Building Hype on Retreats

All episodes

Episode 32

80 seconds

Retreats are often remembered for their venues or agendas, but at Hiro Systems, surprise is the secret ingredient.

With Lauren Satnick

hiro.so

June 19, 2025

Retreat 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.

IMG.LY

With Michael TaubenheimIMG.LYJul 1st, 2025Retreat location: Marmaris, Türkiye

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.

Episode 34

Making the Case for Getting Away

With Sharath AbrahamJun 26th, 2025Retreat location:

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.

Episode 33

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.