The Third Annual Offsite allowed our team to trade daily deadlines for meaningful reflection, collaboration, and discussions about how we can achieve lasting success together. With our firm now surpassing over 100 employees, this year’s Offsite took on even greater significance as we dedicated time to strengthening our culture, developing our skills, and aligning our efforts around this year's theme: BUILD—a commitment to building a firm where every team member can reach their full potential, remain entrepreneurial, and generate durable success. 
Building the Narrative Blueprint & Surveying the Landscape Ahead
Our Offsite began with conversations reflecting on where we’ve been, where we are today, and where we are heading. This alignment gave every team member a clear understanding of how their contributions advance the firm’s vision and growth. We also looked outward, examining the external forces shaping the PR industry and the environments in which our clients operate. Here, we assessed changing market dynamics, regulatory developments, and emerging communication trends, all meant to help us anticipate potential disruptions and guide our clients through complex challenges.
The Partner Panel
The Wednesday morning Partner Panel offered a unique opportunity to learn directly from those who shaped Narrative into what it is today. Partners shared lessons from their careers, insights on leadership, and their vision for the firm’s future.
We ended with a rapid-fire “Most Likely To: Partner Edition” round. The unanimous answer to “Which Partner would you put as your emergency contact?” was COO and Partner Katie Mitchell, highlighting her ability to maintain calm, order, and efficiency in all scenarios.
Pitch Perfect: Shake Tank, Round Two
Back by popular demand, our second annual “Shark Tank” competition allowed teams across all levels to pitch bold ideas to strengthen our business and culture. Five groups presented concepts that spanned operations, client services, and internal initiatives, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that drives Narrative forward.
The Ideal Teammate
We welcomed NYU Professor Nate Pettit, who led a session on culture and what makes an ideal teammate. Drawing from Patrick Lencioni’s The Ideal Team Player, Nate reminded us of the power of being humble, hungry, and smart—the three traits that define high-performing teams. Through interactive dialogue, our team reflected on strengthening collaboration, ensuring all voices are heard, and maintaining our tight-knit culture.
Honoring Achievement
We wrapped up the Offsite with an awards ceremony to honor teammates who went above and beyond this year. While we are proud of the exceptional results we deliver for our clients, we recognize the importance of taking the time to celebrate our collective achievements and the individuals who make them possible.
Carrying the Blueprint Forward
As we concluded our third annual Offsite, one theme was clear: Narrative’s success is built on the strength of its people. With renewed energy, shared learnings, and bold ideas, we are excited to carry this momentum back into the office and our daily work for our clients.
