The industry's first 60 sec
Pioneers in
Culture Podcast
Discover how to ACE company retreats
In just 60 seconds, gain actionable insights from both industry leaders and venue experts on how to elevate your company retreat experience and turn it into something extraordinary.
ACE Model & Mission
"Leaders build culture, one decision at a time."
Our ACE model ensures that every retreat experience strengthens your team culture, leaving them more aligned, connected, and engaged. This podcast is for CEOs, people leaders, retreat planners, and venue hosts alike. Whether you're focused on designing the perfect retreat or activating your venue to create an immersive experience, we bring you expert insights from both perspectives. Tune in to learn how cultural immersion and intentional design can turn your company retreat from good to extraordinary, building stronger connections and lasting impacts on your company culture.
Featured episodes
Connections Through Shared Experiences
Sasha Franco of Zapier shares how an unexpected ice storm turned a planned silent disco into a company-wide bonding experience, proving that the best retreat moments are often unplanned.
The Impact of Customer Engagement
Bianca Gabriele of JaneApp shares how inviting customers to company retreats fosters deeper connections, allowing teams to see firsthand the impact of their work and strengthening their mission to “help the helpers.
Latest episodes
How Alignment Sustains Retreat Momentum
At Sensay, retreats aren’t just a reset—they’re a launchpad. In this episode, CEO Dan Thomson shares how his team uses offsites to drive alignment and cross-team collaboration, setting a shared direction for the months ahead. He also breaks down the weekly habits that help sustain retreat momentum long after everyone returns to their day-to-day work.
The Culture Impact of Night One
Not every retreat activity turns into a lasting tradition, but karaoke night at metalab has become a highlight of their annual retreat at the Westin in Whistler, Canada. In this episode, Freya Rozzano, People & Culture Manager, shares how this lighthearted event sets the tone for the summit each year. From unexpected Spice Girls performances to bold power ballads, karaoke night encourages people to let their guard down, cheer one another on, and create shared memories that last long after the retreat ends. It’s a perfect example of how small, joyful traditions can become cornerstones of team culture.
Cross-Team AI Collaboration
Retreats often create space for reflection but at Pacaso, they also spark innovation. In this episode, Rasika Rajagopalan, VP of People and Talent, describes how her team turned their annual retreat at the Intercontinental San Diego into a hands-on AI sprint that engaged every function of the company. Product and engineering teams led workshops where cross-functional groups prototyped solutions to real challenges: legal explored faster contract review, sales built a lead prioritization model, and HR developed AI-driven manager support tools. The result was not just ideas but working prototypes, and a renewed sense of empowerment among non-technical teams. Rasika shares how this retreat became a powerful moment of alignment, creativity, and collaboration.
Designing Corporate Day Retreats
When planning a retreat, understanding your team’s unique profiles can make the difference between a good event and a transformative one. In this episode, Belén Suárez, Culture and Internal Communications Lead at Nacar Designs, shares why aligning retreat activities with team expectations—and involving employees in the process—creates a deeper sense of purpose and connection. Belén reflects on lessons from hosting biannual retreats, including how thoughtful planning and open communication help translate leadership goals into meaningful experiences for everyone. Her insights provide a framework for organizers seeking to create retreats that feel inclusive, intentional, and impactful from start to finish.
How to Avoid Retreat Planning Mistakes
Annual offsites can be transformative—but only if they’re designed with balance in mind. In this episode, Brian Elliott of Work Forward shares insights from his work with senior executives on why gatherings matter, what makes them impactful, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Brian explains why quarterly retreats can lift engagement by nearly 30% and why the benefits last months beyond the event itself. He also challenges the overstuffed agenda approach—often nicknamed “death by PowerPoint”—and advocates for blending strategy discussions with social connection and unstructured time. His guidance offers a roadmap for leaders who want retreats to inspire action rather than exhaustion.
Frameworks for Better Retreats
Structure might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a retreat, but for Michael Taubenheim, it’s the key to unlocking meaningful connection. In this episode, the People Experience Manager at IMG.LY shares how creating a transparent framework transformed their annual retreat at the Cooks Club Atakoy in Turkey. By defining goals like growth, connection, and feedback upfront, Michael and his team were able to design everything—from onboarding to daily check-ins—around those priorities. Simple rituals such as opening and closing each day helped foster psychological safety, ensure participation, and keep the retreat adaptable in real time. His insights reveal how intentional structure can elevate a gathering from a series of events to a truly transformative cultural experience.
