An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Collaboration: the Key for Career Success
Keil Space’s ability to attract leading figures from diverse fields like scientists, historians, critics and psychiatrists, demonstrates the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary. Together, joining skills and expertise, we can elevate creative and professional endeavors and inspire others to seek out and nurture such connections in their own careers.
The stage is a powerful platform for personal and professional growth. Through live arts, individuals learn to embrace vulnerability, project authenticity, and muster unparalleled courage. These experiences not only shape artists but also prepare them for varied career paths with a distinctive edge. From actors and dancers to directors and behind-the-scenes creators, the lessons learned in the limelight often translate into profound career success beyond the footlights. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Mohamed Ogbi, co-founder of Keil Space.
Mohamed Ogbi is a prominent figure in the art industry, recognized for his innovative contributions and leadership. As a co-founder of Keil Space in Florence, he plays a vital role in fostering artistic innovation and drive change. With a profound background in business equity development and marketing, Ogbi have worked on over 70 global projects in 23 sectors with the international enterprise Proimpact Marketing Consultancy. His extensive experience includes 360 business development, vision, international strategic expansion, equity development, and managing marketing strategies for notable projects.
Discover more on proimpact.it
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career in art business development and cross cultural entrepreneurship?
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
I am blessed with my career in business development and marketing consultancy, I had the privilege to work in the global entity (Proimpact marketing Consultancy) I personally worked in the development of 70 international projects with over 23 sectors, it allowed me to meet entrepreneurs and dreamers from all over the world, with different backgrounds but with a common vision. I’ve learned a lot from all the people I’ve worked with. The purpose of entrepreneurship is to make everyday life better. But I have to say that the most special encounter was the one with Keil Foundation. When I met the master of bronze Samantha Keil, I was positively impressed by her artistic excellence and continuous research and commitment to what she does. Sam is incredibly generous, and I believe that a person who helps others deserves to be helped. From the conversations between Sam and I, we developed a new way to connect , live, communicate and experience art, with the vision to transform the visitors from passive viewers to the protagonists and co-creators of the exhibition. Through the implementation of a one of a kind experience a unique method of showcasing art to the public, creating a world-leading example for artistic representation.
Can you describe a moment in your career that taught you a profound lesson about courage and how you’ve applied that lesson in your personal life?
I must be frank regarding the courage, I got it from my Father may he rest in peace but in addition I did work with top world class athletes including martial artists, boxers and MMA fighters and there was one boxer in particular. We sponsored with a vision to transform what was just an athlete to a national hero of Libya. His name is Malik Zinad (23 wins 0 defeat) an inspiring courage in his everyday dedication, the pushing forward and the putting everything on the line to reach his goals and ultimate vision. His drive is coming from his responsibility towards his country, towards his people and his family, which I share a lot with, which is the teachings of Islam.
(Reference: https://proimpact.it/2020/08/malik-zinads-rise-to-fame-2020/)
Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Very good question. First, Since you have spoken about traits, I see them in my personal way, like in two categories: low vibration and high vibration traits. So there is no wrong or right, we are talking about low and high vibrations. For example, the low vibration traits can be manifested through envying or lying. The high vibration traits can be wishing the good for others and being grateful for what you have, as well as speaking with the truth and honesty, or respecting the self- integrity. I see my life as a journey to purify the souls from low vibrational traits and focus on accessing the high vibrational traits. Once that’s accessed, in my opinion, not only career success gets unlocked but as well as personal and spiritual wellbeing. If we need to speak of the three traits, I would say adaptability, empathy and inner competition.
Adaptability. To give a real example, I found myself in Libya for family reasons after living abroad in Italy for 12 years. It was COVID times and there were as well some political turbulences, like a military conflict was happening. And I saw myself again integrating in a country that is in times of war and pandemic, so my only solution was to adapt, by proposing my capacities to manage the digital awareness campaign to increase awareness of COVID. That was supported by the United Nations.
(Reference: https://proimpact.it/2020/03/proimpacts-fight-against-covid-19-coronavirus-2020/)
Empathy. In all of the companies that I worked with, especially ProImpact Marketing Consultancy, I made sure to bring an environment based on respect, integrity and teamwork. We work together, we achieve together. People are resources as well as humans first. We applied this philosophy on Keil Space too, beyond the working team. We made sure to create one of a kind experience that treats the individual as a person and not as a number.
Inner competition. The inner competition, instead of the external one; it is the key to innovation. Think of all innovators, why are they called like that? Because they have brought a new thing, something that has never been done or achieved before. How did they reach that? For sure they did not follow the path of external competition, which is based on seeing what the other is doing and repeating the same. I understand, but I see the market in a different way, as well as I see a need in a different way. And I saw it’s the time to give new possibilities to art. Keil Space offers an empathetic, non-exclusive opportunity and experience to bring people closer to art. Especially the people that got excluded.
