It took Gert-Jan some time to fully embrace himself and find peace with his identity. Gert-Jan has spent his career championing diversity and inclusion within the company. In his role, Gert-Jan extends his passion for inclusivity beyond geographies, making purposeful choices to create an environment where all individuals can flourish. ‘'Our commitment to diversity and inclusion doesn't stop with our internal culture. We take it to our clientele as well. Why? Because we know diverse teams bring in fresh perspectives and more innovative solutions. It's a commitment that extends to our work with clients, ensuring their needs are handled with sensitivity and respect. We don't just accept it – we celebrate it. It's not a symbol; it's our commitment to making a real change within our organization and in the world,' highlights Gert-Jan.

Delving into the heart of inclusive leadership, Gert-Jan actively participates in Deloitte's diversity and inclusion initiatives. For him, it is not only about being an LGBTQ+ advocate but more about establishing a secure workplace that cultivates productivity, "safety fosters efficiency," Gert-Jan highlights. A defining moment in Gert-Jan's professional journey was marked by proudly wearing his Proud rainbow lanyard, recognizing being part of the rainbow community and symbolizing his unwavering support for LGBTQ+ awareness and acceptance. He recognizes the importance of setting an example, not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for everyone striving for authenticity and belonging in the workplace. 'It wasn’t until I fully embraced myself that I noticed that even something small as wearing a rainbow lanyard brings peers and like-minded even closer,’ Gert-Jan adds. He understands that being a role model is essential, not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for everyone striving for authenticity in the workplace and that anyone can do their part, regardless the effort it may take from their end.

From a full mind to mindfulness The journey from a full mind to mindfulness for Gert-Jan was marked by a series of challenges and self-discovery. His path to self-acceptance and effective leadership was not a smooth one, as he grappled with the pressures of conforming to societal expectations of what a leader should be. In his quest to meet the more normative leadership standards, Gert-Jan found himself facing internal struggles and questioning his authenticity. The weight of conforming to traditional expectations prompted him to engage in self-analysis and observation. This journey of finding himself became a crucial turning point in his life. A pivotal element in Gert-Jan's transformative journey was the adoption of mindfulness as a practice, a commitment he made over a decade ago. Mindfulness, for Gert-Jan at least, refers to the cultivation of a heightened awareness and presence of your current moment. It involves being fully engaged in one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, without judgment. One specific technique that played a significant role in Gert-Jan's mindfulness practice was the RAIN technique—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture. This method - created by Tara Brach, a famous US psychologist, author and proponent of Buddhist meditation - provided a structured approach to dealing with challenging emotions and situations. By recognizing and acknowledging his emotions (Recognize), allowing them to exist without judgment (Allow), investigating the underlying causes and nature of these emotions (Investigate), and nurturing a compassionate response to himself (Nurture), Gert-Jan learned to navigate his internal landscape with greater ease. In essence, Gert-Jan's journey from a full mind to mindfulness represents a profound shift from blindly conforming to external expectations to cultivating internal awareness and authenticity. Mindfulness, coupled with the RAIN technique, allowed him to develop a leadership style rooted in self-acceptance and vulnerability, ultimately transforming not only his approach to leadership but also his overall well-being.

Coming out, again and again The process of coming out is a never-ending journey, one that Gert-Jan experiences both in his personal and professional life. 'Coming out is a journey that never truly ends,’ Gert-Jan recalls the multiple times he had to navigate the process. Although, he believes that openness and sharing personal stories create an atmosphere where leaders and team members can authentically be themselves, and as comfortable as he is with his identity now, Gert-Jan still finds it a struggle from time to time in certain circumstances to either decide to talk about his queer identity or not to mention it. He firmly believes that openness and the sharing of personal narratives contribute to an environment where leaders and team members can authentically be themselves and it may be the lack of example or understanding for his peers that withholds him from being his true self. Reflecting on the evolution of queer acceptance in the Netherlands, Gert-Jan appreciates the strides made but emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue. He notes that younger generations benefit from increased freedom and information, yet there's a simultaneous rise in polarization. As Gert-Jan shares his narrative, he invites you to reflect on your role in fostering workplaces where every individual feels valued, by illuminating a path towards a more inclusive and understanding environment. 'Embracing diversity is not merely a corporate initiative but a personal journey that boosts profound growth and positive change,’ Gert-Jan exemplifies.

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