Team Gatherings: Strategy, Connection, and a Taste of Switzerland

At Magnolia, we believe that strong teams are built not only through collaboration but also through shared experiences. Each year, every Magnolia team has the opportunity to organize its own gathering: a day to step away from daily tasks, look at the bigger picture, and strengthen the bonds that make teamwork so rewarding.

These gatherings blend planning and strategy with creative team-building — from brainstorming bold new initiatives to rolling up our sleeves for activities like forest clean-ups, curling matches, or even chocolate-making. They’re a reminder that growth and connection often happen best when we mix purpose with play.

In October, the Shared Services team came together for their annual gathering — a day filled with reflection, gratitude, and, of course, a touch of sweetness.

The morning was dedicated to reviewing achievements and identifying optimization opportunities across the team’s many areas of responsibility. Our CFO, who leads the Shared Services department, opened the session by thanking the team for their essential work in keeping Magnolia running smoothly — from payroll and finance topics to employee journey management, and everything in between. As he highlighted, this department’s mission goes far beyond processes; it’s about creating a foundation of trust, care, and psychological safety for every Magnolian.

During the workshops, teams collaborated on plans to improve processes and enhance the services that support all Magnolia employees. The goal was simple yet powerful: to ensure that everyone across the company feels supported, empowered, and able to do their best work.

After a productive morning, it was time to shift gears — and settings. The team enjoyed a copious lunch at an iconic Basel restaurant, where laughter flowed as freely as conversation. Food choices were met not with judgment but with envy, and stories were shared that brought colleagues even closer together.

The afternoon took on a decidedly Swiss flavor as the group ventured toward what felt like Charlie’s Chocolate Factory. Because when you think of Switzerland, you think of chocolate — and what better way to celebrate teamwork than by diving into the art of chocolate making?

The workshop offered a whole sensory experience: learning about the fascinating history of chocolate, tasting rich varieties, and, most memorably, getting hands-on with liquid chocolate. Some participants even mastered the art of layering dark, milk, and white chocolate — emerging as true chocolatiers for the day!

It was a deliciously memorable way to close out the gathering — a perfect blend of creativity, mindfulness, and shared joy.

As the year draws to a close, this event was a sweet reminder of what makes Magnolia special: the people behind the processes, the laughter behind the strategy, and the shared experiences that turn a workplace into a community. After all, what could be better than being one ingredient in this ever-evolving recipe of growth, collaboration, and togetherness?