Safari Strategy as I'd call it

I’ve been on a whirlwind work trip to Kenya, and let me tell you, it has been more than just a typical experience.

Now, picture this: Naivasha, a beautiful setting for our yearly planning session. The sun illuminated the grasslands as we dived into our complex plans, predictions, and some surprises. It was a time for us to come together and figure out what we needed to do for the future.

Day one kicked off like a shot of espresso, adrenaline-pumping and conversation flowing. The agenda? Recapping the rollercoaster that was 2023 and dissecting our OKRs like a group of corporate detectives on a mission. As part of the product team, I found myself front and center, unraveling our accomplishments and misadventures in the past year.

But hold on, this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill boardroom saga. No, sir! We took strategic discussions to a whole new level on day two. Imagine brainstorming sessions under the African sun, with acacia trees as our silent witnesses and zebras as our occasional consultants (metaphorically speaking, of course). The air was charged with ideas, and our notebooks were soon filled with the ink of innovative thoughts.

Now, here’s the twist. As the sun dipped below the horizon, our regular outfits made way for something a little more ritzy — a black-tie dinner that could rival the glamour of any Hollywood soiree. The conference room transformed into a beacon of sophistication, echoing with laughter and the clink of glasses. Who said strategy couldn’t be chic?

But that wasn’t the highlight; it was the journey back to Nairobi that etched the biggest smile on our faces. The road, often bumpy and winding, mirrored the twists and turns of our strategic discussions. Yet, every pothole was a reminder that the path to success is rarely a smooth ride.

Now, let’s talk about the unsung heroes of our retreat — the resort chefs. If Michelin stars were given for culinary performances, these chefs would be holding a galaxy of them. Not only did they fuel our brainstorming sessions with delicious food but also surprised us with impromptu performances that delighted our taste buds and ears.

In the heart of Naivasha, surrounded by nature, we found not only strategic insights but also a variety of flavors and camaraderie. Our journey wasn’t just about crunching numbers and setting goals; it was an immersive experience that blurred the lines between work and leisure.

As I sit back at my desk, Nairobi’s skyline replaced by office walls, I can’t help but reflect on the unexpected charm of our Naivasha rendezvous. It wasn’t just a work trip; it was a wild ride of reflection, revealing, and inspiring experience.

In the end, it wasn’t just about the strategies we crafted; it was about the bonds we forged, the laughs we shared, and the unpredictable dance of inspiration that unfolded under the African sky. So, here’s to Naivasha — the backdrop for our corporate retreat, where work and leisure intertwine, leaving us with memories as vivid as a Kenyan sunset.