Making the Case for Getting Away
Convincing leadership to fund company retreats can be a challenge, especially when the return on investment is hard to quantify. In this episode, Sharath Abraham, Global Strategy Manager at Jabra, explains why retreats are worth the investment and how they create value beyond traditional metrics. Sharath shares his perspective on designing offsites that encourage vulnerability and authentic connection. By taking teams out of familiar office settings and into environments where guards naturally come down—whether that’s a pool, a cabin, or even a teepee—retreats can spark conversations and relationships that simply don’t happen in day-to-day work. His advice offers a practical lens for leaders seeking to justify and maximize the impact of team gatherings.
Culture-Driven Retreat Moments
When Simms & Associates gathered for their annual retreat at Montsaint-Benet in Barcelona, Spain, one activity quickly became a highlight. Amanda Simms, Founder and CEO, recalls how their education manager introduced an exercise exploring words from different languages that appear similar but have completely different meanings. The discussion sparked laughter and curiosity, encouraging team members from across the globe to share cultural insights and connect on a deeper level. Amanda explains why these lighthearted yet meaningful moments often leave the most lasting impact and why simple, inclusive activities can be just as powerful as formal programming.
Building Hype on Retreats
Retreats are often remembered for their venues or agendas, but at Hiro Systems, surprise is the secret ingredient. In this episode, Lauren Satnick, Executive Operations Manager, shares why she builds unexpected elements—both big and small—into every retreat she plans, from location reveals to surprise team challenges. One standout example was a survivor-style challenge on a private island during their retreat at the Fairmont Mayakoba in Cancun, Mexico. The team expected a boat ride and ended up with a full-day adventure that’s still talked about long after the event. Lauren’s approach shows how creative twists can heighten excitement, foster deeper connections, and leave lasting memories long after the retreat ends.
Leadership Rooted in Values
For Glide, retreats are more than a getaway—they are an essential part of how the team lives its core value of building meaningful relationships. In this episode, Travis McAshan, founder and CEO, shares how annual in-person retreats became a cornerstone of their culture, even as a small company navigating remote work. Travis reflects on the unique energy that emerges from being together face-to-face: late-night conversations, shared experiences, and the trust that forms beyond daily tasks. He also touches on the subtle metrics that reveal the impact of these gatherings, from improved mental health to reduced burnout and stronger team communication. This conversation is perfect for leaders wondering how retreats can support team trust, culture building, and long-term performance in remote or hybrid settings.
Secret Destinations, Connected Teams
Keeping the destination secret until departure day might sound risky, but at Channable, it’s become one of the most engaging aspects of their retreat strategy. In this episode, Johanna Feimanis, Event Manager at Channable, shares how this simple element of surprise creates excitement, sparks conversation across teams, and helps foster deeper connections before the retreat even begins. Johanna explains why this approach works particularly well for a cross-country company, where retreats aren’t just about gathering but about strengthening relationships across borders. By turning the reveal into part of the experience, Channable ensures each retreat feels like more than a trip—it becomes a shared story that bonds the entire team.
Offsite Ideas That Overdelivered
Team-building activities don’t always have to be formal to be effective. In this episode, Samantha Colby, EVP of Global Marketing and Strategic Alliances at HRchitect, shares two unexpected retreat activities that brought her team closer than expected: an escape room challenge and impromptu one-on-one meetings in the pool. Both activities offered a refreshing change from the team’s typically high-stakes, detail-oriented work. The escape room encouraged playful collaboration, while the poolside meetings allowed for authentic conversations without the pressure of formal agendas. Together, they demonstrated how unstructured, creative approaches to team building can foster trust and deeper human connection.
Unforgettable Retreat Locations
For distributed teams, choosing a retreat destination that feels special can spark excitement long before the trip begins. In this episode, Meredith from Resource Guru shares how her team’s retreat to Cape Town, South Africa became a milestone moment for connection and culture. The experience included jaw-dropping scenery, vintage car rides, penguin encounters, and shared meals in Camps Bay—all of which helped the team bond beyond their day-to-day work. For a company spread across the U.K. and Europe, the retreat offered not just an opportunity to gather but to create memories that continue to strengthen relationships long after returning home. This episode is perfect for teams considering destination retreats and looking for ideas on how to make the travel investment unforgettable for employees.
Bringing Balance to Retreats
Retreats are often packed with strategy sessions and team-building activities, but what about supporting the physical and mental well-being of attendees? In this episode, Jordan Carroll, founder of Unlocked Authority, shares why wellness elements like saunas, ice baths, and nutritious food can transform a company retreat. Jordan explains how maintaining healthy routines during travel leads to better focus, energy, and connection among team members. He also introduces creative ways to use wellness spaces—like facilitating “hot topics” discussions in the sauna and icebreaker questions in cold plunges—to spark deeper conversations and build stronger relationships. For leaders planning offsites or team retreats, this episode highlights how wellness isn’t just a perk; it’s a catalyst for higher engagement and better outcomes.
