HRTech Interview with Bryan DiGiorgio, Founder and CEO of 1840 & Company

Delve into strategies for inclusive outsourcing, fostering innovation, and reducing costs while ensuring security and equity.

Interview

Q1. Bryan, please tell us what specific challenges HR managers commonly face when striving to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within their organizations.
HR managers often encounter several challenges in promoting DE&I, including:

  1. Bias in Hiring Practices: Unconscious biases can skew the recruitment process, leading to a homogenous workforce.
  2. Cultural Resistance: Existing company culture may resist or be slow to adapt to DE&I initiatives.
  3. Lack of Representation: Difficulty in attracting diverse candidates, especially in industries or regions with less diversity.
  4. DE&I Integration: Integrating DE&I into the core business strategy, rather than treating it as a separate initiative.
  5. Measuring Impact: Difficulty in quantifying the impact and success of DE&I programs.

Q2. What was the initial idea and inspiration behind the inception of 1840 & company?
To revolutionize the way we work! Recognizing the potential of remote work and outsourcing, 1840 & Company aimed to bridge skill gaps and staffing challenges for businesses, while enabling a diverse range of talented individuals to access opportunities beyond their local job markets.

Q3. In your experience, how can outsourcing play a pivotal role in creating a culturally rich workplace experience, and how does it contribute to fostering new ideas and perspectives?
Outsourcing plays a pivotal role in creating a culturally rich workplace by providing access to a global , thus introducing a wide range of cultural perspectives and experiences. This diversity enriches workplace dynamics, fostering an environment where innovation and creativity flourish. Employees from varied backgrounds bring different viewpoints, leading to more creative solutions and a greater capacity for innovation. Additionally, the cultural exchange and learning that occur in such environments enhance mutual understanding and respect among employees, further contributing to a rich, diverse workplace experience.talent pool

Q4. You believe that having a global team through outsourcing allows access to a wider talent pool and promotes diversity. Can you elaborate on how remote employees from diverse locations contribute to achieving these goals within an organization?
Having a global team through outsourcing allows organizations to access a wider talent pool, promoting diversity and bringing unique insights from different geographical locations. This diversity is not just geographical but also encompasses cultural and experiential aspects, which contribute significantly to achieving organizational goals. Remote employees from diverse locations offer fresh ideas and approaches, enhancing problem-solving capabilities and building a global understanding that is crucial for companies operating in international markets. This approach not only leads to a more dynamic and innovative workforce but also helps in understanding and serving diverse markets and clients more effectively.

Q5. Given your expertise, could you share specific strategies or methodologies that 1840 & Company employs to help organizations promote a more inclusive workplace through outsourcing?
1840 & Company employs several strategies to foster inclusivity:

  1. Diverse Talent Sourcing: Actively seeking talent from various backgrounds and regions.
  2. Inclusive Culture Development: Training and policies that promote respect and appreciation for diversity.
  3. Regular DE&I Training: Ensuring that outsourced teams receive ongoing education on DE&I matters.
  4. Performance Metrics: Incorporating DE&I objectives into performance evaluations.
  5. Collaborative Tools and Practices: Facilitating seamless integration and interaction among diverse remote teams.

Q6. How does 1840 & Company address the need for security and equity in the engagement of remote, diverse freelancers to ensure a positive and inclusive work environment?
1840 & Company places a strong emphasis on security and equity when engaging remote, diverse freelancers. This is achieved by implementing robust data protection and privacy policies to ensure the confidentiality and security of all projects. This includes things like VPNs (Virtual Private Network) and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) software. Furthermore, the company fosters a positive and inclusive work environment by maintaining equitable practices, such as fair compensation, equal opportunity for growth and development, and a supportive community that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Regular training and awareness programs also help reinforce these values and practices within the team.

Q7. There is up to a 70% cut in fixed costs through outsourcing. Could you shed light on how this reduction in physical space and overhead costs contributes to overall business sustainability and success?
The potential 70% cut in fixed costs through outsourcing significantly impacts business sustainability and success. By reducing physical space and overhead costs, companies can reallocate resources toward core business activities, research and development, and other strategic initiatives. This not only leads to more efficient use of resources but also contributes to a more agile and adaptable business model. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, such flexibility is crucial for long-term sustainability and success.

Q8. Could you share more about how the innovative business model of 1840 & Company aligns with the mission and values inspired by the year 1840?
The year 1840 was a transitional year between the First Industrial Revolution and the Second. 1840 & Company’s business model, inspired by helping businesses go from seed funding to scale, focuses on leveraging technology and global talent to revolutionize how companies build and manage their workforce. This model aligns with the company’s mission to create a more flexible, inclusive, and efficient global job market. By connecting businesses with pre-vetted remote talent from around the world, 1840 & Company embodies values of diversity, accessibility, and empowerment, which were pivotal in the historical context of the year 1840.

Q9. What sets 1840 & Company apart in the global business process outsourcing and remote teams industry, and how do you envision the future of work evolving with companies like yours at the forefront?
What sets 1840 & Company apart in the outsourcing and remote teams industry is its commitment to creating bespoke solutions that cater to the unique needs of each business, coupled with a strong emphasis on diversity and global talent. The company’s forward-thinking approach to workforce management, focusing on flexibility, inclusivity, and leveraging technology, positions it at the forefront of the industry. Looking towards the future, companies like 1840 & Company are expected to play a key role in shaping a work environment that is more adaptable, diverse, and digitally integrated.

Q10. Lastly, what is your advice to young entrepreneurs who are striving hard to make a name for themselves?
For young entrepreneurs striving to make a mark, it’s essential to stay true to your vision while being adaptable to change. Embrace innovation, be willing to take calculated risks, and learn continuously. Building a strong network and seeking mentorship can provide invaluable insights and support. Most importantly, remember that perseverance and resilience are key; success often comes from persistence and learning from challenges. Stay committed to your goals and be ready to evolve with the ever-changing business landscape.

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Bryan DiGiorgio Founder and CEO of 1840 and Company

Bryan DiGiorgio, Founder and CEO of 1840 & Company gravitated to the year 1840 when defining the company he created. A world previously stunted by disconnection and scarcity suddenly launched towards rapid growth never before seen in history. It correlated to his mission and innovative business model. 1840 & Company is a revolutionary global business process outsourcing and remote teams provider headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. From pre-seed to post-IPO, they help growing companies of all sizes solve significant staffing and skills shortfalls within a global competency model. With flexible hiring options via traditional outsourcing, vetted freelancing, and direct placement, 1840 delivers all-in-one, comprehensive solutions tailored to a company's needs. They operate in scale from more than seven countries with the ability to hire in 150 different countries. 1840 & Company has been recognized as a top 10 Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) firm by HR Outlook Magazine.