20.05.2026 | Ari Kuusimäki is a long-standing Efima employee whose work brings together project leadership, collaboration with people, and the ability to keep the big picture under control – even when everyday work doesn’t go exactly as planned. Ari has been with Efima in two phases. He returned after realizing that some aspects of a workplace only become clear once they are temporarily gone.
Ari first joined Efima in August 2016. He came with extensive experience from a variety of software and information system projects across different industries. Although he spent some time working in very different environments and projects, he found himself missing work specifically related to software and information systems.
That’s when he came across Efima – a small but intriguing software company at the time.
“Efima felt somehow different. It stood out in the market and gave me the feeling that this could be a great place to work,” Ari recalls.
Returning felt like the right decision
During his years with Efima, Ari also spent some time working elsewhere in similar roles within the same industry. The work itself was familiar, and even the technologies were largely the same – but something was missing. “I realized quite quickly that I missed Efima. Some things here are hard to explain to an outsider, but they simply feel meaningful,” Ari says.
Coming back to Efima felt like the right decision. Ari describes Efima as a warm and welcoming workplace, where hierarchies are low and it’s genuinely easy to speak up. “Here, you can talk to anyone and openly discuss even difficult topics. People take their work seriously – but not too seriously. That makes everyday work feel human.”
A project manager’s day-to-day is about leading people
Today, Ari works as a project manager in demanding ERP implementation projects. His days consist of working with customers, supporting Efima’s experts, and ensuring that projects move forward in the right direction. “At its core, the job is about leading people. I remove obstacles from the experts’ path and support them – so they can focus on what they do best.”
The role of a project manager is diverse and at times unpredictable. There are routines and project cycle milestones, but also days when plans change already with the first messages of the morning. “It keeps your mind sharp. Even though the work requires self-direction and strong prioritization skills, the best moments come from collaborating with top professionals,” Ari explains.
The most memorable moments are those when a challenging delivery with a tight timeline is successfully completed – with high quality and as a team effort. “The best moments are when everything falls into place and we can say we did this together. The challenges during the project may not feel great in the moment, but overcoming them is ultimately what makes it rewarding.”
Family life as a counterbalance to work
Outside of work, Ari is first and foremost a family man. His free time revolves around his spouse, two children, and two dogs – as well as the children’s hobbies. “Family life quickly takes your mind off work,” Ari says.
Ari is also involved in one of his children’s competitive dance hobby as an instructor, supporting the professional coaches. Exercise and outdoor activities are part of his routine as well, mainly through swimming and cycling when time allows. “I could probably exercise more, but at this stage of life, family comes first – and that feels exactly right.”
Looking ahead with curiosity
Ari approaches the future with curiosity and confidence. Artificial intelligence and new technologies are changing the nature of work rapidly, but he sees this primarily as an opportunity. “AI will increasingly become part of everyday work. It frees up time for what really matters – leading people and projects. It will be interesting to see where we are five years from now.”
Ari strongly believes in Efima’s future: “Efima has succeeded so far and will continue to do so. It’s great to be part of the journey and see where it leads.”