The Hidden Power of Surprise in Company Retreats

Episode 30

66 seconds

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.

With Johanna Feimanis

channable.com

June 16, 2025

Retreat location: Barcelona, Spain

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.

Culture-Driven Retreat Moments

With Amanda SimmsSimms & Associates Jun 24th, 2025Retreat location: Barcelona, Spain

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.

Episode 32

Building Hype on Retreats

With Lauren SatnickHiroJun 19th, 2025Retreat location: Cancun, Mexico

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.

Episode 31

Leadership Rooted in Values

With Travis McAshanJun 18th, 2025Retreat location:

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.