Merapar’s Secret Sauce: People, Innovation and Agility - Part 1

In the fast-paced world of software and technology, attracting and retaining talent is crucial. It's not just about finding skilled individuals but those who can adapt, innovate, and drive the industry forward. At Merapar, we have our own unique approach to building and nurturing a passionate, committed team. In this first part of our two-part interview series, we reveal how we tackle these challenges head-on, fostering a culture of excellence and diversity. Discover our ethos, culture, and people-centric approach that set us apart. In this part, we discuss innovation & excellence, a people-centric value proposition, and attracting top tech talent with our COO Gary Marshall, People & Change Lead Maud Mutsaars, and R&D Manager Poland Mariusz Pawlowski.

What’s Merapar’s secret to fostering innovation and excellence in the Tech industry? 

Oh, it's no big secret, really. It's all about our ethos, our culture. We've got this dynamic mix of different voices, all bringing something unique to the table and keeping the innovation flowing in the media tech game. At the core of our identity is a culture deeply rooted in openness and transparency. Our ethos is built on a flat organizational structure where we strive for inclusivity as a practiced reality. We are proud of what we have achieved so far and we still have a long way to go.

Mariusz Pawlowski:
This ethos of inclusivity, that Gary is referring to, runs deep in everything we do. And believe me, in an international environment, that's not always easy. We've intended this to create a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives aren't just welcomed, they're essential for creating superior software solutions.

Maud Mutsaars:
It's all about our people. We firmly believe that the most effective decisions, innovative strategies, and breakthroughs stem from a workforce that is not only valued but feels deeply empowered. We're a tight-knit bunch, always ready to lend a hand and support each other. This collaborative spirit extends to how we address challenges and seize new opportunities – with agility and an ability to act quickly. Plus, we're all about keeping the lines of communication wide open, so we can swiftly adapt to whatever comes our way.

Can you provide examples of how the company puts people at the center of its value proposition?

Mariusz Pawlowski:
For me, showing our team they matter means getting them involved in discussions about their roles, especially when it comes to client projects. Before we kick off any project, we make sure to sit down with our team members and talk through what they could be doing. This isn't just about ticking boxes for the client's goals and vibe but also about making sure everyone feels happy and ready for their roles. It's all about balancing employee satisfaction with what the client needs.

Maud Mutsaars:
Merapar’s commitment to placing people at its core is evident in our robust training and development programs. These include varied workshops, seminars and mentorship opportunities, all aimed at nurturing our employees' talents and supporting their career growth. We also prioritize creating an empowering work environment, where access to the latest tools and technologies and a culture of excellence are standard. Regular feedback through surveys and one-on-one meetings helps us tailor our policies to effectively support our team's well-being and satisfaction. 

Gary Marshall:
You can experience it in how we establish our career paths. They aren't just handed down from on high here at Merapar – our team helps shape them. We're all about getting everyone involved in the process, so our career development strategies are spot on and really reflect our team's aspirations and expertise.

What sets Merapar apart in attracting top tech talent from other software engineering firms?

Maud Mutsaars:
At the heart of our approach is keeping tight with our team and being right there when they need us. We invest in our people’s development, offering opportunities for training, certifications, and soft skills enhancement. This focus on personal and professional growth is complemented by our commitment to delivering quality in all our projects, a key aspect that resonates deeply with technically minded professionals. 

Gary Marshall:
I believe Merapar differentiates itself from other technology consulting and software engineering firms through our hands-on approach and commitment to agile methodologies. As a technology and transformation organization, we prioritize understanding client needs and rapidly engaging in the hands-on work required. Our dedication to being true Agile evangelists sets us apart, showcasing our dynamic and responsive working style.

Mariusz Pawlowski:
I would go even further… . We make the difference by leveraging our deep expertise in cloud technologies and modern architectures. We actively showcase our innovative projects at industry events and maintain a robust online presence, demonstrating our commitment to staying at the forefront of technology. What truly sets us apart, however, is a strong specialization in the media business domain. It gives our team a chance to get stuck into some seriously cool projects you won't find anywhere else. It offers a specialized career path that is not widely available in other technology consulting and software engineering firms.

In this Part 1 of our interview, we explored Merapar’s commitment to innovation and excellence, our people-centric value proposition, and how we attract top tech talent. Stay tuned via social media for Part 2, where we will discuss continuous learning and skill development, the creation of stimulating and rewarding work experiences, and how we gather and address employee feedback.