From Screens to Dreams: Aigora's First Team Gathering in La Palma, Canary Islands
As an AI-focused company, we at Aigora have always thrived on digital collaboration. Yet, our recent gathering in La Palma, La Isla Bonita, brought a fresh dimension to our interactions. For many Aigorians, this was the first face-to-face meeting after years of virtual teamwork. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Parador Hotel in Breña Baja, the event was a vibrant fusion of strategic planning and team bonding, infused with the spirit of the scenic Canary Islands.
Purpose and Work Sessions
Our main goal for the event was to realign our mission and vision with the evolution Aigora has undergone over its five years. "It was an incredible opportunity to finally meet everyone in person and really dig into the essence of what Aigora stands for," shared Danielle, underscoring the significance of this in-person interaction. The sessions focused on refining our products and services, developing new roadmaps, and optimizing our internal workflows.
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"The greatest value of this meeting was just getting to know the rest of the team," reflected Dominik. "We explored, talked, and laughed together, discovering commonalities I hadn’t anticipated." Significant strides were made in optimizing how the consultants and tech teams collaborate, marked by a sense of collective responsibility and shared goals. These discussions were marked by a sense of collective responsibility and shared goals, as Dominik pointed out: "All the discussions on our ways of working were very useful and might already improve our internal communication." The workshops fostered a deep dive into Aigora’s workflows, with a focus on enhancing communication and incorporating the tech team more effectively into the marketing and sales process.
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Cecile captured the spirit of the sessions: "Our team meeting was filled with laughter and many joyful moments, making the atmosphere light and fun." This sentiment was echoed by Vanessa, who found the meetings "both enlightening and productive," helping to "connect with the team in person and strengthen our bonds."
Outdoor Activities and Culinary Delights
Despite the autumn weather, which was good for the island but less convenient for hiking, we ventured into the Caldera de Taburiente and tackled the misty trails of the highest mountains. "The weather at La Palma seemed unpredictable. The second we passed through the clouds and saw the beam of sunlight shining on the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory suddenly reminded me of all the stories I read about Voyager," shared Tian, drawing parallels between their explorations and the adventurous spirit of their work.
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A special afternoon was dedicated to visiting Danielle’s hometown, El Tablado, where we got a glimpse of her home and garden before wandering down the coastal path to the local pub "La Garza." Here, Claire prepared delightful tapas for us. This casual gathering at the local pub allowed us to unwind and enjoy each other's company in a relaxed setting, blending cultural immersion with local cuisine.
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Throughout our stay, we experienced the excellent local cuisine, enjoying dishes that highlighted fresh, seasonal ingredients. "The food was remarkable; this was the first time I ate a well-prepared octopus," Laura spoke about the culinary experiences with enthusiasm. As the week concluded, we ventured out to Santa Cruz for an evening of souvenir shopping and relaxed drinks on the terraces, perfectly wrapping up our intensive week. Our culinary journey culminated with a spectacular farewell BBQ at the restaurant Chipi-Chipi, where we savored grilled specialties under the stars.
Reflections and Looking Forward
This gathering in La Palma marked a milestone for Aigora, strengthening team bonds and setting a strategic course for the future. Amid strategic discussions and leisure activities, we not only aligned our objectives but also deepened our connections, which are essential for our continued collaboration.
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The diversity of activities catered to the various interests within the group. Mateusz humorously noted his battle with seasickness during the boat ride but found the overall experience "super productive." "It’s the exploration of the unknown, and I feel so lucky I can do it with the crew of Aigora," Tian encapsulated the spirit of the event. Despite the challenging weather, our enthusiasm for mountain hiking and the series of social outings, culminating in a farewell BBQ dinner, underscored the importance of our first in-person gathering. Marcin highlighted the personal engagement and commitment demonstrated by each participant, vital for Aigora’s growth and functionality.
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As we left La Palma, we carried with us not only the insights and plans forged during our productive sessions but also the warmth and team-spirit, fully refreshed for the challenges ahead.