Daniel “Dadda” Petersson

Scroll down to get to know me

Daniel Petersson — the person

Dadda —
A brief introduction

Who am I? Probably an unusually ordinary man in the prime of life who has had the chance to try a little of everything. I am curious, structured, and have always had a knack for finding ways to make things slightly better than they were yesterday.

Looking back, I realise that this drive has often led me to new roles and greater responsibility. It has sometimes been challenging, but above all it has given me experiences and opportunities I would never otherwise have had.

Another recurring theme in my life is that I have often worn some kind of uniform — in the military, as a public order officer, and in other settings where responsibility, discipline, and teamwork matter.

And the nickname “Dadda”? I was given it in primary school and it has stayed with me ever since. Today, many people know me better as Dadda than as Daniel Petersson.

Daniel Petersson — IT professional

Dadda —
The IT professional

Computers and technology have fascinated me since I received my first computer at the age of eight. It opened a world of creativity and problem-solving where I could explore everything from music and image editing to programming and systems administration.

I am fortunate to have turned my greatest interest into my profession. After many years in the industry, I have realised that I am more of a generalist than a specialist. That has given me the ability to see the whole and understand how systems, processes, and people affect one another.

The user is always at the centre of my work. A system that is difficult to understand or use will rarely reach its full potential. That is why I care not only about technology, but also about training, knowledge sharing, and clear working methods.

Technology constantly changes, but some principles remain. A robust, structured, and maintainable IT environment is a success factor for most organisations. And perhaps most importantly: good documentation. As I often say, enterprise IT is 20% technology and 80% documentation.

Daniel Petersson — golfer

Dadda —
The golfer

Golf has been part of my life since 1986 and is the sport I have practised the longest. Over the years it has given me wonderful experiences, friendships, and many hours outdoors.

To me, golf is not only about scores and handicaps. It is also a chance to relax, clear my mind, and step away from everyday stress. During a round there is time both to reflect and to have interesting conversations with people I might never otherwise have met.

I have never been a dedicated tournament player. The main competition has always been with myself — trying to improve, play a little better than last time, and enjoy the journey. At my best I played off a handicap of 6, but over the years I have focused less on numbers and more on the experience.

Golf teaches patience, humility, and the importance of never giving up after a bad shot. Perhaps that is why I still find it as fascinating today as when I started nearly forty years ago.

Daniel Petersson — military service

Dadda —
The officer

My military journey began in 1993 when I completed national service at the Naval Base in Karlskrona. I thought that chapter had ended, but while later working as an IT technician for the Swedish Armed Forces in Kalmar I was recruited to the Home Guard — and I have remained ever since.

For more than three decades I have had the privilege of serving in many roles, from soldier and squad leader to platoon commander and, today, deputy company commander of the Kalmar Rapid Response Company.

Military service ranges from training and exercises to live operations and support to society. What engages me most is leadership and education: helping soldiers and leaders grow and contributing to effective units.

Many imagine military leadership as giving orders and demanding obedience. My experience is different: it is about trust. A leader must create the conditions for others to succeed, make the objective clear, and give them the freedom to solve the task. Trust is built through clarity, respect, and care — not by raising your voice.

Daniel Petersson — public order officer

Dadda —
The public order officer

In 1999 I trained as a public order officer. Like many others, I probably had a romanticised picture of the work — nightlife, festivals, and situations requiring authority and decisiveness. Reality proved very different, and far more interesting.

The heart of the job was people: meeting individuals with different backgrounds and needs, sometimes with conflicting interests, and finding solutions that worked for everyone involved. I discovered early that I could create calm in pressured situations and resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than force.

Contributing to safety and helping people in vulnerable situations is among the most meaningful work I have done. It is often not about dramatic interventions, but about listening, showing respect, and being present when someone needs help.

During more than twenty years in the role I met thousands of people and experienced environments and events I would otherwise never have encountered. What I remember most is not the incidents, but the people.

Daniel Petersson — Ju-Jutsu practitioner

Dadda —
The Ju-Jutsu practitioner

I began training Ju-Jutsu at Kalmar Budoklubb in 1992. What started as an interest soon became a long journey shaped by determined practice, personal growth, and a strong commitment to both the sport and voluntary organisations.

In 1998 I achieved one of my major goals by earning a black belt. Along the way I also became an instructor, a role that taught me not only to master techniques but to understand them well enough to teach others.

My involvement extended beyond the mat. Over the years I was entrusted with leadership roles at several levels, from Kalmar Budoklubb to the regional and national martial arts federations. I also trained as a referee and served for a period at European level.

Ju-Jutsu has taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of continual development — qualities that have served me well in many other parts of life.