“The bottom line is I like what I do,” Says Christiansen. “But that’s a result of how the company operates. It really cares about every staff member and ensures that there is a solid career path for us all, fitting well with our individual aspirations and capabilities.”
Christiansen manages a team of eight in the surveillance department, having started as a debt collector. “Right from when I understood what the job entailed, I was always going to my managers to discuss new and better ways of working. This led to fresh methods of operating, leading to more business. This open, teamwork approach is still a strong part of our culture today. It means issues get solved quickly and we are continually improving our approach.”
Christiansen continues: “In Norway, in particular, the structure of the company is very flat. Ideas from all employees – at any level – are treated with equal merit. Decisions are taken swiftly and professionally - and ‘best practice’ really does permeate through our entire operation.”
He continues “As well as thinking personally about how to do my job better, I also receive a lot of additional formal training. It means I am continuously improving my day-to-day activities, but also improving the capabilities of my colleagues on the team.
“I get the chance to continually hone my debt recovery skills. That doesn’t just mean pulling in the money - it’s about advising our clients on how to better manage their financial affairs. That brings me great job satisfaction. I do feel we’re a bit shy about promoting what we do as a company. We are a real enabler, helping the economy to run more smoothly. Without companies like Aktiv Kapital, consumer credit could not function properly.”
Christiansen concludes: “Eventually I’d like to work in Aktiv Kapital overseas. I know all our operations value a multi-cultural environment. I’d like to be a part of that – not just in Oslo but maybe in the UK or Spain, for example. The good thing is that chances like this are always possible in Aktiv Kapital - you just need to show you want it enough.”