KJELL GUSTAFSSON
For those who want the formal background, here is my CV.
Traditional CV
Professional background
Kjell Gustafsson has more than thirty years of experience working at the intersection of business development, human behaviour, leadership and personal transformation.
His work spans corporate environments, start-ups, universities and international training settings.
Founder & Leadership Coach
2021–present | Beyond Me and You
Founder of Beyond Me and You, supporting individuals, teams and organisations to thrive by deepening their understanding of human behaviour, conflict dynamics and conscious leadership. Kjell works internationally with coaching, executive mentoring, conflict resolution and intensive self-inquiry retreats.
Coach, Speaker & Facilitator
2010–2020
Worked full-time with coaching clients, inspirational talks and training programmes for organisations and individuals. Alongside this, he supported youth struggling with addiction, helping them address the psychological and social roots of their behaviour.
Led workshops and retreats in Kenya, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, focusing on clarity, self-leadership, team dynamics and personal transformation.
University Lecturer & Innovation Mentor
2008–2009 | Malmö University
Lecturer in entrepreneurship and founder of an initiative supporting university staff in turning research into viable businesses. Participated in strategic working groups exploring future learning and organisational development.
Consultant & Business Development
2005–2007 | Open Awareness
Founded Open Awareness, offering consulting in business development, change management, team building and motivational speaking. Worked both with small businesses and larger organisations, helping leaders navigate change with clarity and presence.
Corporate Experience
1994–2004 | IBM
Ten years at IBM in roles including Logistics Consultant, Dealer Account Manager and Project Manager. Worked with complex systems, customer relations and large-scale implementation projects across the Nordic region.
Entrepreneur & Product Developer
1998 | Optimal Products
Co-founded Optimal Products together with windsurfing professional Håkan Mann. Developed an advanced, research-based windsurfing fin and brought it from concept to market — covering design, prototyping, production, financing, marketing and sales.
Board & Advisory Roles
Kjell has served on several boards, including:
Ängsbacka Foundation
Greentech Business Incubator, Malmö
Drivhuset Malmö
He has also been a mentor for start-ups and young entrepreneurs, offering guidance on leadership, product development and ethical business practices.
Academic background
Negotiation, Mediation, Conflict Res. - Capstone Project
ESSEC Business School 2021
Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution
ESSEC Business School 2021
International and Cross-Cultural Negotiation
ESSEC Business School 2020
Mediation and Conflict Resolution
ESSEC Business School 2020
Negotiation Fundamentals
ESSEC Business School 2020
Intercultural Communication and Conflict Resolution
UCI 2017
Customer Neuroscience and Neuromarketing
Copenhagen Business School 2017
Conflict resolution Skill
Irvin University of California 2017
Types of Conflicts
Irvin University of California 2016
Understanding Violence
Emory University 2016
Know Thyself
University of Virginia 2013
Change Management
Appreciative Inquiry
Mittuniversitetet 2011
Intercultural Communication
Malmö Högskola 2004
Rhetoric
Malmö Högskola 2004
Working Psychology
Folkuniversitetet 1999
Computer Science
Lunds University 1997
Civil Engineer, Industrial Engineering and Management
Chalmers University 1994
Non-academic background
Experiential Trainings and non-conventional teachings
A lifelong exploration of human behaviour, awareness and transformative processes
Alongside his professional career, Kjell has spent more than twenty-five years studying and practicing a wide range of experiential and contemplative disciplines. His non-academic background is grounded in direct experience, long-term practice and work with internationally recognised teachers in the fields of psychology, meditation, personal development and somatic awareness.
Foundations in Human Awareness & Behaviour
Kjell’s early studies included the Esoteric School in Copenhagen, which offered a structured approach to philosophy, psychology and sociology inspired by thinkers such as Einstein, Bohr and Newton. This was complemented by further training in psychosynthesis (HumaNova) and Zen Coaching, forming a foundation in human motivation, inner dynamics and relational presence.
Meditation, Yoga & Contemplative Traditions
Over two decades, Kjell engaged deeply with several contemplative traditions:
Art of Living – fifteen courses and retreats in yoga, breathwork and meditation over fifteen years
Kriya Yoga International – multiple retreats in classical yogic practice
Vipassana – four 10-day retreats (Goenka tradition) and two 9-day retreats with John Travis
Enlightenment Intensives – fourteen two-week retreats plus many shorter retreats over twenty years
Darkroom Retreats – 5-day and 12-day retreats (2022, 2024)
He also completed intensive yoga trainings with Saji at Vast Center:
Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (2004)
Advanced Hatha Yoga Training (2005)
Yoga Therapy Training (2006)
Somatic, Emotional & Relational Work
Kjell’s training in body-based and relational methods spans a wide range:
Rosen Method – multiple intensives between 2015–2019
Dearmoring – several trainings, including a 2-week programme (Åsa Kullberg), two 10-day trainings (Sanna Sanita, De’An Matuka, Susanne Roursgaard) and an assistant role (2021)
Clearing Intensives with Art Mars
Belly to Belly with David Cates
TRE (introduction)
Rebirthing and warm-water breathing
Tantra (part 1) with Johan Ekenberg
Consciousness, Inquiry & Awakening-Oriented Work
Kjell has long explored inner transformation through direct inquiry and consciousness studies:
Satori (2 weeks) with Ganga and Avikal (2017)
Awakening Sessions with Fred Davis (2017)
Ineffable Stream with Susannah Grover (2018)
Gathering with Michael Schmitz (2021)
Inner Walk with Prah Orlan (2022)
Long-term engagement with Enlightenment Intensives (as participant and practitioner)
Coaching, Leadership & Communication
ICF Coach Training (Coach Company Europe, parts 1–2)
Landmark Education – Forum, Advanced Forum and Forum in Action (1 year)
Dale Carnegie Professional Development (1994)
Dale Carnegie Communication & Leadership – taken three times, twice as assistant
Human Dynamics
Accelerated Learning
Creative & Expressive Methods
These methods supported his ability to work with presence, improvisation and embodied intelligence:
Mime and improvisational theatre
Theatre training
Eurythmy
Energy, Healing & Subtle Awareness
Reflecting his broad exploration of human potential:
Clairvoyance training (20 months, Healerskolen)
Healing methods
Chi Gong, Tai Chi
The Melchizedek Method
Buddhi
Silva Method
Access Bars
Psychic reading
Early Influences
Multiple trainings at Meet Yourself
Mullingstorp (2000, 2016)
The Journey method
NLP