Ok, thank you for that. How did your passion for entrepreneurship meet the one for art?
Throughout history art was always used as tool of communication, transmitting stories and civilizations. You can see the ancient drawings, from the caveman to the ones of ancient Egypt and the Mayas. So all of those are forms of art that communicate, that simplify complicated knowledge to communicate it. And most importantly, what makes art a very powerful communication platform is its universal impact. That means, it doesn’t matter if you understand the language and what is your social status, the message will be transmitted. So it has a universal impact and for that reason historically all of these churches are full of art. Why? Because that was the only communication medium at that time, there were no TVs. That’s why if you go to the Uffizi, you see that the Renaissance collection is made of all biblical or mythological based pieces. And then Cosimo came and took art from that religious world to use that beauty as a medium for preserving the past and writing the future. So, personally, this is how I see art. Therefore what attracts me to this world were artists that show strong message and dedication, remarkable research and technique, as well as a certain depth. So, I started working with art because, as I said, what attracted me was art as a communication platform rather than as a decorative object.
What about your new project Keil Space? How did your expertise benefit the success of it?
I believe in teamwork, and what Keil Space has achieved so far is thanks to all the people that supported the project. Especially to all of the observers. I had the privilege to see Sam’s excellent artistic work and we clicked immediately on a personal level. I came with the idea on how to present work according to my belief on how art should be presented. This is how I got involved in the Keil Space experience designing and concept development. And currently I am managing the overall project and development path.
How do you think authenticity has impacted your personal brand or leadership identity in your career?
If you mean authenticity as acknowledging and embracing who you are and what you are and focusing on, then I must say that I see the inner competition as the key to access to authenticity.
It is when you embrace who you are, your culture, when you realize that you are the result of all you lived, both good and bad, when you free yourself from the victimization mentality. This is when you truly understand your authentic self, in other words you realize that you are not a drop in the ocean, but the whole ocean in a drop.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways That Arts Helped Teach Courage, Authenticity, Vulnerability and Career Success?” If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
Well, I will answer your questions by bringing the Keil Space case, because it has been defined by many as a model for the art of the future.
1. Courage: Embracing the Unknown
Keil Space encourages visitors to confront uncertainty and fluidity of life, of constant change. By immersing themselves into their inner world, which often challenges conventional perceptions, observers foster courage to explore new perspectives, an essential trait for personal and professional growth.
2. Authenticity: Embraing Self-Awareness
Keil Space Experience invites into a contemplative space, where to reflect on universal themes of love, time and the universe. At the same time, the experience gives the opportunity to expand self-awareness emphasizing the importance of connecting deeply with one’s principles and values, inspiring visitors to embrace authenticity in their own lives and careers. It is the inner competition I spoke of before.
3. Vulnerability: Providing a Safe Environment
Through its intimate atmosphere and thought-provoking art, Keil Space creates a safe environment for visitors to reflect on personal emotions and stories. In the end, Keil Space is a safe communication platform where everyone is heard and treated as a person, not a number. Here people can be vulnerable and benefit from such experience.
4. Acceptance is the First Step to Change
The evolving narrative of Keil Space mirrors the cycle of life. Marcello Dantas appreciated the possibility the space gives to embrace Keil’s evolution from the first collections to the most mature ones, “as it is beautiful to age”. Visitors are invited to embrace change and impermanence as part of life and crucial for success.
5. Collaboration: the Key for Career Success
Keil Space’s ability to attract leading figures from diverse fields like scientists, historians, critics and psychiatrists, demonstrates the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary. Together, joining skills and expertise, we can elevate creative and professional endeavors and inspire others to seek out and nurture such connections in their own careers.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
This is definitely an interesting question. There is a quote I like and it says: “I tried to change the word and I failed. But then I tried to change myself and the world has changed with it.” So, what I’m trying to say is, in my opinion, we should try to be more collective, less materialistic, less egocentric, and try to support ourselves, our family, our goals. If we focus on purifying the soul from the low vibrations traits, that would lead to a better society. Because you will have a society that is driven by generosity, self awareness and inner competition, so that would be a completely innovative and sustainable world. A society that is based on integrity, on respect, and a society that is based on faith. Faith in the world, and faith in itself.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Just follow Keil Space.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Mohamed Ogbi of Keil Space On How Arts Helped Teach Courage, Authenticity, Empathy & Career Success was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.