The challenge
Platinum is a US private equity firm specialising in mergers, acquisitions, and operations of companies in diverse sectors across the world. It has a growing European team which provides in-house operational expertise to portfolio companies. Whilst this team is often working independently within companies, it was recognised that – as the team continues to grow – there are a number of areas where a more collaborative, joined-up approach will prove beneficial in terms of its ability to help portfolio companies grow their businesses and unlock potential faster.
The programme
CoCreate designed and delivered an off-site for the Portfolio Operations team in Europe. The primary aim was to build trust and safety across the group and develop a sense of team.
We took the team to the stunning South Downs – a deliberately stark contrast from the normal working environment – and walked the Seven Sisters from East Dene to Cuckmere Haven. On route, we set up a series of paired conversations giving the team an opportunity to better understand each other. Questions focused on values, beliefs and motivations, what matters to them about the work they do, when they’re at their best, the pressures they face and how they’re viewed by Execs within the portfolio companies where they work.
At Cuckmere Haven, the team took to the water and tried their hand at stand-up paddle boarding – first individually and then as one team on a huge paddle board – a great way of breaking down barriers and bringing new energy to the conversations.
The walk continued up the valley after lunch, with a future-facing conversation considering what this team could become in the next 12 months and the work that’s needed to achieve this.
We ended at the magnificent Rathfinny Wine Estate, one of the most significant single vineyards in England and one of the largest in Europe. This unique setting provided an awesome environment in which to have dinner together and continue the rich conversations from the day.