How Human Connections Transform Teams with Kendall Wallace, Founder & Lead Facilitator, Executive Offsites

How can we design experiences that help people have better human experiences?

In this enlightening episode host Natalie Benamou welcomes Kendall Wallace, an expert in creating transformative experiences for workplace teams. Together, they delve into the importance of authentic human connections in fostering a positive and productive work environment. Kendall shares insights from her diverse career journey, from traveling the world to working in tech and facilitating team off-sites that foster deep, meaningful interactions. 

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing team dynamics and resolving interpersonal challenges in today’s often remote work landscape.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Invest in Human Experiences: There is a need for designing authentic experiences to help team members develop empathy and strengthen bonds.
2. Create positive Team Dynamics: When teams are immersed in beautiful environments, like Hawaii, can enhance team retreats, making them more effective in building connections and resolving conflicts.
3. Leverage the Power of Awe in Retreats: Using  awe-inspiring settings in team retreats can significantly boost morale and cooperation among team members, drawing on natural beauty to enhance psychological well-being and team cohesion.
4. Facilitated Conversations in Conflict Resolution: Open conversations during team retreats, allow for honest exchanges and help in addressing underlying tensions, thereby improving long-term team collaboration.

Memorable Quotes from Kendall Wallace:

 “If we want people to care about each other, we actually have to design experiences for people to do that.”

“It hits different when you have an experience where people are being able to be outside, benefit from the serotonin and oxytocin that's being hit from a magical experience.”

 “People don't leave teams if they're feeling seen, valued, and heard.”

“We are humans living a human experience.”

“There is a power of awe and nature does it all on its own.”

Kendall Wallace’s insights provide invaluable guidance on how to navigate and enhance the human aspects of working in teams in all work settings. Her approach combines empathy with strategic experience design to foster workplace environments where people feel connected and valued, paving the way for both personal and organizational growth.