When my kids built a snow cave at our cabin, I couldn’t help but smile – it felt so typically Norwegian.
Not because it was planned, or because anyone told them to do it – but simply because they wanted to.

They saw a pile of snow, grabbed a couple of shovels, and got started.
It wasn’t a competition, not a project with goals and milestones – just pure curiosity and creativity.

Soon it turned into teamwork:
👉 a bit of trial and error
👉 a few breaks with cocoa and laughter
👉 and finally – a solid, cozy snow cave that was entirely their own.

🧩 What does it remind me of?

In many ways, it’s how work often functions in Norway.

✅ Freedom and trust
People tend to do their best when they’re trusted to take responsibility and find their own way.

✅ Ownership and motivation
Engagement grows when you can contribute ideas – not just follow instructions.

✅ Balance between work and joy
There’s room for humor, small breaks, and cooperation – even in serious projects.

So no, this wasn’t punishment – it was what I’d call “authentic Norwegian motivation” in practice, I thought.
Maybe that’s how job satisfaction is really built here – when you get the freedom to build your own little snow cave.

Visit Scenorama

Aleksandra:  Mari-Anne, it’s such a pleasure to meet and have this conversation with you! Thank you so much for taking the time to join me 😊
Can you briefly tell us about your background – how you ended up in your current role, and what your main responsibilities are?

Mari-Anne: My name is Mari-Anne Robberstad, and I’m the founder and managing director of Scenorama, an event company.

I’ve always worked with creating experiences – from welcoming international visitors to Norway and helping them experience the country “for real,” to designing events that gives joy and enthusiasm.

When I myself was leading a large organization, I learned firsthand that genuine, shared experiences are what drive motivation – and in the end, the bottom line. That’s the philosophy I’ve carried into Scenorama: creating authentic experiences that inspire enthusiasm, strengthen teams, and help businesses grow.

In short – I make sure every event we deliver touches the heart and creates lasting value for our clients. And we make them together – there is no I in TEAM…

Aleksandra: What makes Scenorama stand out – what do you believe truly sets your company apart from others in this field?

Mari-Anne: I’ve had the privilege of working on all sides of the table, in both large and small organizations. Running Scenorama is my passion – and my clients get all of my energy and my love for what I do.

I work with companies that recognize the value of human connection – leaders who know that results come through their people. Together, we turn company culture, goals, and values into experiences that build unity, enthusiasm, and growth.

I also work closely with a network of small, responsible suppliers who share the same values – people who deliver with honesty, precision, and passion.

The result? Events that both move and inspire.

Aleksandra: Sustainability is such a big topic today. How do you translate it into practice in your daily work?

Mari-Anne: For me, sustainability is about taking responsibility – environmentally, socially, and economically.

In practice, that means working with small, like-minded partners who care deeply about quality and genuine engagement.

I always look at my client’s own sustainability initiatives and find ways to bring them naturally into the event – whether it’s reusing materials, serving locally sourced food, or highlighting diversity and inclusion on stage.

Many companies already have hidden talents within their own teams – in entertainment, tech, food & beverage – and I love helping them bring those people forward.

That way, sustainability becomes not just a goal, but a natural part of the experience.

Aleksandra:  From your perspective, what defines the Norwegian market – what should companies understand about it?

Mari-Anne: Yes – the Norwegian market is built on trust, relationships, and quality.

Honesty, local roots, and social responsibility are highly valued here. We also have a strong culture of collaboration, equality, and openness, which means customers and the organizations expect transparency and authenticity. That can be a challenge for more hierarchical organizations.

For me, it’s essential that every event – big or small – feels genuine and relevant to the people attending.

It’s in that meeting point between professionalism and warmth that I literally thrive.

Aleksandra: Every market has its challenges – what do you see as the main ones in Norway today?

Mari-Anne: If you follow me or Scenorama on LinkedIn, you’ll see I often talk about the importance of creating engaging, meaningful experiences for employees – all year round.

It worries me when I see founders who built their companies on heart-driven leadership, clear goals, and strong values being bought up by equity firms that only focus on quick returns. These new owners often forget what created the success in the first place – the people. And that makes me genuinely sad.

