Winter Retreat 2024: Aiming for Excellence

In November, the Artyc team gathered in California for our latest retreat. Over the course of two days, we had the chance to align on objectives, strengthen connections, and prepare for what promises to be a pivotal year. With a clear focus on execution and outcomes, we worked together to set priorities that will guide us through 2025.

Retreats like this are an important tradition at Artyc. They give us the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day grind, and think strategically about where we are headed. This time, our agenda was packed with topics related to taking action, and ensuring that every part of the company is working toward the same vision.

From Preparation to Execution

The theme of this retreat reflected how we’ve grown as a company. In the past, we used the metaphor of puzzle pieces to highlight the importance of communication and collaboration in building our foundation. At that stage, the emphasis was on bringing the right elements together, and positioning ourselves to hit one bullseye after the other. 

We’ve now shifted from preparation to a stronger focus on implementation. This means spending more time turning plans into action, and working together to drive meaningful results. With successful pilots completed and major milestones achieved across our software and hardware, we’ve laid the groundwork and are ready to deliver.

We’re no longer just putting pieces together; we’re aligning our efforts toward big plans for 2025. Ultimately, while each team has its own role, success will depend on all of us moving in sync and toward the same objectives.

Workshops That Shaped Our Thinking

From engineering to business strategy, we had workshops that covered a broad range of topics. These sessions weren’t just about sharing information—they were designed to spark new ideas, improve how we work together and provide practical tools.

 Here are some examples:  

• Technical Deep Dive: Mark, our CTO and co-founder, led a session exploring the science that powers our innovations. From thermodynamics to the Carnot engine, this workshop gave the team a better understanding of the principles behind our products and their real-world applications.
• Futures Thinking Workshop: Our Mechanical Engineering Lead guided small groups through discussions on emerging trends and opportunities. We explored the future of cooling technologies, supply chain logistics, AI-driven software, and climate-conscious branding. These conversations sparked fresh ideas that will influence our work in the months ahead.
• Interactive Product Simulation: Our Head of Business Strategy and Operations facilitated a hands-on simulation for transporting the Medstow 5L intercampus between clinical sites. Team members stepped into stakeholder roles to simulate real-world scenarios, gaining valuable insights into the product’s impact and functionality.
• Technology and Software Roadmap: Our Head of Software presented recent updates to our online portal, including a sneak peak of new features. This session helped the entire team understand how our technology is evolving and what’s coming next, ensuring alignment across departments.

Building Stronger Connections

While the retreat was packed with strategy sessions and presentations, it also gave us plenty of time to bond as a team. Activities like go-karting, bowling, shared meals, and board games helped us strengthen relationships and build camaraderie.

For our remote colleagues, the retreat was especially meaningful. Since they primarily work with teammates through Slack and video calls, spending time together in person was incredibly valuable. Whether it was cooking dinner as a group or competing at the bowling alley, these moments brought our team closer and reinforced the collaborative spirit that defines Artyc’s culture.

Simple as they may seem, shared experiences like these have a lasting impact. They build trust, deepen connections, and remind us that a strong team isn’t just about working toward shared goals—it’s also about enjoying the journey together.

Key Takeaways

As we wrapped up the retreat, several key themes emerged that will shape our work in the months ahead:

• Deeper Product Understanding: Simulation exercises gave us a clear view of how our products perform in real-world scenarios, helping us better anticipate challenges and refine our solutions.
• Unified Goals: The retreat strengthened alignment across teams, ensuring that every department is focused on the same objectives and working toward a shared vision.
• Fresh Perspectives: The Futures Thinking workshop introduced new ideas and strategies, positioning us to stay ahead in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
• Renewed Energy: Time spent connecting as a team revitalized our commitment to Artyc’s mission, and deepened collaboration between remote and in-office staff.
• Concrete Action Plans: We left with clear, actionable steps to achieve our goals and bring the company’s long-term vision to life.

Looking Ahead

The shift from planning to implementation is a big step forward for Artyc. We’ve built a strong foundation over the last few years, and now, we’re in an excellent position to leverage it.  

This retreat helped us clarify where we’re headed, align on priorities, and make sure that everyone knows how important their contributions are to the company’s success. The workshops gave us a roadmap for what’s next, and the time spent together strengthened the trust and teamwork that we’ll need to make it happen.

We’ve set ambitious goals for the next 12 months, and we know there’ll be challenges along the way. With a clear direction and a united team, we’re ready to tackle them. Strong execution is at the center of everything we’ve got planned, and together, we’re focused on making 2025 our best year yet.