Leading with Love: A Journey of Inclusion at Home and Work

By Nicole Wormley, Vice President, Inclusion & Belonging at Danaher

My name is Nicole and my son came out to my husband (his Bonus Dad) and me a little over 10 years ago. At that time, he came out as bi-sexual and later accepted his truth as a gay man. His coming out journey beyond my husband and me had its ups and downs. Most conversations pleasantly surprised him and came with unwavering support. Others devastated him in that moment.

However, the level of listening, empathy, understanding, grace and patience that we had to lend to him - and him to us - was life altering, in such a great way. You fast forward to 2025, and my son has a family and friends village filled with supporters, confidants, sponsors, and a forever home that will always serve as a place of refuge to him.

When you enter my home, there are family photos and intentionally scattered words of motivational and faith-based references. All of which speak to what is expected of you when you enter, and likely what you will encounter in my home. Kindness, care, compassion, love. That goes for any and everyone, including my son, who just so happens to be gay man. Anything, anyone or any energy that is not reflective of that, is not welcomed in or back. My son knows this. His finance (Yes, He’s Engaged) knows this. The village knows this.

As an Inclusion and Belonging Leader, I have a professional responsibility to foster a workplace where all associates feel that they can be seen, heard and supported. I also feel that I have a personal responsibility to model those same behaviors and lead with compassion, love, and empathy, in and outside of my home.