The story presented contrasts two radically opposite business cultures.

Considering that the text may lead to appreciation of the “family and happy” environment of Labvisual to the detriment of a “formal and cold” and, consequently, unhappy environment, I think that it would be interesting to demystify some apparent dogmas. Labvisual is a family company that takes personal relationships to an extreme, a niche business (various businesses) (without the possibility of global action and therefore “condemned” to be sold), modest wages, “low and the same for everybody” bonuses, slow careers (20 years for Luís to be appointed director of operations). Vision, on the other hand, is a leading company (in technology and figures), global, organised, structured, and that retains its know-how, school-company with fast-track careers, releasing professionals into the market who help to develop other companies, in which people are well paid, in an environment of meritocracy, with a capacity to survive global vicissitudes.

In other words, which will be here in 10 years' time and in which role? Indeed, the answer to this question, in my opinion (and that of Darwin!) will always be “that which best adapts to inevitable changes”. There is a happy ending for the story, which is that Vision gained a leader who, aware of global challenges and of how a company should be structured to face them, will manage to “humanise” the culture of the company.

The secret is in achieving a company with excellent performance and capacity to compete, with motivated people. But maybe something in between, neither the coldness of quarters or headcounts, nor the laxity of the “party spirit” all the time. A balance must be found that, in my opinion, can be achieved by having a company organised like Vision and with people with an attitude like at Labvisual. Predicting the future, I would say, in conclusion, that Vision found an excellent leader who will introduce a culture of empowerment of people, who will, with new ideas, bring the company out of its crisis.

The Jurgen family will continue to accumulate gains, discovering successive market formulas for survival. One day, Luís shall have a meeting with Jurgen (or a descendant) who will accept a good offer to buy Labvisual.