I’m also surprised by how many companies have solid sales and marketing strategies, yet no plan for how to include their people – how to make employees feel seen, heard, appreciated, and understood. And honestly, it doesn’t take much!

Luckily, I get to work with clients who truly see the value of what I do – whether they just need a sparring partner or someone to support them throughout the whole process: designing an annual event calendar, managing all event services, and ensuring smooth execution.

Because nothing frustrates me more than seeing an employee stuck running an entire event, unable to take part in it, with piles of extra work waiting afterwards.

And no, I’m not afraid of AI – because no technology will ever replace the value of genuine human connection.

Aleksandra:  That’s a perfect cue to my next question about genuine human connection. What advice would you give to foreign companies planning to enter the Norwegian market?

Mari-Anne: I’d actually like to refer to this great article:
How to Navigate Business Culture in Norway – A Practical Guide (Part 3)

Aleksandra: Oh, thank you – I really appreciate being referenced to my own blog! 😊 And… If you had a “magic button,” what would you change in Norwegian business life with one click?

Mari-Anne: Be a little more generous.
See the people around you.
Give someone a compliment.

Aleksandra: And finally – how and when did you first get to know the author of this blog? 😊

Mari-Anne: I met Aleksandra through the BNI network. And I became a client. 

She’s a whole-hearted person – genuine, without any hidden agenda, and with a true desire to lift others.

We share the same values around collaboration, authenticity, and helping others shine – so contributing to her blog feels both natural and inspiring.

Andreas Jędrzej Bromirski – IT People

Aleksandra: Andreas, let’s start with you. Can you briefly tell us about your background – how you ended up in your current role, and what your main responsibilities are?

Andreas: I have a cross-cultural background, being both Polish and Norwegian, and I work today as a Talent Systems Engineer and founder of IT People. My foundation is in IT – I hold a bachelor in Computer Science and spent 8 years in software engineering and algorithm design. Over time, I realized I wanted to combine my technical expertise with people-facing work, which led me naturally into global IT recruitment. For the past 12 years, I’ve specialized in connecting tech talent with companies. I am also building my own AI-driven recruitment engine. My main responsibility is shaping recruitment processes that balance human relationship building with automation.

Aleksandra: Very exciting mix of technology and people! What would you say sets you apart from other players in the market?

Andreas: What sets me apart is my combination of authentic AI and relationship-building. I provide real-time transparency about the candidate’s process, while keeping communication personal and authentic. This mix of advanced technology and human focus is something very few agencies can offer.

Aleksandra: Let’s turn to a topic very present these days – sustainability. How do you work with it in practice?

Andreas: For me, sustainability in practice means building long-term, transparent relationships that create lasting value for both clients and candidates. By combining technology with long-term relationship building, I avoid the ‘short-term hire’ trap and instead focus on solutions that endure.

Aleksandra: We both know Norway well. From your perspective, are there any specific aspects of Norwegian business culture you would highlight?

Andreas: Yes. The Norwegian business culture is marked by willingness to innovate in several areas and a non-formal, non-hierarchical structure. At the same time, many companies are quite cautious when it comes to risk-taking and can be slower in adopting new methods or making decisions. The key is to approach them with consistency and patience, building sincere relations and trust step by step.

Aleksandra: Looking ahead, which trends do you believe will shape the next five years?

Andreas: In the next five years, the most decisive trend will be the emergence of a mature social and business ecosystem around AI. Today, many companies are pausing or slowing human-related investments, waiting to see how AI reshapes both work processes and skill requirements. As this ecosystem stabilizes, it will become clear not only which technologies prevail, but also which human skills remain critical alongside them.

Aleksandra: Many foreign companies are curious about entering Norway. What advice would you give them?

Andreas: Have patience and determination. Don’t sell cold, it’s a waste of time. Offer value instead. Don’t be discouraged by the lack of a quick response. Embrace the sincerity and openness to innovation.

Aleksandra: Every market has its challenges. From your view, what is the biggest one in Norway?

Andreas: Lack of ability to make quick decisions and small willingness to take risks.

