Interview with Nicolas, a company director who took his entire team to a seminar at “Susci”.
– Can you introduce yourself?
– My name is Nicolas, I’m 34 years old, and 3 years ago I created a startup that markets quality agri-food products through short distribution channels, using an innovative logistics system. Two partners help me to develop the company, and 4 employees help us on a daily basis with our missions.
– What prompted you to organize a seminar for your company?
– Our offices are in Paris, in a dynamic and effervescent district. We work a lot and travel a lot to see our suppliers and producers. Our days are pretty “speedy”, with a lot of running and bubbling everywhere! But in this exhilarating, fast-paced environment, we realized that it wasn’t easy to take a step back when we felt that important strategic decisions had to be made for the company. We just couldn’t make them. Apprehension, tension, the steamrollering pace of business… We also said to ourselves that we were “focus-boulot” all the time, and that we weren’t taking enough time for real breaks, those extended moments when, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris, we make more room for human contact and relaxation. Those moments when the expression “at rest” takes on its full meaning. That’s when the idea for the seminar came up…
– Why hold a company seminar in Morbihan?
– Good question! Basically, we all have ties to the South of France, between PACA and the Gulf of Lion, on the coast. But, adventurous as we are, we decided that a mythical region that was still a little unknown to us would be an ideal location. We needed the sea nearby, a train station not far away, fresh air, and above all, not some impersonal lamba hotel to put us up in. And not an overly large venue. Pretty soon, Brittany was on the short-list. We tapped 3 or 4 queries on Google images, and saw some sublime shots around the Golfe du Morbihan. 3 clicks later, we came across the “Susci” website… Just perfect! An e-mail to Marine, the owner, a check of the availability and prices (it fitted our budget!), and that was it. The next day, the tickets were booked: Sarzeau, the Rhuys peninsula, the Gulf, and here we were!
– What are your impressions of the accommodation in Suscinio?
– Very nice. We quickly felt at home. It’s a beautiful U-shaped seaside house, half of which we occupy. In the past, it must have been a building for a summer camp, but I must say that the owners have done it up really well. The volumes are generous, the light is omnipresent (we were lucky enough to be there in May, and the weather was crazy…), and the new bedding is extremely comfortable. The best part is the sea view from some rooms: priceless. In terms of equipment, the business area offers everything you need. Connections, sound, lighting, projection space. Just what we needed!
– What activities had you planned for this company seminar in Morbihan?
– We stayed for 2 days and 3 nights. We tried our hand at kite-surfing at Penvins. A tour of the Gulf, of course, with a stop at an oyster farmer’s (with whom we later made a “deal” for our business!), a visit to the nearby chateau de Suscinio, and finally, the arrival of a Chef “at home” to give us a masterclass on “local” seafood cuisine. Quite frankly, it was a great way to relax!
– And what about business?
– We did a bit of work, though… But only in the morning, and not too early! More seriously, in this kind of context, the mind is more alert, the atmosphere more relaxed, and the unspoken is no longer there. We had the impression that our brainstorms were more productive, that getting to the point was indeed an easy thing to do. We all felt a high level of involvement, but without the effort. By the last morning, we were all thinking clearly. We’d made our decisions. And we were ready to go back to Paris to put them into practice!
– Would you recommend the Sarzeau corporate seminar experience to other companies?
– Don’t hesitate! Whether you’re a start-up, a small business or an executive committee of up to 20 people, come to Marine and Guillaume at Susci. It’s a great place to be. It’s a place to forge closer ties, strengthen teams and boost motivation. Frankly, you won’t be disappointed!