The story of Per-Ola Olsson, BMS Training Leader at Schneider Electric, has been a dance of fluidity, adaptability, and balance, much like the martial art of Aikido that Per-Ola has practiced for over three decades.
Finding his footing
Per-Ola’s career journey began in the southern part of Sweden, where he initially pursued studies in economics. However, his fascination with computers soon led him to shift his focus to an engineering pathway. This shift eventually led him to Schneider in February 1995, when Per-Ola joined a company called TA Control, which became Schneider Electric in 2003. His role back then was as a technical writer, marking the foundation of his career where he immersed himself in writing technical manuals and data sheets, developing a deep understanding of the company’s systems and products.
Evolving roles: The fluidity of Aikido
After several years of technical writing, he transitioned to writing requirements for the Building Management Systems (BMS), including what we now call EcoStruxure, our open innovation ecosystem for smart buildings. His interest in user experience (UX) then led him to join the UX team, where he contributed to the design and usability of Schneider Electric’s products.
In 2014, Per-Ola embraced a new challenge and joined the global training team, focusing on BMS. Now he leads that team which consists of colleagues in locations all over the world such as Boston, Brisbane, Dubai, and Lund. The team collaborates across multiple time zones and cultures, which is one of the unique aspects of Per-Ola’s role. This global perspective enriches the training programs and fosters a dynamic and inclusive work environment. It allows Per-Ola to use his extensive knowledge and experience to train colleagues and partners worldwide, much like an Aikido sensei guiding students through complex techniques. Let us take a closer look at what Aikido is and how it reflects Per-Ola’s professional philosophy.
What is Aikido?
As Per-Ola describes it, “Aikido is a noncompetitive Japanese martial art where the biggest opponent is yourself.” It is about challenging and evolving yourself, moving with fluent and circular movements. You use the power and energy of your opponent and redirect it rather than attacking head on
Per-Ola is a 5th dan black belt and has been practicing Aikido since 1990, five years before joining Schneider Electric. He teaches in a dojo, a place dedicated to practicing Japanese martial arts, in Malmö. The Aikido philosophy mirrors his approach to work at Schneider Electric, where he balances technical expertise with adaptability and openness to new ideas. The discipline and focus required in Aikido have contributed to his success as a trainer and leader.
Embracing challenges: The Aikido mindset
Per-Ola’s story is not just about professional achievements; it’s also about embracing challenges and continuous learning. He highlights the importance of staying current and open-minded, especially in the rapidly evolving field of technology. His approach to learning and adapting resonates with the principles of Aikido, where practitioners must remain fluid and responsive to changing circumstances.
Reflecting on his career, Per-Ola recalls several milestones that stand out. One notable achievement is his involvement in evolving the graphics system within EcoStruxure, a project that brought him full circle from his early days of writing manuals to developing advanced training courses. This journey, he explains, is like a spiral staircase, where it sometimes feels as if you are going in a circle but if viewed from a different perspective you are in fact moving upwards.
The future: Continuing the climb
As Per-Ola looks to the future, he remains committed to Schneider Electric’s mission towards sustainability and energy conservation. He sees more steps to take on the spiral staircase, more challenges to tackle, and things to learn. As we celebrate Per-Ola’s achievements, we are reminded of the incredible potential within Schneider Electric, inspiring us all to keep climbing the spiral staircase.
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