The perspective we share at On Way Storytellers didn't arise overnight. It was forged through years of reading, reflection, and engaging with thinkers and frameworks that challenged us to go deeper. It's a blend of journalistic rigor, strategic thinking, mythological understanding, and a quiet rebellion against the noise of modern life.

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We believe in transparency, so we wanted to share the key inspirations that act as our compass. These are the sources we've adapted, argued with, and woven into the fabric of our "On Way" of seeing the world.

The reportage soul: Kapuściński & Terzani

Long before this project had a name, we were both devoted readers of literary non-fiction. Masters like Ryszard Kapuściński and Tiziano Terzani taught us a fundamental truth: storytelling must be immersive, empathetic, and historically contextualized. They didn't just report on events; they sought to understand the deep cultural and historical currents beneath them. From them, we learned that to tell a true story about a place, you must have the patience to listen, the humility to learn, and the courage to connect a single human experience to the vast sweep of history. This is the journalistic soul of On Way Storytellers.

The "Uncategory" stance: defining our own space

In a digital world that pressures creators to fit into neat, algorithm-friendly boxes, we found clarity in the "Uncategory" thinking developed by thinkers like Lois McKenzie and Xanthe Appleyard. Their work gave us the language and the courage to define our own space instead of fighting for room in someone else's. This framework validated our refusal to be just another "travel blog." It gave us permission to lead with our counterpoint – that depth creates demand, and context is more valuable than clicks – and to trust our audience's intelligence above all else.

The Heroine's arc: a journey of integration

While the classic "Hero's Journey" often focuses on external conquest, we found a deeper resonance in narrative structures like Maureen Murdock's "The Heroine's Journey." This framework emphasizes the internal process of integration, not just achievement. It speaks to the journey of reclaiming parts of yourself that have been suppressed (like passion in a corporate world) and integrating different aspects of your life (masculine/feminine, professional/personal) into a more authentic whole. Our "Working in Public" narrative, sharing the juggle and the search for a woven life, is deeply informed by this powerful, more nuanced story arc.

The language of strengths & archetypes: Gallup & Astrology

To understand ourselves and connect authentically with others, we needed a richer language. We found it in unexpected places. Gallup's CliftonStrengths gave us a practical vocabulary to understand our innate talents - how Ola's analytical and disciplined nature complements Riza's ideation and positivity. It helped us turn our partnership into a conscious collaboration.

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Similarly, exploring astrological archetypes (not as prediction, but as a map of core energies) provided a powerful, unbiased lens. Understanding Ola's Scorpio drive for depth and Riza's communicative spirit helped us see that our project wasn't just a choice; it was an authentic expression of our core makeup. These frameworks provide tools for self-understanding and connection that we subtly weave into our work.

The deliberate pace: the slow content philosophy

Finally, our entire delivery model is a rebellion against the dominant narrative of speed. We are deeply inspired by the Slow Food and Slow Living movements. We believe that, like a good meal, meaningful understanding cannot be rushed. It requires quality ingredients (deep research), time to simmer (reflection), and intentional presentation (curated "Seasons"). This philosophy gives us permission to post less, but offer more. It's our commitment to creating a space that nourishes curiosity, rather than just feeding the algorithm.

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These five pillars - journalistic depth, "Uncategory" conviction, the narrative of integration, the language of archetypes, and a philosophy of slowness - are the inspirations we have mixed and played with to hone the unique voice of On Way Storytellers. They are the foundation upon which we build everything, inviting you into a space that is, we hope, as thoughtful and layered as the sources that inspire us.

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