For this year’s annual company retreat, the BigSpeak team got cowboy western at the Alisal Ranch and Resort. The two-day offsite meeting was a chance for members of BigSpeak to think creatively about the future of their company and celebrate its expansion over the past three years. The result was a great deal of team building and team bonding that strengthened the company culture.

Robert Richman, Culture Architect and co-creator of Zappos Insights, led the BigSpeak group through exercises and discussions to channel their energy into future progress for themselves and their clients.

After a year of rapid growth it was time for the company to reflect, identify the driving factors, and expand on them in innovative ways. Instead of preparing for future disruptions, the team took the proactive approach and collaborated on ways to be the industry disruptor.

“It’s that type of thinking that makes companies like Apple and Google best at what they do,” says Executive Vice President Ken Sterling, “We want to break molds, not fit them.  We’re up 50% over last year and want to do it again in 2018 – this type of hyper growth isn’t accidental.”

The team also took this time to appreciate the hard work their speakers and clients contributed to BigSpeak’s success. Throughout the retreat, time was dedicated to improving their current client support systems. One of the top priorities was showing every member of the BigSpeak family how valued their time and commitment was.

Robert Richman created a safe and encouraging space for BigSpeak employees to work side by side with leadership to ensure company culture and morale are as positive as their growth. After two days of stimulating meetings, the BigSpeak team took to the trails on horseback or enjoyed 18 holes of golf on the resort’s rural course. There was something for everyone as the group took the reins or grabbed a club and kicked their feet back, whether it was in stirrups or on a golf cart.

Team members were also able to hone their archery, shooting, and fishing skills during team-building challenges on a secluded lake, as well as get their blood pumping with doubles paddle boating. With a setting as private and comfortable as theirs it wasn’t hard for them to get motivated and focus on team building.

Everybody at BigSpeak left the dude ranch feeling connected, rejuvenated and ready to take on the new year together.