Team Building That Works
Company retreats should energize everyone—not just the extroverts. In this episode, Meaghan Williams from HubSpot shares her approach to planning team-building activities that account for different personality types and preferences. Meaghan emphasizes the importance of starting with input from employees themselves. By sending out pre-retreat surveys to understand food preferences, activity comfort levels, and even timing preferences, her team ensures that retreats are inclusive and accessible. This approach allows employees to show up as their best selves, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and engagement during the event. For people leaders planning retreats for diverse teams, Meaghan’s insight provides a practical model for balancing fun with inclusivity so everyone leaves feeling connected and valued.
Retreats That Drive Strategy
Hosting a partner summit for a global team requires more than presentations—it calls for clarity, emotional connection, and follow-through. In this episode, Gershwin Exeter, Chief Experience Officer at Thrasio, shares how their annual gathering at the Marriott Toronto City Centre achieves all three. The retreat is structured around three key stages: preparation, emotional engagement, and practical takeaways. From equipping partners with pre-read strategy materials to immersing them in Toronto’s multicultural energy, Gershwin’s approach ensures attendees arrive informed, leave inspired, and continue collaborating long after the summit ends. This conversation offers a blueprint for leaders planning retreats or summits that aim to align diverse teams, strengthen partnerships, and translate inspiration into action.
Purpose-Driven Retreat Planning
When planning your first company retreat, it is tempting to focus on venues and activities right away. In this episode, Rafa Stavinsky, Workplace Experience Manager at Swapcard, shares why starting with purpose leads to more meaningful outcomes. Their annual retreats at the VidaMar Hotel Resorts and Spa in South Portugal are designed around clarity of intent, whether the goal is team connection, business alignment, or inspiration. Rafa also explains why the most powerful moments often happen outside the formal agenda. Informal conversations over coffee or during downtime can leave a deeper impact than any keynote. For people leaders planning their first offsite, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder that purpose and unstructured time are just as important as logistics when creating retreats that truly resonate.
Cultural Moments, Team Impact
At Relai, creating memorable retreat experiences means combining fun with purpose. In this episode, Tanja Stojic, HR Lead, shares two standout moments that brought her team closer, starting with a lively wine tasting at Aromar Plata in Barcelona. The setting gave everyone a chance to unwind, laugh, and connect beyond work conversations. Another highlight came during a retreat in Budapest, where the team visited the Satoshi Nakamoto statue. For a company rooted in crypto, the moment struck a meaningful chord. It wasn’t just sightseeing—it was a reflection of their mission, and a shared point of inspiration. Tanja’s approach shows how thoughtful retreat planning can foster both team chemistry and cultural alignment, especially for small, growing teams.
Autonomy-Driven Team Building
For a company that's been fully remote for over a decade, in-person time is rare and valuable. At Giant Swarm, Head of Recruitment Joshua Olson-Kerrigan explains how their biannual retreats rely on one powerful framework to drive connection: the open space format. In this episode, Joshua shares how employee-led, self-directed sessions align with Giant Swarm’s core values of autonomy and trust. With the “rule of two feet,” team members are encouraged to walk away from sessions that aren’t serving them and join ones where they can contribute or learn more. The result is a retreat culture where ownership, energy, and engagement thrive naturally. If you're building offsite programs for distributed teams, this is a standout example of how to turn a retreat into a space for real-time collaboration, not just consumption.
Why Free-Flowing Retreats Boost Team Engagement
What does it take to create real connection at a company retreat with 600 people? According to Georgios Hatzimanolis, Head of Brand Communications and Events at Kepler, it starts with doing less, not more. In this episode, Georgios shares how their offsite at the W Hotel in Barcelona was designed around free-flowing time instead of packed agendas. By eliminating heavy programming and avoiding over-curated activities, his team created space for authentic interactions to flourish. Think randomized dinners across the city and opt-in activities based on shared interests—strategies that encouraged organic bonding without the pressure. For culture and events leaders managing large-scale gatherings, this conversation offers a refreshing take on how less structure can lead to more meaningful engagement.
