Last week, the Connect Earth team ventured to the scenic landscapes of Wales, to strengthen our team bonds, align on our strategic vision, and enjoy some well-deserved fun. This two-day offsite was more than just a break from our daily routines; it was an opportunity to nurture our team culture and spend time together outside. As start-up life is famously non-stop, it was safe to say the team had earned the chance to get together, unwind, and experience something different…
As a remote-first company with a team spanning countries and continents, we were thrilled to have the rare opportunity to bring everyone together in person. It was a unique chance for team members, who usually collaborate digitally, to connect face-to-face.
Immersive Experiences in Swansea
The team’s adventure began with an arrival in Swansea, setting the stage for a series of engaging and collaborative activities. The itinerary, meticulously planned (as ever!) by our Chief of Staff, Ally Boulton, and our group adventure travel company Big Blue Adventures, who balanced team-building exercises, great food, and jam-packed goodie bags full of local treats.
In choosing our destination, we looked for a blend of accessibility, fresh landscapes, and a new challenge. To deliberately minimise carbon footprints for most of the team, we chose Wales as a new location to explore. Given that rail travel emits around four times less carbon than flying, it was an obvious choice to travel by train to reduce our emissions, especially with a significant part of our team based in the UK.
Getting Out, Up, and Down
Our full day of the offsite was an invigorating blend of fresh air, physical activity and enjoying the coastline of The Gower. After breakfast at the hotel, the team was ready to tackle the day’s challenges together. Once we were whisked away to Rhossili, we embarked on a mini hike, rock climbing and abseiling, with a few impromptu team races thrown in for fun…
These activities required problem-solving, strength, endurance, and the ability to find the best route to where we needed to be. Not only did these activities test our physical limits, they encouraged trust, support, and extensive teamwork. We know all too well that these are crucial elements in any high-functioning team, and what we learned from this was our shared ability to overcome challenges, map solutions and raise each other up.
Post-mountain scaling, we headed to Llangennith for a choice between a surf lesson or beach yoga. We loved the opportunities we had to cater to different preferences and promote mental as well as physical wellness. We braved the waves and the wind and connected to our minds and bodies, learning new skills and pushing ourselves in and out of our comfort zones – skills we realised we’re adaptable to wherever we are.
With a focus on flexibility, balance, and inner strength, our afternoon was symbolic of adaptability in navigating the waves and winds of change. Integrating these activities into our offsite itinerary didn’t only reinforce these qualities amongst our team, but also underscores our broader values and strategic objectives in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment.
Scaling New Heights From Here On Out
Our offsite was more than just a series of team-building activities; it was a fundamental time for our team to align with each other and strengthen the strategic goals of the upcoming year, invigorating our company culture, and renewing our collective commitment to our mission along the way. Most importantly, it highlighted the importance of connecting on a human level, which in turn strengthens work relationships and overall company performance.
As Connect Earth continues to grow, these offsites will remain a critical component of our strategy – not only to maintain the alignment of our goals but to ensure that every member of our team is engaged, motivated, and committed to our shared path forward.
