Retreats Aren’t a Luxury—They’re a Necessity: Reflections from Boulder

As we kick off 2025, I’ve been reflecting on a milestone moment from the end of last year—transform.forward’s first-ever team retreat. After years of planning retreats for clients, it felt long overdue to step into the experience ourselves, and let me tell you, it was worth every bit of planning. Over four days, we balanced structured sessions, shared meals, and late-night conversations, creating an experience that not only strengthened our team but also set the stage for the future of transform.forward.

Bringing the team together in Boulder, my home for the past several years, wasn’t just about aligning on strategy or refining processes—though we did plenty of that. It was about creating a space where every team member could feel seen, valued, and connected. Retreats aren’t just about work; they’re about the people who make the work happen.

The Power of Personal Connection

As a remote team, we don’t often get to share the same physical space. This retreat gave us that rare chance to connect on a deeper level, and I wanted to make the most of it. One way I approached this was by sharing more of myself—something I’ve realized I don’t always do at work.

Over the course of the retreat, I let the team in on pieces of my life that are meaningful to me. I’m originally from Chicago and still consider that a core part of my identity formation. From having Portillo’s Italian beef sandwiches and Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizzas shipped in from Chicago to sharing snacks I grew up with, these were more than just meals; they were stories. And those stories sparked conversations about what shaped us all—our roots, our quirks, and the little things that make us who we are.

But it wasn’t just about me. I spent time thinking about how to make each person feel recognized in their own unique way. I brought their favorite snacks—carefully curated from past client trips, airport snack runs, and what I see them snacking on via video chat—and we shared the backstories behind them with the rest of the team. Watching someone’s face light up because they realized you remembered something small about them? That’s the good stuff!

Creating Opportunities for Growth

Another intentional part of the retreat was giving everyone a chance to step into leadership roles. Whether it was facilitating a session, leading a discussion, or sharing a new idea, every person contributed in ways that were both natural and a stretch. It wasn’t about who had the most experience leading; it was about who could bring their unique voice to the conversation.

Sometimes, we assigned roles based on strengths we already knew about. It was amazing that folks got to see each other shine. Not often do our practice areas get to see each other in action.  Other times, we used the retreat as a chance to push someone into new territory, creating an opportunity for growth. And the best part? Seeing how much the team supported one another in those moments.

A Shared Process, Not a Perfect One

Let’s be real—retreats aren’t about sticking to a rigid schedule or making everything perfect. We weren’t always on time, and we didn’t always finish every session exactly as planned. But that flexibility allowed us to prioritize what mattered most. We checked in often, adjusting the flow when something felt like a better use of our time.

Did we get enough sleep? Not even close. But those late nights playing a simulation game and laughing until our sides hurt? Totally worth it. Sometimes, the moments that don’t feel like “work” are the ones that leave the biggest impact on the team. 

Why It Matters

Here’s the thing about retreats: they’re an investment, and they can feel like an indulgence when budgets are tight or priorities are piling up. But I can say with absolute certainty that this was one of the best investments we’ve made as an organization.

This retreat wasn’t just about strategy or productivity; it was about connection. It was about showing people that they matter—not just for what they do, but for who they are. And in doing that, we laid the groundwork for a stronger, more aligned team ready to tackle 2025 with creativity, trust, and renewed energy.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the new year, I’m excited to see how the ideas, insights, and connections we built during this retreat shape our work moving forward. Whether it’s introducing new activities we tested with clients or simply carrying forward the spirit of collaboration we cultivated, this experience will ripple through everything we do.

To my incredible team: thank you for showing up, engaging fully, and making this retreat a success. To our clients: we can’t wait to share what we’ve learned and continue partnering with you to create transformative solutions.

If you’re considering hosting a retreat for your team but aren’t sure if it’s worth the effort—trust me, it is. These aren’t just meetings in a different setting; they’re opportunities to connect, to recognize, and to build something extraordinary together. We’d be happy to help you plan yours! 

Here’s to a meaningful start to 2025. Let’s make it a great one.

– Adam Cebulski

CEO & Founder