“Its not about what you do - but how you do it”
I'm Ágúst Kristján Steinarrsson - author, speaker, and organizational change consultant based in Iceland.
I have experienced more challenges than most. I have struggled with difficult physical and mental illnesses, had colitis for five years, have been operated on for cancer, and been admitted to psychiatric wards multiple times due to manic episodes. I have a permanent ostomy.
Despite this, I have found health, learned to embrace life's rhythm, and discovered how to thrive with what some would call limitations.
Today, I share this story through writing and speaking. My memoir, Knights of Nonsense, chronicles my path from crisis to healing - not because my story is extraordinary, but because I believe some stories need to be told.
I am a husband and father of three, and we love to travel and enjoy the outdoors. For example, we have set ourselves the challenge of driving all of Iceland's roads - a journey that has led us to amazing adventures.
In my day-to-day work, I help organizations navigate change and achieve real transformation through my consulting firm, Viti ráðgjöf (Lighthouse Consulting). My lived experience makes me an unconventional consultant - my approach puts great focus on the human element, supported by structure and logic. All of this is supported by The Wagon, a methodology I have developed over many years and now teach at the Open University of Iceland.
When I'm not working or writing, I might be outside - climbing, hiking, skiing, or cycling. If not there, I'll probably be in the local sauna and cold plunge or at home strumming my guitar.
“In the fight for greater understanding of mental illness, what matters most is that people with personal experience step forward and share their stories with others. Ágúst Kristján Steinarrsson possesses a unique ability to use his experience and recovery to inspire other users of mental health services, improve services, promote human rights, and reduce stigma toward people with mental illness.
In his narrative, Ágúst is vulnerable, does not spare himself, and meets others on his journey with understanding and love. Above all, however, he draws lessons from his experience for himself and others.
Ágúst's experience is truly unique. Most instructive, however, is his own response to adversity and loss. His positive attitude, understanding, maturity, and incredible resilience make him an excellent role model for us all!”