“Inclusion is no longer something special – it is part of how we work”
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As a 26-year-old, she joined our very first Pride boat during Amsterdam Canal Pride. Now, more than 20 years later, Nicole Böttger is Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) and sees up close how the bank continues to build a working environment where everyone can be themselves. “Now more than ever, it is important to keep showing what we stand for.”
Nicole, let’s start with that first Pride boat. How special was that at the time?
“It put us ahead of many other organisations. I also remember a campaign from that period featuring two men getting married. At the time, that was quite progressive. Looking back, I can see that this topic has been visible within the bank for many years. It was never temporary attention – it became a real part of the organisation.”
Fast forward: 20 years later, you are Head of DE&I. Was it written in the stars?
“Funny enough, not really. At the time, I was less aware of the topic and did not know about all the initiatives that already existed. Later, when I moved into HR, I became increasingly aware of inclusion-related themes and the research and initiatives connected to them. My international background also played a role. Growing up in Germany and attending an international school, I was surrounded by people from different cultures and backgrounds. Those experiences helped shape my view of diversity and inclusion. Over time, my involvement grew naturally.”
What do you see now from your current role?
“Now I have a much better view of everything that is happening. We have PRIDE+, an active employee network, partnerships such as the Rainbow Finance Alliance, and many moments throughout the year when we focus on inclusion. It is no longer only about Pride Amsterdam.”
Why is visibility so important?
“Because it shows that everyone is welcome. If you look at what is happening in the world, you can see that progress cannot always be taken for granted. Visibility makes it clear that this topic matters and that we remain committed to it. That applies to colleagues, but also to clients and society.”
Was there a turning point when you thought: LGBTIQ+ colleagues really have a seat at the table?
“Not one specific moment. What has always stood out to me is the number of colleagues who are open about who they are, including those in senior positions. That helped make the topic feel completely normal.
That normalisation may be our greatest strength. It never feels like something exceptional. What I also find remarkable is how many colleagues are willing to support this topic voluntarily. Whenever we look for people to take part in a campaign or initiative, colleagues almost always step forward to share their stories. That level of engagement is impressive.”
What changes have you seen over the past twenty years?
“There are many things that we now see as normal, but that were not in the past. Take the use of pronouns, for example. Twenty years ago, people hardly talked about them. Our language and policies have also become more inclusive. One example is the shift from terms such as paternity leave to partner leave. That better reflects different family situations. These may seem like small steps, but together they show that inclusion has become more and more part of how we work.”
At ABN AMRO, we believe that our differences make us stronger. That is why we work every day to create an inclusive working environment where everyone feels welcome, seen and valued. For us, Pride is not only a moment to be visible, but also a confirmation of what we stand for as a bank: an employer and bank for everyone.