Kaimera’s Offsite
This year, Kaimera's 5th annual offsite took us to the stunning Ettalong on the Central Coast. With the theme centered around teamwork, the event had a great mix of insightful discussions, engaging activities, and moments of relaxation, all aimed at strengthening our team spirit and culture.
A Memorable Keynote by Kyah Simon
One of the highlights of our offsite was the inspiring talk by Matilda's star, Kyah Simon. Kyah shared her experiences from the world of professional sports, shedding light on the detrimental effects of cliques within a team. Her discussion on inclusivity and unity was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration and mutual respect. Kyah’s insights resonated with our commitment to building a supportive work environment.
The Survivor Challenge
To put our teamwork skills to the test, we participated in the stimulating Survivor Game. Stranded on a metaphorical desert island, each team had to prioritize a list of 15 items crucial for survival. This exercise was a brilliant way to highlight the importance of collective decision-making and effective communication. It was interesting to see how different teams approached the challenge, balancing creativity, and practicality to come up with their final lists. Albeit it was clear not everyone would survive such a situation based on some individual results!
Activity
Our offsite wouldn't be complete without some friendly competition. The team challenge activity featured a range of sports and puzzles designed to test our physical and mental agility. From Frisby throwing to brain-teasing puzzles, every activity required teamwork and strategic collaboration. This proved to be easier for some than for others – with Chicka bowing out early and Nick Behr pulling his hamstring. The Yellow Team emerged victorious, though there was some light-hearted debate about the fairness of their win.
Engaging with Senior Leadership
Another significant component of the offsite was the panel with our Senior Leadership. In an open and honest forum, our leaders addressed some of the toughest questions posed by the wider agency. This session was invaluable, providing transparency and fostering a culture of open communication. It was reassuring to hear our leaders' perspectives on various issues and their vision for the future of Kaimera.
Evenings
The evenings in Ettalong were just as memorable as the daytime activities. We enjoyed two lovely dinners that offered a chance to unwind and connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting. The final night was particularly memorable, with impromptu sing-alongs and a spontaneous solo dance by none other than the incomparable Lucas Ontivero that spread laughter throughout the room. These moments of joy and togetherness were the perfect way to end our offsite.
A Strengthened Culture
Overall, our offsite was a resounding success. Through a series of well-designed activities and meaningful discussions, we reinforced the importance of teamwork and strengthened our culture. The lessons learned and the bonds formed during this offsite will undoubtedly propel us forward as we continue to grow as a team.