commercetools Inclusion & Diversity

What does Pride mean to you? How does Pride make you think of history, the current moment or the future?

As a parent of children in the LGBTQIA+ community and the leader of an LGBTQIA+ ERG, I believe Pride is about actively working to create inclusive environments in both my personal and professional life. When my children were in high school, they were part of their school’s LGBTQIA+ group. This group offered a vital space for support and connection. Eventually, my wife and I opened our home, creating a safe and welcoming environment where teens and young adults could feel truly seen. Many of these young people were navigating complex challenges at school, work and even at home. While some, like my own children, had supportive parents, many others in the group did not, forcing them to hide their authentic selves.

Through these gatherings, I learned a profound lesson: it wasn’t about perfectly understanding every individual’s pronouns or identity. What truly mattered was ensuring they felt seen and supported the moment they walked through our door. I believe the same actions and compassion apply to my professional life. These principles aren’t about achieving perfection; they’re about being intentional in our actions each day.

What does Pride look like at commercetools? What is Pride Month typically like? Are there any specific ways Pride manifests year-round?

At commercetools, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone. We champion this through our active ERG framework and by organizing a variety of Pride-focused events. We typically support in-person Pride events in our office hubs, including Berlin, Boston, London, Melbourne, Munich and Valencia. Our employees actively participate in these local Pride celebrations to show their support for their communities. Beyond local events, commercetools also supports our internal LGBTQIA+ community through a series of virtual events. This year, we’re excited to host a virtual Pride tour to learn about the history of important LGBTQIA+ landmarks in the United States. We’ll also be hosting other virtual events throughout June, including trivia and panel discussions.

Our team recently launched the Pride in Unity ERG initiative. This ERG is dedicated to cultivating a truly inclusive and equitable environment where we celebrate our LGBTQIA+ employees and allies. We’ll work year-round to ensure everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves.

Why is it important for your team to include LGBTQIA+ inclusivity as part of its cultural makeup? What does commercetools get right?

While many organizations are pulling back on their commitment to ERGs, DEI initiatives and support for the LGBTQIA+ community, commercetools continues to actively champion these efforts. We understand that fostering an inclusive culture isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s absolutely essential for our collective success.

In today’s competitive job market, a truly inclusive culture is a powerful magnet for a diverse range of talent. LGBTQIA+ individuals, along with their allies, actively seek out workplaces where they feel safe, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Companies that don’t demonstrate genuine inclusivity risk missing out on valuable skills, unique perspectives and the kind of innovation that drives progress.

When our employees feel seen, supported and psychologically safe, they’re more engaged, more productive and less likely to experience the stress that comes from having to hide who they are. This allows everyone to focus their energy on their work and contribute to their fullest potential. Ultimately, an inclusive culture builds stronger trust and deeper empathy among our team members. When everyone feels valued, regardless of their identity, it strengthens our bonds and encourages more effective collaboration across all our teams.

At commercetools, we're not just talking about inclusivity; we’re actively living it, because we know it makes us stronger, more innovative and a better place for everyone to thrive.