Leading With Purpose
For Teodora Vegh, Cultural Team Lead at Kinsta, leading retreats isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about setting a tone that lasts. With seven retreats a year for their fully remote team, she’s learned that what happens in the first five minutes can define the entire experience. In this episode, Teodora shares how she opens each offsite at Mama Shelter in Prague by skipping the logistics and instead kicking things off with short, energizing talks from leadership. These curated moments aren’t long, but they’re powerful—anchoring the team around shared purpose and setting a foundation for collaboration. Whether you’re hosting annual meetups or a high-frequency retreat cadence, Teodora’s insight is a reminder that connection often starts with intention, not just interaction.
Wellness Retreats That Work
When Caroline Ferreira, Chief of Staff at Edge & Node, plans company retreats, she doesn’t default to boardrooms and breakout sessions. Instead, she leans into environment—and it’s made all the difference. In this episode, she reflects on one of their most memorable offsites at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, where leadership meetings took place in spa circuits and beachside lounges rather than windowless meeting rooms. The result? Less pressure, more presence. Conversations flowed more freely, relationships deepened organically, and team dinners stretched long into the evening with laughter and genuine connection. Caroline shares why designing retreats that prioritize well-being and environment can transform how teams collaborate, especially in fast-paced, remote-first cultures. It's a reminder that where you gather can shape how you grow.
Genomenon's Retreat Playbook
When leading retreats for 150 people, clarity and consistency are critical. In this episode, Erin McCann, Head of People at Genomenon, shares the strategy behind their biannual offsites at Sun Gardens in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where the focus isn’t just on inspiration—it’s on retention and alignment. To make key messages stick, Erin and her team used a layered communication approach: combining presentations, small group sessions, and interactive activities to reinforce the same ideas in multiple formats. They also ensured that both leadership and non-leadership voices were included, creating a more transparent and resonant experience. Just as important was the follow-through. Post-retreat communications helped cement takeaways and translate momentum back into daily work. For teams scaling quickly or navigating complex change, this episode is a blueprint for running retreats that align, engage, and endure.
Huzzle’s First Retreat: Why It Worked
For many startups, the first in-person retreat can be a turning point. In this episode, Charlie Mart, Chief of Staff at Huzzle, shares how their inaugural offsite in Lisbon, Portugal helped reset team dynamics after more than a year of fully remote work. With just seven or eight team members, the retreat was intentionally simple—anchored around attending Web Summit and spending unstructured time co-working and exploring the city. But the impact was lasting. What began as a chance to connect face-to-face turned into a reset button that brought a fast-paced, remote startup team closer together. Charlie reflects on how that Lisbon retreat became the foundation for a stronger, more cohesive team culture. It also kicked off a habit of hosting biannual retreats as a way to recharge, realign, and invest in the human side of building a business. This episode is especially relevant for startup leaders looking to turn remote teams into real teams through intentional, experience-driven offsites.
From Participation to Purpose
Planning a retreat for 250 people takes more than logistics—it requires intention. In this episode, Pauliina Löytty, Chief People Officer at Fluido Group, shares how giving employees a sense of involvement made their annual offsite at the Berlin Now Hotel more impactful. By inviting people into the planning mindset and helping them understand the structure of the day, the retreat created a stronger sense of alignment. Business sessions in the morning flowed naturally into an evening celebration, with everyone already bought into the purpose and rhythm of the experience. For companies looking to host large-scale retreats that go beyond surface-level engagement, Pauliina’s approach offers a simple but powerful strategy: make your people feel like insiders, not just attendees.
From Work to Salsa Magic
At Awork, retreats are more than a quarterly ritual—they’re a cornerstone of company culture. In this episode, CEO Tobias Hagenau reflects on a favorite offsite memory at the Kemperhof in Germany, where what started as a casual evening turned into an impromptu salsa dancing session that lasted until 4 a.m. This spontaneous moment of joy and connection wasn’t part of the official retreat agenda, but it became one of the most memorable highlights—a testament to the unique energy that in-person team retreats can unlock. Tobias shares how these unscripted experiences are essential for building trust, encouraging cross-team relationships, and reinforcing the human side of work. If you're planning frequent company offsites, or exploring how to design retreats that go beyond business goals, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why creating space for informal connection might be the most powerful investment you make.
Teamwork In Action
Betsy Tucker, VP of People and Culture at The Brand Guild, shares a cornerstone activity from their annual company retreat at Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, Virginia. With up to 55 employees attending, Betsy has helped lead seven offsites, each one featuring a unique team-building challenge called ""Build a Brand."" This retreat tradition blends creativity and collaboration: small groups are handed three random words and tasked with building an entire brand around them, complete with a visual identity, logo, and go-to-market strategy. It’s more than just a fun competition—it’s a powerful way to spark innovation, amplify cross-functional collaboration, and deepen engagement across the team. If you're looking for offsite activities that inspire creativity, or seeking ideas for hosting company retreats that blend strategy with culture-building, this episode offers a proven model that scales.
