. He talks about the Blue Economy, and one of his two sailboats is even named EntrepreneurShip, underscoring his belief in teams coming together onboard to discuss the next big project. Alongside Swedish management professor Robin Teigland and entrepreneur Anita Krohn ...