Aleksandra: Finally, one personal question – for my dear blog readers. How and when did you get to know the author of this blog?
Andreas: Many years ago, I was a dance instructor and Aleksandra was one of my students. She was very determined and wanted to get results quickly, while I emphasized that real progress requires consistency and patience. I was impressed by her persistence and focus, even when dancing didn’t come easily. We quickly discovered that our personalities were complementary 😊 

Aleksandra: Thank you, Andreas, for this inspiring conversation – from the dance floor to the business world, our paths have crossed in such different ways, yet always with the same passion for growth and learning. I truly appreciate your perspective and the energy you bring into every project you touch.

There’s always something more exciting about real conversations – with genuine, living
people. I’m lucky to have many great contacts whom I truly appreciate, people who always
bring good energy, new perspectives, and meaningful discussions.
That’s why I thought it would be a nice idea to let my readers get to know some of them –
through short, authentic interviews that capture both their professional insights and their
personalities.
First up is Simon Mauricio Egeberg from PROFF Forvalt – a conversation about data,
sustainability, trust, and a bit about Norwegian business life as we both know it.

A Conversation with Simon – PROFF Forvalt
Aleksandra: Simon, let’s start with you. Can you briefly tell us about your background – how
you ended up in your current role, and what your main responsibilities are?
Simon: Of course. I’ve spent more than 13 years in sales, mostly within credit check tools
and business intelligence solutions. Over time, I worked closely with companies that need
reliable information to make better decisions, reduce risk, and identify market opportunities.
That journey naturally led me to PROFF Forvalt. Today, my main focus is helping
organizations use our credit and market analysis platform to evaluate companies, monitor
risk, and discover new prospects.
Aleksandra: Interesting! So, what makes PROFF Forvalt stand out from other players in the
market?
Simon: We’re not just a credit check tool – we’re a complete platform for credit assessment,
market selection, and company evaluation. What really differentiates us is the combination of
high-quality data, intuitive tools, and our long-standing experience in the Norwegian market.
Clients know they can rely on us for the transparency and insights they need to make
confident decisions quickly.
Aleksandra: Just another topic – and very relevant these days: sustainability has become a
buzzword in business. How do you work with it in practice?…
Simon: It’s true, it’s a hot topic – and for good reason. At PROFF Forvalt, we make
data and risk indicators easily accessible for our customers. That way, businesses
can evaluate not only financial stability but also suppliers and partners against sustainability
criteria. Internally, we’re also committed to reducing our own footprint and encouraging
responsible practices. 
Aleksandra: We both know Norway quite well and have hands-on experience doing
business here… If you look at Norway specifically, are there any aspects of the market you
would highlight?
Simon: Definitely. The Norwegian market is unique because it’s so transparent and
digitalized. Compliance, credibility, and sustainability are central values. At the same time, it’s
very relationship-driven. Trust is the key to getting things done here.

Aleksandra: Looking ahead, which trends do you believe will shape the next five years?
Simon: I see three clear ones. First, data-driven decision-making – companies will
increasingly depend on analytics and predictive tools. Second, automation and AI – risk analysis
and market selection will increasingly be supported by AI to make processes more efficient
and accurate. Our mission is to make business decisions in Norway more data-driven, transparent, and efficient.
Aleksandra: Very true. Now, many foreign companies are curious about entering Norway.
What advice would you give them?
Simon: Start with transparency and compliance. These are non-negotiables here. Be ready
to document your credibility and invest in building long-term relationships. Norway is
advanced and open, but success depends on local knowledge and access to trustworthy
data.
Aleksandra: I like “magic”, what about you?… Let’s end on a lighter note. If you had a “magic
button,” what would you change in Norwegian business life with one click?
Simon: I’d cut down on unnecessary bureaucracy while keeping transparency intact. That
would really make it easier for both Norwegian and international businesses to innovate and
grow – without losing trust.
Aleksandra: One last question, Simon, for mine dear blog followers – how and when did you
get to know the author of this blog?
Simon: I first got to know you through your journey… I’ve followed you since the very
beginning when you started your accounting office. It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve
come, and I truly value the professional journey you’ve shared along the way.
Aleksandra: Thank you, Simon, for your positive feedback and a very interesting
conversation – and for our long-standing acquaintance and collaboration with you and
PROFF Forvalt!

