People often ask what it's like to be part of Lionsville: to be a Lion.
First of all, we have a strong culture, informed by our ten guiding principles:
Big or small a promise = a promise
When you do not keep a promise to someone, it communicates to that person that you do not value him or her. And you cannot be trusted. Make sure people keep their promises.
Lions trust their instinct
And we dare you to share your gut feeling.
Lions are curious animals
We know the importance of asking questions and start the problem-solving process with the end consumer in mind.
We make it a habit to leave things better than we found them
Following the Scouting Rule.
The pack depends on us
Lions know that the quality of work impacts ecosystems of users and we respect the trust placed on us by society by always delivering our best.
We dare to celebrate fuckups
Failure is a badge of honor. Be honest about it and fail with pride.
Always be ready to defend or help someone
We got each other’s backs, issues or frictions are addressed when you choose, but you never stick your head in the sand.
Lions work together to tackle bigger problems
As a tribe, we are more successful. Success of the group over individual pride.
I know =/= we know
Assumption is the mother of all fuckups. Share information so we all make informed decisions.
A bad plan is better than no plan
We love it when a plan comes together.
And then there's the story behind the story; here's how Mark Reijn, founder and Engineering Director, tells it. And we think that's pretty accurate!
"Like d’Artagnan from the three musketeers would say, “One for All, and All for One.” Their history and alliance was all about behavior, friendship and elegance. In the heart of every Lion beats this rhythm, a pulse of shared values, mutual trust, and the knowledge that, alone, we are not skilled enough. But together, we are unstoppable.
Each Lion at Lionsville carries the weight of these principles. Not as a burden, but as a shield and a promise to one another. These principles are more than just words; they are the foundation upon which we build our every interaction, our every success, and yes: even our failures.
Imagine for a moment what it feels like to be part of something bigger than yourself. To know that every step you take, every decision you make, impacts not just your own journey but the journey of everyone around you. It’s a powerful, humbling realization. It brings with it a sense of responsibility, and also a sense of belonging. This is what it means to be a Lion.The truth is, we are all vulnerable in our own ways. We all have moments of doubt, of fear, of uncertainty. But what sets us apart is not that we never feel these things, but that we face them together. We are bound by the knowledge that we can count on one another. That in our weakest moments, we will be lifted by the strength of the tribe, the Lions' pride. This bond is forged not just by our successes, but by our principles.
We all agreed on these guiding principles in 2023 whilst having great pizza. They now remind us of who we are and what we stand for. They ensure that, no matter what challenges we face, we face them together: with integrity, courage, and unwavering support for one another. Because being a Lion means more than just doing your job. It means living these principles, embracing them as part of our identity, and trusting that every other Lion is doing the same. Let the principles act for us as a code, as a bond, ensuring that, no matter how hard the path, we walk it together. Because in the end, the success of the pride is our success. And that is something worth fighting for."
Mark Reijn, Founder & Engineering Director