One Team, One Beat, One Success

How our Malta offsite set the momentum for 2026

Sometimes, timing and place simply align. Our company event in Malta was exactly that: the right moment, the right energy, and the right setting to kick off a year with ambitious goals ahead of us.

Bringing the entire CDQ team together at the beginning of the year felt intentional. With colleagues spread across Europe, many of them in the northern regions, we wanted to start 2026 with sunlight, warmth, and a shared sense of momentum. Malta delivered on all of that and more.

From the very first moment, the energy in the room was unmistakable. What stood out immediately was how engaged everyone was from second one. There was playfulness, curiosity, and at the same time a strong sense of focus. We know who we are. We know what we want to achieve. And we know who we are building for.

One orchestra, one rhythm

The overarching theme of the week was simple and powerful: one team, one beat, one success. Throughout the event, this idea came to life in many different ways.

Each department presented how they contribute to our shared value chain and how, together, we create value for our customers. Some teams chose playful approaches, others went for humor or standout performances. Almost everyone used AI in some form, creating images, videos, or creative formats.

One moment that made many of us smile was when our product development teams took the stage. The software engineers, surrounded by AI-generated content from others, went fully non-digital. That contrast was unexpected, authentic, and memorable, and it reminded us that impact is not about tools alone, but about intention and clarity.

Experiencing interfaces, not just talking about them

One of the most powerful moments of the week was a physical chain reaction exercise. Across eight different areas, a movement was passed from one team to the next. What sounds simple quickly became very real.

Suddenly, everyone could feel how critical interfaces and communication truly are. If one part hesitated or misunderstood, the entire chain was affected. This was not a slide or a concept, it was an experience. And it made the idea of end-to-end value creation tangible for everyone in the room.

These were the moments where it became clear why we invest in coming together like this. We are many different personalities, disciplines, and perspectives, but when we play together, we move as one orchestra.

Culture, connection and commitment

CDQ’s culture is open, playful, and collaborative, but also deeply dedicated. In our fully remote setup, it is even more important that people take ownership and responsibility. Bringing everyone together twice a year strengthens this even further. It builds trust, sharpens dynamics, and deepens connections across teams.

From a leadership perspective, the strategic value of this week cannot be overstated. Aligning on a shared vision, especially for 2026, and translating it into clear action is essential. Doing this in a physical setting, at the very start of the year, created clarity and commitment that will carry us forward. The discussions sparked new ideas, new energy, and new momentum. We are already looking ahead to June.

Customer experience is about relationships

A personal highlight was the keynote by Customer Experience Rockstar James Dodkins. One thought captured the essence of this week particularly well: customer experience is not about experience, it is about relationships. This statement underlines everything we did during the event and it reflects the core DNA of CDQ. What makes our work meaningful is not a single touchpoint or interaction, but the long-term relationships we build over time.

The Malta event made this tangible once again. By investing in relationships with each other, we strengthen our ability to build lasting relationships with our customers and partners. And that, ultimately, is what drives sustainable success.

To close, I want to say thank you. This event was different from what we had done before, and everyone played along. The engagement, openness, and energy in the room were not created by an agenda or a location. They were created by the people. We are all unique in our own ways. But when we come together, align our rhythm, and play as one team, we are successful together.

One team. One beat. One success.