Genomenon's Retreat Playbook

All episodes

Episode 18

64 seconds

When leading retreats for 150 people, clarity and consistency are critical.

With Erin McCann

April 17, 2025

Retreat location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

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.

Why Free-Flowing Retreats Boost Team Engagement

With Georgios HatzimanolisKplerApr 25th, 2025Retreat location: Barcelona, Spain

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.

Episode 20

Leading With Purpose

With Teodora VeghKinstaApr 23rd, 2025Retreat location: Prague, Czech Republic

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.

Episode 19

Wellness Retreats That Work

With Caroline FerreiaEdge & NodeApr 21st, 2025Retreat location: Miami, Florida

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.