Embracing cultures and growing with SEKISUI

Interview with Salim Birdir

Hello Salim, thank you for sharing your experiences of working at SEKISUI with us. Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Salim Birdir, and I was born in 1986 in sunny Adana, Turkey. I have called Roermond, in the Netherlands, my home since 1996. I am working at SEKISUI EUROPE B.V. in the Financial Department.

Before joining SEKISUI EUROPE, you worked at SEKISUI S-LEC. Can you tell us more about this change and your general background at SEKISUI?

My career at SEKISUI began in 2007, when I did a ten-week internship in the finance department of SEKISUI S-LEC in Roermond. It was my first introduction to Japanese corporate culture – and it made an immediate impression on me. What I found particularly fascinating was discovering the similarities and differences between Japanese, Turkish and Dutch culture. That experience not only sparked my interest, but also made me feel truly connected to the international character of the company.

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at SEKISUI S-LEC, so when I was asked to stay on at the end, it felt like a great opportunity. I didn't have to think twice – I said “yes” right away! Initially, I was able to start working through a temporary employment agency, and in 2008 I was officially hired.

Looking back, I am still very happy with that decision. SEKISUI S-LEC was my first employer, and it allowed me to lay the foundations for my professional career. I was given the space to grow, both personally and professionally, in a team where cooperation and trust were central.

I have been working at SEKISUI EUROPE since June 2023. I divide my time between two roles, with 50% of my time spent on financial activities for SEKISUI POLYMATECH. What has always been central to me – and what I see reflected throughout the organisation – is teamwork and respect. These values have made working here a pleasure all these years, and I am fully committed to continuing to do so in the future.

What is your job and what are your tasks at SEKISUI? How would you describe a typical working day?

I work in the finance department of both SEKISUI EUROPE and SEKISUI POLYMATECH. My tasks are varied and include all kinds of financial activities. These include processing invoices and expense claims, managing incoming and outgoing payments, monitoring financial processes and preparing reports.

My working day usually starts with reading and answering emails. Then I throw myself into the operational work and make sure that all other tasks run smoothly. It is precisely this variety that makes my work exciting and dynamic.

What do you think are the advantages of working at SEKISUI?

SEKISUI is an international company with deep Japanese roots, which creates a unique and structured working environment. That combination of culture and professionalism really appeals to me.

What I also appreciate is that there is plenty of room for personal development. Because it is such a large organisation, there are always opportunities to learn new things, expand your skills and develop yourself professionally.

In addition, SEKISUI offers a lot of stability and a clear structure – something I consider important for the long term. Cooperation between departments is smooth and based on mutual respect, which creates a pleasant working atmosphere.

Finally, I find it inspiring that the focus is not only on the short term, but also on the future. With initiatives such as ‘Vision 2030’, SEKISUI shows that it has ambition and that it works together to achieve goals based on motivation, good communication and mutual trust.

You were born in Adana, Turkey, and now live in the Netherlands. Can you share a bit of your story with us?

I was born in Adana, a large city in southern Turkey, known for its delicious food and often scorching hot weather. My childhood there is full of wonderful memories. However, life had other plans for me: in 1996, I moved to the Netherlands with my family.

That transition was quite significant. Everything felt new – the language, the culture, and certainly the weather! From sunny Adana to the often grey and rainy Netherlands... that took some time getting used to it. But over time, I found my way. I learned the language, made new friends and started to build my life here. I now feel at home in two worlds. I appreciate the structure and opportunities that the Netherlands offers, but I still cherish my Turkish roots. That mix of cultures – which are quite different from each other – has shaped me into who I am today.

The SEKISUI team is a mix of different nationalities. How do you experiment with this cultural mix? Does it present challenges or advantages in your daily work?

Working in a multicultural team at SEKISUI is fascinating every day. The mix of nationalities brings a rich variety of ideas, working styles and ways of thinking. This makes the collaboration not only dynamic, but also educational.

Of course, this cultural diversity also presents challenges at times. Think of language barriers or differences in communication. For example, Japanese corporate culture is very respectful and indirect, while other colleagues are more to the point. This sometimes requires a little extra awareness and coordination, but it is precisely this that teaches you to really listen and communicate well.

What I take away from this is that it makes me more flexible and open-minded. You learn to look at things from different perspectives, which not only makes collaboration more efficient, but also more interesting. Thanks to this cultural mix, SEKISUI feels like an inspiring place where I continue to grow every day.

Tell us more about you, what do you like to do in your free time?

I love football, but unfortunately, I can no longer play myself due to a serious knee injury I suffered a long time ago. The town where I live, Roermond, has several sport clubs that compete at a high level, such as two indoor football teams and a volleyball club in the top league. I enjoy watching the indoor football matches, especially because some of my friends play there.

I enjoy music events such as the Solar Festival, for which I make sure to secure my ticket every year. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family. In my spare time, I like to watch a good film or series – it really helps me relax.

Is there anything else you would like to share, and what are your hopes for the future?

To sum it up briefly: I have a wonderful son who means everything to me. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, and since then I have spent a lot of time caring for him in addition to my full-time job. My goal is to give him the best and most loving life possible. I am extremely grateful to my colleagues at SEKISUI for their support and understanding in this.

My son has taught me a great deal – he has shown me how important it is to find happiness in the little things, to never give up, and to respect everyone for who they are. He reminds me every day to stay positive, no matter what happens.

My wish for the future is health and happiness. Everything else is less important.