Building Bikes, Building Teams
When remote-first companies gather in person, every moment counts. In this episode, Karishma Barua, VP of People at Fairmarkit, shares how a company-wide retreat in Cancun, Mexico created meaningful connection through a hands-on team-building activity with real impact. Using HBDI thinking style assessments, Karishma’s team was grouped for a high-energy bike building challenge, but the true magic came when local children arrived on-site to receive the bikes. The surprise reveal brought emotional resonance to the retreat, reinforcing Fairmarkit’s culture of empathy, teamwork, and global community. For people leaders planning large-scale offsites, this episode offers ideas for purpose-driven retreat activities, international venues, and creative ways to bring teams together across time zones.
From Merger to Momentum
What does it take to bring two executive teams together after a major acquisition? In this episode, CERTN CEO Andrew McLeod shares how a thoughtfully designed offsite in Bondi Beach, Australia, helped unify leadership, align on vision, and build lasting team culture. From strategic planning sessions to bridge climbs over Sydney Harbour and sunset barbecues on the beach, this retreat went beyond agenda-setting—it laid the foundation for long-term collaboration and post-merger momentum. If you're planning a leadership retreat, managing a post-acquisition team integration, or seeking retreat venue inspiration in Australia, this conversation offers a playbook for combining business strategy with authentic team connection.
Croissants & Company Culture
At WorkSuite’s recent offsite, a hands-on cultural experience at a local croissant museum in Poznań helped team members bond, embrace differences, and connect beyond work—reminding them of the power of shared traditions and new settings.
The Magic of Retreats
Luna Volcan in Ecuador offers company retreats with breathtaking hot spring experiences, where teams connect in volcanic pools overlooking the Andes—perfect for corporate groups seeking meaningful, nature-based bonding.
Aligning Through Kickoffs
Paris Riley of Rootstock Software shares how their annual sales kickoff retreat strengthens team alignment and collaboration, ensuring meaningful in-person connections for their remote workforce.
Connections Through Shared Experiences
Sasha Franco of Zapier shares how an unexpected ice storm turned a planned silent disco into a company-wide bonding experience, proving that the best retreat moments are often unplanned.
Structure & Freedom at Retreats
Ian Ambrosio of CommandLink shares how balancing structured team activities with personal exploration at their quarterly retreats fosters alignment, autonomy, and a refreshed, unified team.
The Power of Leadership Retreats
Arquella Hargrove of Alchemy Consulting Group shares how the Leadership Legacy Circle fosters deep connections by encouraging leaders to reflect on their journeys, challenges, and visions for the future.
The Impact of Customer Engagement
Bianca Gabriele of JaneApp shares how inviting customers to company retreats fosters deeper connections, allowing teams to see firsthand the impact of their work and strengthening their mission to “help the helpers.
River Sunsets & Conversations
SRA 831B Admin’s river cruise retreat fostered deeper team connections through intimate conversations, shared experiences, and a stunning sunset, proving that a single well-planned activity can strengthen company culture.
Building Bonds in Costa Rica
Sarah sums up the most powerful takeaway from her retreat experience in one word: Gratitude.
Goal Driven Gatherings
Toggl’s retreats drive team alignment by focusing on three key areas: defining clear goals, creating structured schedules, and collecting feedback to continuously improve future retreats.
Level 3 Conversations
Kevel’s retreats focus on deepening team connections through Level 3 Conversations, a leadership exercise that encourages vulnerability and trust. By going beyond small talk and sharing core beliefs, employees build lasting bonds that extend far beyond the retreat itself.
With the amazing hosts
With a background in workplace design for top tech companies, Alexa has spent her career shaping environments that drive culture and engagement. Recognized with a NAIOP accolade as a Top Leader Under 30, as well as 9 awards on developing top experiential design spaces, she's now Chief of Community & Content at RetreatsAndVenues, and she uncovers the secrets behind transformational company retreats.
As a second time Founder and a background in scaling tech ventures and building global communities, Cory blends his passions for sports, travel, and music into everything he does—including company retreats. He knows that the best teams, like the best experiences, thrive on connection and energy. On Pioneers in Culture, he interviews top CEOs worldwide to uncover their best strategies for building culture in remote teams.
Passionate about bringing stories to life, Dana curates conversations that highlight the power of corporate retreats. As Podcast Manager at RetreatsAndVenues, she showcases the leaders and venues shaping transformative offsite experiences. With a background in hospitality and digital marketing, she crafts engaging content that captures the impact of retreats on company culture.
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