GEIR CHRISTIAN KARLSEN: A TECHNOLOGIST & HR MAVEN REDEFINING WORKFORCE AUTOMATION AND DATA PROTECTION

“To win the marketplace, you first need to win the workplace.” However, given the transformative business landscape and the emergence of hybrid work models, gig employment, contingent employment, and so forth, the prevalent HR functions need to be redefined. In other words, HR functions must become more technologically augmented as workplaces grow more flexible and dynamic. Upgrading HR functions will make it possible to improve data security and application management, making them more economical, consistent, and effective. The idea is well-recognized, and many technologists are working to enhance it by fusing their know-how with advances.

Geir Christian Karlsen, founder and CEO of AppsCo Inc., is breaking new ground in HR automation. His company is setting an innovation landmark by streamlining HR, IT & Security functions on a single platform. As our current edition, “Top 10 Global Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022,” aims to honor the innovative leaders redefining prevalent norms, we are privileged to feature Geir’s continuing ascent to the zenith.

HOW APPSCO INC. CAME TO BE
Experience is a critical cornerstone of any entrepreneur. Drive and ambition are part of the equation, as are preparation and perseverance. An entrepreneur can create wonders by combining them with extensive experience. Geir is a single reservoir of all these elements. Hailing from Norway, he is a serial entrepreneur with a record of establishing technology companies in Norway, the USA, Slovakia, and Serbia, with an industrial exit in HR software. He carries over 2 decades of expertise in business software, technology outsourcing, and cybersecurity.
Having spent a significant amount of time in the technology space, Geir was well aware of the evolution of data privacy. He knew that even though computing technology has innovated business functions, it has also paved the way for a plethora of cyberattacks. According to him, “Statistically, every data hack prevention makes a system more vulnerable to hacking.” In the case of HR operations, a potential breach may allow for the exploitation of employee data, including social security numbers, banking information, home addresses, etc. The understanding instilled a thought process, and combined with his experience in IT and software, Geir brought AppsCo to light. His aim was to provide a single employee management platform for the administration of their tasks, along with identity and access management.
In 2021, he took the next step by designing and securing a data decentralization patent. This sparked the development of a robust cloud platform with a blockchain security layer. Ever since then, AppsCo has made a name for holistic employee management and data protection solutions for all kinds of businesses. Its innovative offerings have further helped Geir become a member of the World Economic Forum’s “Tech for Integrity” initiative and win several international awards. Besides AppsCo, he serves as an advisor on the boards of Digiquip, Emajlis, Annex Investments, Mesier, Global Corporation, and USAKO Group.

ROUND THE CLOCK WORKFLOW AUTOMATION
AppsCo and its innovative solutions were developed with the goal of redefining the HR and IT roles of a company. The AppsCo Workforce Platform is a one-stop tool for easy administration of employees and HR functions, application management, and security. It allows a company’s management to centrally manage all operations and streamline employee lifecycles, resource allocation, and employee workflow analytics. The modular security platform AppsCo Data Protection gives businesses the upper hand while preserving data security. Businesses are confronted with unprecedented problems in developing distributed digital ecosystems while protecting their products. Nevertheless, AppsCo changes the data protection landscape by granting users complete control over their data. The platform reinvents digital data protection for every person and business with a blockchain security layer. It reduces risk by storing encrypted data even when it is centralized, such as on Google, Office 365, or AWS.
The combination of process automation and data security gives every user unique control over their core functions. While AppsCo is vertical agnostic, the platforms are mainly for dynamic sectors like facility management, the construction industry, offshore operations, etc., where the combination of work management and security in everyday operations is essential. AppsCo, in combination with its partners, is offering a workspace with the best breed of concepts, allowing users to use the tools they need to solve specific problems. By providing a unique “Field HR Tool,” the company has offered its solutions to many of its regional partners, like Sefbo, BDO, and Azets.

SAILING THROUGH ROUGH WATERS
With technologies advancing at a brisk pace, changing customer behavior, challenges in implementation, and increased competition, the digital landscape has become a complex vortex. The scenario, however, is a blessing in disguise for an entrepreneur. “Starting and running a business is never a straight line,” says Geir, “but listening to your clients and acting accordingly will give you an edge.” Business-wise, AppsCo aspires to be the clients’ eyes and continuously elevate their experience. The workforce platform makes it possible for an open onboarding and offboarding procedure. While monitoring and assigning access to cloud apps, clients maintain their security. Besides integrating new systems and procedures into the business process, it also enables the management of corporate policies both inside and outside the company.

Adapting to shifting customer needs and the economic climate also helped them sail high during COVID-19. As remote work became popular, it opened up a market for cloud services and management tools. This allowed AppsCo to take a gigantic leap and help many companies thrive. Of course, having exemplary employees and fostering a committed atmosphere with an open culture helped significantly. Although the company has seen high tides and uncertainties, staying upbeat and adaptable to change has helped it emerge stronger each time.

CREATING A PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN CULTURE

A company’s actual self is reflected in its culture and the zeal of its team. Given the innovative offerings and cohesive efforts of its employees, it’s safe to assume AppsCo has a vigorous team. However, they don’t focus on creating “happy workspaces.” While they have a heavy focus on inclusivity and employee satisfaction to retain their talented members, they strive to preserve a “high roof, speak up” culture based on mutual respect. By fostering a healthy and supportive culture where self-reporting and speaking up are encouraged, the company allows ideas to shine and innovative concepts to thrive.

THE JOURNEY TO REACH NEW HEIGHT CONTINUES
“Our ability to continuously expand our clientele, adding clients from any corner, is a milestone that I didn’t imagine,” exclaims Geir. Treating them with values and contributing to their growth makes AppsCo a go-to partner. More than 100 companies are currently using their workforce automation platform, which surely speaks volumes.

Geir seeks to be a forerunner in providing solutions that protect people’s data and give them control without compromising security. Even though the market is competitive, he has an open mind and a heart for learning and adapting, and he will persevere to see this through.

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