
We stepped away from our screens, wrapped up a successful workshop delivery session, and made our way to EL&N in Birmingham—a venue renowned for its luxurious coffee, exquisite dining, and Instagram-worthy aesthetics. But this wasn’t just about treating ourselves or ticking the box for a festive meet-up. It was intentional.

I wanted to create a change of environment, offering my team a chance to focus on something more vital than our daily tasks: their well-being. It was an opportunity to check in with one another, dream together, support each other and ,most importantly, bond as individuals.
Why Moments Like These Matter
The run-up to Christmas can be relentless—tight deadlines, long to-do lists and the constant pressure to deliver. It’s all too easy to slip into autopilot, which makes us vulnerable to burnout. Yet, it’s the human connections within a team that fuel creativity, build trust, and cultivate resilience.
I recognised this and wanted to carve out a safe, relaxing space away from the office walls—a well-deserved break. Over pistachio Spanish coffee, pink lemonades, sweet cakes and impressively presented savoury bites, I learned so much about my team: what drives them, the challenges they’re navigating, and the side projects that light them up.
One thing became abundantly clear: people are more than their job titles!
Each person brings unique perspectives, untapped passions, and a wealth of creativity inspired by their broader lives. I discovered unexpected connections—shared interests and different viewpoints that sparked fresh ideas and deeper understanding. These moments of openness reminded me that great leadership isn’t just about steering the ship; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Building a Culture of Support and Innovation
I’ve had the privilege of working under good managers, bad managers, and truly great managers. Those experiences, coupled with my ongoing investment in professional development, have taught me that strong team cultures don’t just happen—they’re cultivated with intention.
This really got me thinking about work cultures and how to get the best out of contracted team members, and I think its about - encouraging people to be authentic.
Foster Open Dialogue Create spaces where people feel safe sharing their goals, challenges, and aspirations. This not only boosts morale but aligns individual passions with collective team objectives.
Invest in Relationships Take time to connect personally. Building trust at a human level lays the foundation for effective collaboration and ensures people feel genuinely supported.
Celebrate the Whole Person Acknowledge and celebrate team members not just for their roles but for their creative pursuits, passions, and side ventures. This recognition fuels engagement and fosters a deeper sense of belonging.
More Than a Team: A Community

The true magic of our small yet mighty team gathering wasn’t just in the surroundings or the delicious food—it was in the bonds we deepened and the understanding we gained of one another. When a team evolves from a collection of roles into a community of supportive individuals, the potential for innovation becomes truly limitless!
We even started sharing new ideas for the Innovation Navigator project and I'm confident and proud of the work we're achieving!
Our team may be small but its MIGHTY its a diverse and dynamic blend of working hybrid, spanning generations, balancing outside commitments and juggling personal passions. We’re unapologetic perfectionists, if I do say so myself! Driven dreamers, and go-getters who hold ourselves to the highest standards. This combination makes us resilient, creative, and capable of achieving extraordinary things, even on pressing deadlines and ambitious KPIs.
The Rise of the Side Hustler
Speaking of passion projects, let’s address the growing phenomenon of side hustles. It turns out I’m not just working with brilliant innovators but also budding entrepreneurs, weekend creatives, and movie stars in the making. According to Finder,
43% of UK adults now have a side hustle, with younger generations leading the way. On average, these ventures generate an additional £900 per month, or £10,800 annually.
I find this especially prevalent among women, who often excel at turning resourcefulness, creativity, and collaboration into successful side ventures. Rather than seeing these 'passion projects' as distractions, I see them as an extension of the same entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation in the workplace.
Celebrating the Whole Person
Some organisations might view side hustles as a threat to focus or loyalty.
I see them as an opportunity. - its a controversial view point, but I truly believe, that supporting employees in their personal ventures can unlock untapped potential, It maybe the next best thing that adds to your organisations or projects growth and just might be that spark needed to lead a more fulfilled and motivated workforce.
I believe the side hustle culture shouldn't be the elephant in the office!
It should be celebrated and encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset isn’t just good for individuals; it creates a culture where ambition and creativity flourish, benefiting everyone. - Now I get it - not everyone wants to be a busy working on a side project and that's ok too, each to their own.
But as I walked away from today’s lunch, feeling full and inspired, I realised something profound: teams thrive when individuals feel empowered to bring their whole selves to the table. It’s in these moments of connection—over coffee and shared dreams—that we discovered the spark to move forward.
So let’s raise our latte glasses to a future where creativity, ambition, and humanity intertwine beautifully, here's to the small teams making a huge impact and to the side hustlers, the dreamers, and the innovators who dare to blend work with passion!
Bình luận