When Business Is Love: Love Is the Foundation Behind Success

In a world where artificial intelligence and technological advancement continue to take up more and more of our conversations, love may seem out of place, especially in a corporate environment. However, what if we have it backward? What if focusing on love is the answer to turning things around?

Under the leadership of fifth-generation CEO Jan Ryde, mattress and bedding company Hästens has grown 50,000 percent. Ryde promised that once his company surpassed one billion Swedish krona (USD 100 million), he would write a book outlining the journey. Ryde also shared the secrets of this transformation on the Spotify podcast Do Good To Lead Well. It all started when he decided to infuse love into every aspect of his business.

When Business Is Love

According to Ryde, leaders miss an enormous opportunity by overlooking this philosophy. He persuasively challenged whether any business can truly reach its potential without focusing on love.

In a world where high levels of employee engagement are valued and vital for organizational success, leaders must show they truly care about their employees. How can this happen without love at the center of the conversation?

When leaders care for the whole person and want to create conditions to unlock the greatness of their teams, that is where the magic happens. When leaders focus on the whole person and protect and enhance the well-being of their people, it is rewarded with elevated levels of commitment, engagement, innovation, and resilience.

Ryde shared stories of many individuals who have returned to work for him after pursuing opportunities elsewhere. They were welcomed back with open arms.

The importance of love extends beyond the walls of the company as well. He convincingly argues the same rule of love applies to customers. In today’s environment, trust is the most valuable currency we have with customers. This is impossible to build without a foundation of love. When organizations love their customers, they treat them with respect and prioritize doing what is in their best interest. This breeds loyalty and an emotional connection beyond the transaction.

Embrace a Philosophy of Abundance

A critical step in bringing more love into an organization is to embrace an abundance mindset. This principle is grounded in the belief that there is enough success to go around, which, when embraced by leaders, shapes the reality of an organization. This mindset shifts focus from scarcity, where fear and competition prevail, to one where opportunities and resources are plentiful.

In practice, this can take many forms. For example, fostering an abundance mindset involves acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of others. Imagine an environment in which people embraced the idea that the success of others did not negatively affect their own. This is the transformative power of abundance.

Another key benefit of leading with an abundance mindset comes from promoting collaboration over competition. Abundance lowers resistance to working with your fellow employees because everyone benefits from these collaborations. People do not have to protect their ideas or hoard information to ensure they reap limited rewards.

Adopting an abundance mindset also involves recognizing and restructuring limiting beliefs—those internal narratives that dictate what we consider possible. By challenging these beliefs and fostering an environment where possibilities are limitless, individuals and organizations can unlock a more expansive vision of success. This shift in perspective invites innovation and encourages risk-taking, both of which are vital for dynamic growth in today's competitive business landscape.

Conclusion

Making love the cornerstone of your leadership philosophy may feel understandably uncomfortable. Yet, when we challenge our potential limiting beliefs around the idea, a new world of possibility is open. How would our world change if we live and lead with more love? How might our actions impact those we care about most?