Semper Simul
Always Together

Welcome to: “Semper Simul.”

Translated from Latin into English, it says “always together”. I have carried this vision with me for a long time. During the wedding of Monique and myself, I gave her this “saying”, which had been milled into a plank by my then future father-in-law Dirk de Gier. The shelf now hangs proudly on the awning of our house.
First, I think that if you choose to marry each other, you choose to be together, and together isn’t always easy. It is very important to learn to understand each other and sometimes to put yourself in the other person’s shoes to understand.

Have compassion for each other when things don’t go as expected.

I also dare to apply this vision to companies and other forms of cooperation. “Together” really means together to me.
Close your eyes and imagine a world in which all people (outside of their functional roles) see themselves as equals and treat each other as equals. Think of a company in which employees stand behind the vision as equals, are open to feedback and all strive for the best result.

“If I’m doing well, then you’re definitely doing well.”

A world in which it doesn’t matter who you are, or where you come from. Yes, when you walk in the sun, you get a tan, but, does that make you different? Together, we make the world a better place for everyone. Companies could also benefit greatly from this, no more arguments about whether they are right or wrong. But talking about the best solution to move forward together. Not being a different person at home than at work? No longer “alone in the world” as Hector Merlot (20-05-1830) once wrote in his book “Alone in the world” with a leading role for the boy Remi, but together with the whole world to face the challenges of our time, winning together and losing together. My stories are about this, I like to make you think about topics that concern you and me, and remember I am only human.

Sincerely,
Antonius (Ton) Bakker