Reflecting on an fruitful team weekend in the countryside
A reflective article by Charlie McMullen, Intradco Global CEO.
Our global team of 33 friends and colleagues gathered in the Sussex UK countryside for a three-day retreat designed to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and celebrate the people who make everything we do possible. At Intradco Global our organisation is built on care: care for animals, care for clients, and care for one another, bonds which organically optimise our path forward and how efficiently we go, each step, each shipment.
The setting for the weekend was the beautiful Ashdown Park Hotel, the perfect backdrop for a balance of reflection, relaxation, and fun. Our time was thoughtfully split between strategy sessions and moments of pure enjoyment, a calming spa visit, a friendly round of golf, elegant group dinners, and our light-hearted Intradco Awards.
This collection of immersive experiences highlighted everything, from standout contributions to memorable team moments… I even chanced my hand at some quasi-shamanic fun, with the effects debatable depending on who you ask.
What unfolded was more than a meeting: it was a meaningful reminder that behind every complex shipment, there is a team of thoughtful, dedicated individuals who genuinely enjoy collaborating together and who are united by our shared mission… often mission impossible, not just made possible but delivered to delight our partners.
Our attendees travelled from our global offices to a countryside retreat in leafy UK:
- United Kingdom, serving Europe
- Canada, serving Canada and South America
- United States, serving the USA
- Dubai, serving IMEA
- South Africa, serving Africa
- Australia, serving Oceania
While we operate seamlessly across time zones every day, meeting in person created an energy that no virtual call can replicate. The weekend offered an invaluable opportunity for teams who collaborate digitally to connect face-to-face, exchange stories, and understand the personalities behind the daily interactions.
For many, it was the first time meeting between colleagues whom they’ve worked alongside for years, a powerful moment for a company that continues to grow rapidly in size, geographical reach, and expertise.
My Aims
Enhanced communication and collaboration:
Create a setting outside of day-to-day work where people could connect on a more personal level. Stronger relationships naturally lead to better communication and smoother collaboration across projects and regions.
Greater trust and camaraderie:
Activities that encouraged people to rely on one another, helping to build trust, interdependence and a genuine sense of unity. A team that feels connected operates with far greater confidence and positivity.
Increase morale and productivity:
Lift spirits, create shared memories and energise the team. A positive, motivated group is always more productive, more engaged and more satisfied in their roles.
Foster creativity:
Spark fresh thinking and open the door to new ideas with innovative approaches, crafted by our empowered team.
Strengthen company culture:
Reinforce our culture, one that values people, collaboration and pride in our work. This strong culture continues to attract talent and inspire loyalty.
Identify skills and potential:
Observe strengths, emerging leaders and hidden abilities that don’t always surface in day-to-day operations. I deliver on these insights dynamically with expanded roles and reward.
Improve retention:
For everyone to leave feeling more connected to each other and to the business. When people feel part of something meaningful, they stay, grow and contribute at a deeper level. I want to build on our proud average retention of 8+ years. Upward mobility within roles, supported by all members, is crucial as we grow in scope.
Fun-filled times of vitality & virtue
Of course, collaboration isn’t just about strategy; it’s also about relaxing together, having fun, and building trust beyond the meeting room.
Over the weekend, the team enjoyed:
- A calming spa afternoon
- Long walks through the countryside
- Two excellent group dinners filled with laughter, storytelling and camaraderie
- A round of golf in the autumn sunshine
- Fun-packed competitions
One of the surprises of the weekend was our paper plate painting competition, which quickly became a team favourite. Some truly incredible efforts highlighted the depth, precision and self-awareness of our team. Creativity flowed, artistic talent (and plenty of humour) emerged, reminding us how personality and warmth has come to flow naturally into everything we do.
These moments matter. They allow us to reconnect as people, not just professionals; to celebrate the diverse personalities, cultures and backgrounds that make our company strong. From the quieter souls to the lively characters, from long-standing team members to new arrivals, everyone had a space, a voice, and a moment.
Connection
We marked a very special milestone: Zac’s 10 years with Intradco Global. To celebrate a decade of dedication, he was presented with a bespoke map charting every shipment he has travelled on around the world, a visual testament to his commitment, experience, and the countless animals whose journeys he has helped shape. It was one of the most heartfelt moments of the weekend, applauded by colleagues from every region who have worked with Zac to deliver complex projects globally, always respecting the unexpected.
The three-day retreat combined structured meetings with much-needed downtime. Mornings focused on:
- Reviewing recent achievements
- Aligning on strategic plans
- Sharing insights across regions
- Discussing innovations in live animal and event logistics
- Strengthening communication across departments
What made these sessions exceptional was the openness of the conversations. People felt encouraged to speak freely, contribute ideas, and highlight both wins and challenges. As one team member put it “We don’t just work together, we build together.”
Our collective and creative mindset continues to shape Intradco Global’s evolution into the world’s leading specialist in live animal and live event air chartering.
Key Takeaways
By the time we returned home, the weekend had delivered on every one of its goals:
- We showcased that Intradco Global is truly global, and growing
Our reach now spans multiple continents, and our talent pool is expanding with it.
- We strengthened synergy across global teams
Working internationally means we rely heavily on each other, and this weekend brought us face-to-face, a prized builder and bonder which no technology can buy.
- We built deeper personal connections
This retreat highlighted exactly who we are individually and collectively. I find that clients choose Intradco not only for expertise, but for the people behind the service.
- We aligned on new ideas and future plans
Whether operational improvements, welfare-focused innovations or emerging opportunities, the weekend sparked valuable discussions. It’s key to me that everyone is part of orienting the journey forth.
- We reminded ourselves why we do what we do
Our business is complex, but our purpose is simple: to deliver exceptional care, service and reliability for our clients and their animals. Subliminally, perhaps we thought that dressing up as animals might help us in our quest to provide them with the best possible experience… nonetheless, the spirit of play and purpose is always with our team culturally.
Here and next
If there’s one thing we hope can be taken away from this gathering, for our team, who participated so gleefully, and our broader stakeholders watching in, it’s that we are, above all, a people-first business. We are approachable, collaborative, and deeply committed to doing the right thing.
The weekend reinforced that our clients aren’t just working with a supplier; they’re working with a team of genuine, passionate individuals who take pride in going the extra mile.
As Intradco Global continues to grow, events like this remind us that our greatest strength is not our technology, our fleet solutions, or even our decades of expertise. Our greatest strength is the global connectivity between our people, all of whom are specialists in their own field, interlinked, to unlock value across our global paths synergistically.
Here’s to another year of shared success, global collaboration, and meaningful relationships, both inside our team and with clients around the world.
Charlie McMullen, Intradco Global CEO
