Pride themes aren’t always the same across cities, but this year they come together beautifully. In The Hague, Pride is about sharing stories. In Amsterdam, it’s simply LOVE. And really, what’s more powerful than those two combined?
Now, before you picture me quoting a romcom or handing out rainbow cupcakes — bear with me. This post isn’t about grand romantic gestures or surface-level celebration. It’s about how love, redefined, can transform leadership. And how stories can sustain not just communities, but cultures. Especially at work.
Love through micro-moments
Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson introduced a concept called Love 2.0 — and no, it’s not a dating app update. It’s about micro-moments of connection. Shared emotion. Mutual care. A synchronised nod, a kind smile, a moment of genuine presence. That’s love in her book. And mine.
In the workplace, these moments matter. Leaders who practise Love 2.0 create connection, not just communication. They make people feel seen, safe and supported. That’s not just nice — it’s necessary.
In my own ACES framework, the ‘C’ is for Care. Add Authenticity, Empowerment and Support, and you’ve got a recipe for inclusive leadership that isn’t performative — it’s felt. Every day. In the little things.
Stories that sync
Now let’s talk stories. The Hague’s theme is on point — sharing stories isn’t just a fun Pride activity. It’s leadership in action.
When people share stories — real, vulnerable, honest ones — something incredible happens. Research shows that our brains sync. Literally. (Hasson et al., 2012). We feel what they feel. We begin to understand, not just intellectually, but viscerally.
When LGBTQIA+ employees or leaders share their lived experiences, they’re doing more than raising awareness. They’re creating empathy. And when leaders take time to listen — without defensiveness, without rushing to respond — those stories become catalysts for culture change.
That’s how we move from rainbow-washing to actual inclusion. From flag-raising to truth-telling.
In other words
Pride in The Hague says: tell your story.
Pride in Amsterdam says: lead with love.
If you’re a leader, or you want to be one, this is your cue:
Make space for the story. Be part of the love.
The kind that sees, listens, and stays long after the flags are taken down.
References
Fredrickson, B. (2013). Love 2.0: How our supreme emotion affects everything we feel, think, do, and become. Avery.
Hasson, U., Ghazanfar, A. A., Galantucci, B., Garrod, S., & Keysers, C. (2012). Brain-to-brain coupling: a mechanism for creating and sharing a social world. Trends in cognitive sciences, 16(2), 114-121.
