Back to familiar territory
Steven began his career in the insurance industry at a young age. After positions at Westland Adviesgroep and Schouten Zekerheid, among others, he opted for a trip to his old employer in Westland in late 2024. "I got the chance to work closer to home, in an environment that felt familiar." But it didn't turn out to be what he hoped for, after 6 months he wanted to return to Schouten Zekerheid.
"When I sent Astrid Zwaard, Manager of Fire & Liability an app, I got a response within five minutes: 'Shall we have lunch tomorrow?' The next day we shook hands, and in the evening I quit my job. That felt SO good."
A warm welcome
Steven's return was anything but awkward. On the contrary, he was surprised with garlands and balloons on his first day. "That immediately gave a positive feeling. As if I had never left."
The short outing not only made him realize how well things are arranged at Schouten Zekerheid , but also changed his own mindset. "I've become more relaxed. Things that I used to make a big deal about, I can now put into perspective more easily. Ultimately, we are here to build something beautiful together - and that only works if you give each other space." says Steven.
Assured of confidence and future
In his current role as a Fire Specialist in the Risk Management Department, Steven not only supervises large relationships, but also his younger colleagues. "I think it's important to share knowledge. Not staying in your own tube, but helping others grow."
That matches the confidence and freedom he himself experiences. "What does security mean to me? That you work at a healthy company you can build on, where you are appreciated and where you can develop yourself. That combination of security and freedom makes me enjoy working here every day."
Ambitions and personal growth
Steven is fully engaged in his own development. Whether he wants to become a team leader someday? "Maybe. I'm curious about where my bar is set. But I also know that I still need to grow in having difficult conversations. Humor helps a lot, but sometimes you also have to be able to have tough conversations. I'm learning that."
Fun as a prerequisite
Outside of work, Steven is a real bon vivant: soccer nut (Ajax!), avid paddler and soon-to-be Four-Day Runner. His circle of friends is sacred, as are the values he inherited from home: cheerfulness, confidence, room for self-discovery.
"If I can't laugh and be myself, I'm out. But at Schouten Zekerheid you can. And I also want to convey that to the people I work with."
My girlfriend
