When Beyond Marketing is not occupied with spreading psychedelic and innovative healing treatments to the world and fostering our relationships with our TMS and ketamine centers, we redirect our talents to something even more fun. 

I love bringing great people together. All work and no play is no fun! So at least once a year, we bring everyone together in a full immersion, free flow weekend where we can play, share ideas, and reinvigorate our spirit… our Beyond Marketing Retreat! 

This year, we took our talents to Lighthouse Point, Florida. A small town near Fort Lauderdale, we rented a mega mansion situated on 3 lots on a canal. The house looked out over the canal with stunning water views and other opulent homes. 

We began the weekend with a mixer. Beyond Marketing team members started arriving from across North America, from California to Mexico. The mixer began with a hibachi set up. You know, the type where there is a silly crazy hibachi guy. He had saki squirt bottles, a saki mega super-soaker water gun and was an all around entertainer. The team went wild! It was the perfect way to start our retreat as the mixer began at dusk and went through sunset into the darkness. The views, food, and entertainment were top notch. 

Now, I am a big believer in being challenged. Challenges are how we grow. All of life’s greatest gifts are on the edge of our comfort zone. So we began our first full day with challenging our bodies and our minds. 

As the team finished breakfast, they witnessed us carrying bags and bags of ice, and dumping them into a horse trough. Yes, you guessed it! It was COLD PLUNGE time! 

Of course, it was optional but every team member was up for the challenge. The key is to control your breath. If you get out of your heart and into your breath, you can last 3 minutes in the cold plunge. In fact, you can do anything. 

There was one team member in particular who opted out of this last year. However this year, she dove right in with determination and grit. I am so proud of you! You know who you are 🙂

After the team successfully overcame the cold (we got the temperature to about 48 degrees F), it was time for the sessions. 

I shared my origin story of how Beyond Marketing came to be, and the many failures, challenges and lessons along the way. In doing so, my goal was to share the humble beginnings and tenacity required to grow into a multi 7-figure company. 

Next up was Adrian Hill, our Director of Client Success. He shared insight on clear communication to each other and to clients. I loved Adrian’s presentation because it started off with a game of telephone. You know, the game from our childhood where one person would whisper in someone’s ear and the message goes round and round till it makes it back to the original person. 

The first time, we got it wrong! The second time, we nailed it! However, there were several incredible lessons embedded here. First, clarify communication, whether that be from coworkers, clients, or prospects, and second differentiate between what is being said and what is being intended, sometimes these things are different and a quick clarification can solve. 

The team got a lot out of Adrian’s presentation. 

And lastly, was Dr. Karan. Karan spoke about balancing mental health with daily stress of work and life. What stood out to me most was the concept of mindfulness, being aware of others’ situations and circumstances, and breathing techniques. The 4, 7, 8 breathing method. Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8. In doing this three times between calls or throughout the day when you feel stressed, it can have a huge impact on bringing you back to center. 

Lunch and free time followed. 

Followed by an offsite activity. I told the team nothing! Only Sean, our Director of Operations, knew. The only instructions were to wear athleisure wear. 

Then, all of the sudden, we pull up to Top Golf! It was an absolute blast. We had some amazingly skilled golfers in the group and some, well, let’s just say some with a higher competency for marketing than golf!

However, it was a blast and regardless of the skill level, everyone loved whacking golf balls. 

After a good night’s sleep, we were back at it at 8:30am. Again, because in life and in business we need to embrace uncertainty, I told the team nothing, other than wear gym attire. 

Then, our personal trainer showed up. 

He worked us out hard! What I loved about the workout is there were relay style games where 

we had to strategize and also work together to win, all while getting our heart rates up and sweat on!

We also had a funny rule for the weekend. If you were late to anything, you had to do 10 pushups for every minute you were late. Since our trainer was a bit late, after the workout, we made him do 50 pushups. He loved it! 

Then, we had a free day where we strategized about ways to make Beyond Marketing even better and filmed content (stay tuned!)

We ended the night with a cocktail party reception, with amazing and beautiful food from a local caterer. 

As I sat at the head of the table, I looked out at our team enjoying such a beautiful meal. My heart was filled with so much gratitude. I am so grateful for this team and so grateful that our success in business allows us to all get together and create such beautiful memories and have these amazing experiences together.

Then, after some adult beverages after dinner, we broke out into an impromptu Beyond Marketing talent show! People sang and danced their hearts out. It was hilarious and the perfect way to bring the retreat to a close. 

The next morning was slow, quiet and peaceful as we cooked breakfast and people began to hug and say farewell. 

I mentioned earlier that Beyond Marketing turned 7. During my origin story presentation, I had a slide with my first proposal ever. The date was June 8, 2017. And guess the date of this actual presentation? June 7, 2024. Someone shouted out that this was Beyond Marketing’s birthday. I didn’t even know it! It made that moment even more special. 

In asking our amazing team about the retreat here is some of the feedback we got. 

“Despite my initial apprehension about meeting new people and my team for the first time, this company retreat was an incredible experience. Each planned day, event, learning opportunities, and team challenges made it truly memorable. Thank you so much, BM Team!” – Damian Schmidt, SEO & Marketing Strategist. 

“I was so afraid to meet people from all over the world. I think my biggest concern was; that I am not used to people being able to accept how much energy I bring to the table. I didn’t know what to expect or what to do, but I went into it head first. I realized that this is the best company I’ve ever worked for. I got so many warm hugs and smiles. It reminded me of home. Beyond my job, this is my family. Thank you God for allowing me to be a part of an amazing team, and thank you Beyond Marketing Team for the amazing time full of learning and adventures! LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOO” – Shanavia Evans, Client Success Manager

And finally, Gaby Estrella, Client Operations Specialist says “I already knew my team at Beyond Marketing was amazing, but spending a weekend with them in person was a total game-changer! They are not just great colleagues—they’re wonderful and unique human beings. Seeing everyone dancing, talking, laughing, cooking, and showing their true spirit made me realize that these aren’t just my people—they’re MY FAMILY!”

We work super hard. I am a driver. I am intense. But what I love even more than making progress in business is creating amazing experiences with the ones I love. This retreat marks the best in-person Beyond Marketing event in company history! 

If you want to learn more about Beyond Marketing, or are interested in career opportunities, go to www.beyondmarketing.net to learn more about us.