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is shaking up business across Europe – and it affects Norwegian companies too, especially subsidiaries of EU-based groups.

📌 What is CSRD?
A new EU directive that requires detailed reporting on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance.
Norway follows EU legislation via the EEA agreement – so yes, CSRD will apply here too.

🔍 Who is affected?
✅ Large companies (more than 250 employees or €40M revenue)
✅ Listed companies
✅ Non-EU companies with subsidiaries or branches in the EU
✅ Norwegian subsidiaries of EU-based groups – even if the parent does the reporting, local data will be required

📅 Timeline:

• Some companies must start reporting from 2025 (using 2024 data)
• For others, the deadline is 2026 or 2027, depending on size

💡 You’ll need to report on:

• Carbon footprint and climate risk
• Gender equality and social impact
• Human rights in supply chains
• Governance and anti-corruption policies
• How your strategy aligns with sustainability goals

🛠️ This requires data, systems, and people who understand the requirements – not just in HQ, but in each country.

🟢 If you’re unsure whether your Norwegian company falls under CSRD – or how to prepare for the reporting – I’m happy to help you break it down into concrete steps.

If you’re starting a business in Norway as a foreign entrepreneur, you’ve probably heard about two main legal structures:
👉 ENK (enkeltpersonforetak) – sole proprietorship
👉 AS (aksjeselskap) – limited liability company

Many start with an ENK because it’s fast, cheap, and simple to set up. But is it right for your business in the long run?

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ ENK – easy to register, but you are the company

• You are personally liable for any debt or loss
• No minimum capital required
• Profits are taxed as personal income – which can get expensive
• You can’t hire yourself or take salary
• Some clients (especially larger companies) avoid hiring ENKs

✅ AS – more formal, but safer and more professional

• Limited liability – your private assets are protected
• Can pay yourself salary + dividends
• Profits taxed at 22% + shareholder tax on dividends
• Minimum share capital: NOK 30,000 (can be used in the business)
• Often preferred for growth, partnerships and financing

📊 Which one suits you?
If you’re testing a small consulting or freelance business, ENK might be fine – at least in the beginning.
But if you’re building something scalable, want to limit personal risk, or plan to hire people – AS is usually a better choice.

🟢 I can help you decide based on your goals, budget, and business plan – and guide you if you want to convert from ENK to AS later.

Thinking about doing business in Norway? Then forget fancy titles, long speeches, and endless meetings just for the sake of meetings.

In Norway, business culture is different – in a good way.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Direct communication
Norwegians say what they mean. No need to “read between the lines.” If your product is too expensive, they will tell you. If they like your idea, they will also tell you.

✅ Flat structure
Don’t expect hierarchy and formality. The intern might challenge the CEO in a meeting, and that’s perfectly normal.

✅ Decision-making takes time
Norwegians don’t rush into decisions. They prefer to analyze, gather input, and reach consensus before moving forward. Patience pays off.

✅ Trust is everything
Forget aggressive sales tactics. Norwegians work with those they trust. That trust is built over time – by keeping your promises and being reliable.

✅ Punctuality matters
If a meeting is at 09:00, it starts at 09:00. Being on time shows respect.

✅ Meetings are for decisions, not chit-chat
Small talk happens before the meeting starts. The meeting itself will often have a clear agenda and end quickly once the points are covered.

✅ Negotiation style is straightforward
Norwegians appreciate honesty. Inflate your prices or oversell your capabilities, and trust will disappear.

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🚫 Common mistakes foreign companies make:

– Trying to impress with flashy presentations instead of facts
– Expecting quick decisions
– Assuming silence means agreement (it often means “still thinking”)
– Pushing for hierarchical contacts instead of building broad relationships
– Overpromising (credibility is more valuable than a perfect pitch)

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Business in Norway is built on trust, simplicity, and transparency. Mastering this culture is not just “nice to have” – it’s your competitive advantage in a demanding market.