Sergio Reflects on the First EMEA CSM Offsite in Segovia

Sergio and EMEA team members pose outside for a fun team photo.

Sergio Cerbone

Sr. Customer Success Manager

EMEA

EMEA | Blog | Culture

Friday, November 22, 2024

Reflecting on the 1st EMEA CSM Offsite in Segovia

After months of anticipation, planning, and preparation, the Customer Success Managers EMEA team finally gathered for their very first offsite in September, led by Elvis Bottega (Sr Mgr, Network Security Customer Success EMEA) with the invaluable assistance of Jose Alberto Ortega (Sr Network Security Customer Success Manager), whose impeccable management of logistics and organization guaranteed a seamless and successful meeting. Just 90 kilometers from Madrid, Segovia became the vibrant heart of a memorable three-day team experience.

Day 1: Team-Building and Strategic Discussions

The picturesque town of Segovia set the stage for an exciting journey with a refreshing change from virtual meetings as the team engaged in lively discussions at the charming Hotel Cándido. The agenda included discussions on FY25 goals, career development tools, and a series of team-building activities led by Talent Development Business Partner - Luis Barbeitos and conducted in the hotel's beautiful gardens. The activities included challenges that fostered mutual trust, like a blindfolded obstacle course. These activities not only strengthened team spirit and collaboration but also revealed personal aspects of team members, building authentic connections.

Day 2: Brainstorming and Innovation

Day two was packed with energizing brainstorming sessions, readouts, and presentations. Khurram Ijaz (Sr Director of Network Security Customer Success EMEA) joined the team for lunch, speaking about success and growth. His words of encouragement and praise weren’t just motivational— they were a reminder of the trust and belief leadership had in us.

The team also engaged in collaborative brainstorming sessions focused on improving processes, tools, and workflows. At Palo Alto Networks, innovation isn’t just encouraged—it’s deeply embedded in the culture. The company believes that the best ideas often come from the ground up, empowering employees at every level to drive meaningful change. This bottom-up approach is a testament to the commitment to fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

Day 3: Farewells and Takeaways

The last day arrived too quickly and we exchanged heartfelt goodbyes. As we boarded the bus back to Madrid, we were returning to our respective countries not just as colleagues, but as a team bound by something deeper. These three days in Segovia had transformed us. We left with more than just plans and strategies for FY25 — we left with a renewed sense of unity, purpose, and determination.

This offsite was about more than work. It was about building trust, creating memories, and forging a bond that will carry us through the challenges ahead. The CSM EMEA team is ready to "Raise The Bar" not just because we have to, but because we want to— driven by our desire to grow, support each other, serve our customers, and build a better CS team together.

FY25, we’ve got this.