Every year, we take time for our own teambuilding. Sometimes we travel far, but just as often, we stay closer to home. This year, we chose the Hoge Veluwe in the Netherlands.
It’s something I look forward to every single year. Things can get quite hectic at FAME – projects, deadlines, colleagues abroad – which makes it even more valuable to truly reconnect as a team. Just being together, laughing, talking. The little things that make a team grow closer again.
Over three days, we slowed down and took time to recharge. We cycled through the park, wandered in the forest, and paused by the water with a warm cup of coffee in hand. Slow living in its purest form. We also cooked together and learned more about healthy eating and the importance of breathing. It was beautiful to see how everyone contributed not just with their minds, but also with their hearts. Caring for the well-being of the team.
At FAME, we value not only travel, but also a healthy lifestyle and genuine connection.
After all that serenity, a little adrenaline was welcome. One highlight? The ice bath in our garden. One by one, hand in hand, we took the plunge into freezing water. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d actually do it, but it was surprisingly refreshing. And above all, a wonderful team moment.
What stayed with me the most, though, was a moment during a forest walk. We did a simple exercise in pairs: listening to the other person without interrupting, without responding, just really listening. Simple in theory, but so meaningful in practice. It turned out to be one of the most valuable moments of the weekend. I got to know my colleague in a completely new way. That hour of connection is something I won’t forget anytime soon.
Of course, we also know how to have fun. After a delicious home-cooked (and healthy!) dinner, the music got louder, and suddenly the living room turned into a dance floor. We sang our hearts out to Beyoncé, laughed until we couldn’t anymore, and maybe poured one glass of wine too many. A fantastic evening (for those who remember it 😉).
It may sound small, but those two days made such a difference. We laughed until our stomachs hurt, shared stories that had nothing to do with work, and came back with a huge dose of fresh energy. I can still feel how much better we collaborate now. I came home with a calm mind, a warm heart, and the feeling of being part of something truly special.
At FAME, I’m not only growing in what I do, but also in who I am.
