Fusion Risk Management is built on a philosophy that teamwork and transparency is what drives success — it’s what shapes the company culture and serves as a basis for its cutting-edge software.
We spoke with three team members to learn more about what makes Fusion’s culture special and how it supports their work.
FOUNDED: 2006
EMPLOYEES: 109 nationally, 92 locally
WHAT THEY DO: Fusion Risk Management is a provider of cloud-based software solutions for business continuity, integrated risk management, IT disaster recovery, and crisis and incident management.
WHERE THEY DO IT: Chicago, Rolling Meadows, Illinois and London
FUSION CARES: Apart from sponsoring company-wide volunteer events and fundraisers, Fusion also provides paid time-off for employees to donate their time to the community. If employees complete 12 hours of volunteer service, they receive a $150 stipend to donate to a charity of their choice.
Shuaib Ahmed, Associate Application Engineer
Shuaib builds the tools and software used by customers every day. He also works alongside the product management team to deliver features on three core product lines.
BEYOND WORK: Shuaib loves learning languages and speaks Urdu, Spanish and conversational Arabic. He’s currently learning Mandarin after visiting China earlier this year.
How does the company's overall culture impact the development team?
We have a healthy cross-functional culture and are always developing this competency. Our team is involved with presenting to other teams, working with the delivery team to solve problems and getting input to develop the right features.
What initially drew you to Fusion?
Initially, I was looking for a company with Series C funding because I wanted to be a part of the company in the process of growing big. It’s exciting because a growing company has tons of new problems and challenges to solve and opportunities for employees to solve them. I found Fusion, and it was a great fit — we have a product that is really successful in the marketplace and our mission now is to increase our global footprint.
It’s exciting because a growing company has tons of new problems and challenges to solve and opportunities for employees to solve them."
Tell us about your involvement in Fusion Cares. What makes this initiative special?
I’m one of the committee members of Fusion Cares. We organize different volunteer events that are well intended — our last event to pack clothes for needy kids had more than 60 volunteers. The events are decided on by our team, and Fusion pays for transportation and employee time. The company even supports employees choosing their own individual volunteer activities.
Nick Rossi, Lightning Experience Implementation Specialist
Nick manages customers’ upgrade process into the Lightning Experience — the latest version of the Fusion Framework System. He helps customers understand the value of the Lightning Experience and explains why intuitive software will make them and their community more efficient, productive and effective.
BEYOND WORK: Nick is a student and instructor of Krav Maga, a self-defense, military combat system.
When was a recent time your team came together to solve an issue?
While creating a formal process for managing the many different Lightning Experience upgrade projects, there were overwhelming moments and disagreements that occurred within our team. There were points in which I told my manager, Ramya — who is an extraordinary leader and human being — that I was feeling overwhelmed and needed help. She always had my back and helped me. Ramya and I both maintain 100 percent transparency with each other and our other teammates, and this helps provide context for our decisions and, more importantly, builds trust.
What’s the office at Fusion like? How does it reflect the culture you have?
Fusion had my mom, a remarkable professional artist, create a Fusion- and Chicago-themed mural in our canteen. It spans the length of the entire wall — it’s very, very cool. And, she also makes an occasional 30-pound plate of homemade lasagna for the office.
Having the ability to work with different teams within the organization to see an entire 360-degree view of Fusion Risk Management is an incredible experience [...]."
How is the culture at Fusion more than just marketing-speak?
When I say that Fusion invests in its people, it’s the real deal. Having the ability to work with different teams within the organization to see an entire 360-degree view of Fusion Risk Management is an incredible experience that will also help me in my career — for that, I am very fortunate and grateful.
Stephen Graff, Manager of Delivery
Stephen leads a team of business analysts who customize the software to meet client needs.
BEYOND WORK: Stephen’s favorite hobby is golf, which has helped teach him how to adjust for any constraints presented on the course or in life and take advantage of opportunities where possible.
What do you do with your team in the office to foster culture?
I currently have one-on-one meetings with every business analyst on our team. These meetings are very informal and are intended to give us time to share with each other. I will give them updates on different events happening with our team or the company, hear more from them on successes or struggles they are having on projects and make plans with them about what my short- and long-term expectations are from them. The frequency of these meetings allows us to be on the same page together.
On a more personal level, I always make sure that each team member is taken out for lunch on their birthday. Everyone should feel like they are cared about at Fusion.
Does your office design capture your culture?
Bar none, this is the best office I’ve ever been in: Not only do we have amazing views of the Chicago River, the Civic Opera House and half of the Chicago skyline, but we have every food option you could ask for within a five-minute walk of our office.
We recently went through an expansion and renovation of the office, so we have a great kitchen, break room area and plenty of meeting spaces. This means we can get our meetings done while enjoying the amenities that make it comfortable. Since we like to keep things fun, it’s common to see coworkers having Nerf Gun battles and riding scooters down the hall.
Bar none, this is the best office I’ve ever been in [...]."
Why do you think company culture is so important?
A relationship between an employee and their job is truly a personal one, just as it is between employee and supervisor. Conflicts will arise just like in any relationship, but if you trust the other person then you can overcome the occasional issue. I personally go through a lot of effort to make sure that my team truly trusts me. I keep them informed, praise their accomplishments and let them know what my expectations are for each of them. Honesty is always the best policy.
