In a recent LinkedIn post, Ross Simmonds discusses the critical role of team cohesion and in-person collaboration in strategic planning, detailing his company’s recent retreat in Málaga, Spain. Simmonds highlights how achieving a significant business goal led to a team reward: a trip to Spain, underscoring a philosophy that successful teams are those that enjoy working together.
As Simmonds shared:
“I’ve always believed that teams that win are the ones who enjoy working together.”
The post details the activities during the week, which included intensive planning sessions interspersed with cultural experiences and team bonding. Simmonds framed the retreat not just as a reward, but as a vital component for aligning the team towards future objectives.
The Power of In-Person Connection
Simmonds emphasizes the significance of meeting face-to-face, especially for teams that have collaborated remotely for extended periods. He notes that many team members had worked together for years but had never met in person.
According to Simmonds:
“Many of us have worked with each other for 2-3 years.. Some for 5+… But never met in the flesh. To have the chance to meet in person was an absolute blast and dream come true.”
This in-person interaction, he suggests, fosters a deeper level of trust and understanding, which is invaluable for strategic alignment and future planning. The blend of professional discussions and leisure activities, such as walks through the city and golf, was instrumental in this process.
Bridging Strategy and Camaraderie
The retreat’s structure, as described by Simmonds, was a deliberate mix of focused strategy work and enjoyable shared experiences. The planning week involved:
- Post-it note brainstorming sessions
- Paella lunches in Málaga
- Passionate debates about the company’s direction
- Walks and exploration of the city
- Defining goals, commitments, and future plans
- Golf outings following strategy sessions
- Long dinners with colleagues from various locations
Simmonds argues that this integrated approach, where professional goals are met with personal connection and shared enjoyment, creates a more robust and committed team. The promise of the trip was contingent on hitting a specific goal set the previous year, a commitment that was fulfilled.
“Promise made. Promise kept. 🔒”
He further elaborates on the outcome of this blend of work and camaraderie:
“Between the laughs, great food and awesome people we planned & aligned towards the next chapter of Foundation. An exciting one…”
Looking Ahead: Hiring and Team Culture
The post concludes with an announcement that Foundation is hiring, directly linking the success and positive culture experienced during the retreat to the type of environment they offer prospective employees. Simmonds invites individuals seeking to do their best work alongside a supportive team to explore career opportunities with them.
In Ross Simmonds’s view, the success of the Spanish retreat underscores the principle that investing in team relationships and providing opportunities for genuine connection directly translates into enhanced strategic planning and overall business success. The experience served as both a reward for past achievements and a powerful catalyst for future growth.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ross Simmonds on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 24, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →