9 Key Takeaways from Pivot’s 2025 Strategy & Development Retreat

Last month, our team got together for a few days on the shore of Lake Champlain to ignite and expand where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going as a digital marketing agency. We explored our services, how we work towards our goals, and how we can better serve our clients. Fueled by creativity and connection, we expanded our plans for generating ideas, deepening our impact, and driving results, individually and together. 

As we moved through workshops, team reflections, and strategy sessions, one theme kept rising to the surface: everything we ignite together ultimately fuels stronger outcomes for our clients. We dug into how we can make collaboration smoother, how to bring more clarity and consistency to creative and reporting workflows, and how to transform small sparks of ideas into solutions that remove friction and create more value.

From elevating the stories our dashboards tell to refining tools like the Creative Hub for easier, more transparent reviews, each conversation centered on helping our clients move faster, make smarter decisions, and feel more supported. This time together wasn’t just about our internal growth—it was about expanding our capacity to deliver work that feels clearer, more strategic, and more deeply aligned with the results our clients care about most.

1. Make Our Wins More Visible

“Pivot consistently drives exceptional results for our clients. As we continue to elevate performance, we have an opportunity to spotlight those wins more intentionally—helping client teams see, share, and celebrate their success stories in ways that strengthen morale at institutions and showcase the impact of our partnership.” 

—Becky, VP of Brand Strategy

2. Show Up with Clarity and Purpose

“Bringing our team together in person reignited the spark that makes Pivot who we are. Connected, creative, and aligned. When we gather in person, ideas ignite, relationships deepen, and our women-led team expands its capacity to serve clients with heart and

expertise. This retreat was more than team bonding; it was about sharpening how we show up for our clients with

clarity, purpose, and fresh energy.” 

—Becca, Founder

3. Live our Values at Work and Home

“Our retreat reinforced just how genuinely Pivot lives its values of realness, integration, curiosity, approachability, and joy. Each one showed up in a meaningful way. We demonstrated realness through open, honest conversations and the willingness to show up as our full selves. We practiced integration as we balanced work with the realities of our lives outside the office. Curiosity came through as we explored new processes to best support our clients. Approachability was present in the way teams came together, and brainstormed openly. And joy, from the tacos and margaritas to the laughter and connection, was woven throughout the entire experience.”

 —Cassie, Senior Account Manager

4. Identify Unique Client Needs

“When our team gathers, ideas ignite quickly, communication is fluid, and creative solutions emerge with clarity. It was energizing to strengthen our internal connections with delicious food and lots of laughs. We also took a deep, thoughtful look at each client to assess their unique needs, challenges, and goals, so that we can tailor our services to be truly aligned with our strengths and their path to growth.”

—Molly D, VP of Digital Marketing

5. Unified in our Mission of Client Success

“Team chemistry is one of the potent ingredients behind Pivot's success. When we gathered in person, I could feel a connection amongst the team. I could sense that we trust each other, and we are unified in the mission of bringing value to our clients and showing up as our authentic selves. The practice presentations that we participated in brought everyone to life. Everyone also showcased their drive and competitive spirit, even in the less serious activities.

—Ant, Digital Marketing Associate

6. Evaluate Work Flows

“What stood out to me most at this year’s retreat was how different our work feels when we’re actually in the same room. Being able to brainstorm across departments, look at our processes with fresh eyes, and talk honestly about what’s working (and what’s not) was genuinely valuable. And yes, it also highlighted our strengths and weaknesses... like the fact that I should never be allowed near a Pictionary marker

again. I drew a sock. Nobody guessed it.

Honestly, I don’t blame them 😂This time

together made me appreciate the people

behind the scenes and the impact we create

together.” 

—Laura, Director of Enrollment

7. It’s All About Relationships

“My biggest takeaway from this retreat is that we are a group of people who truly care. We care about each other and deeply value our relationships at work. We care about our clients—their success, their efficient processes (ok, that's probably just me), their student relationships, their enrollments, and the relationships we build with them. It’s through this commitment and care that we’re able to show up as our best selves for one another and deliver meaningful results for our clients.”

—Amy, Director of CRM & Technology

8. Connection Makes us Stronger

“Our retreat was the reset we all needed—it was refreshing, energizing, and filled with the kind of connection you can only get in person. So thankful to be a part of this talented team and everything we’re building together!”

 —Wendy, HR & Operations Support

9. Strength in Trust

“The retreat underscored just how exceptional the Pivot team dynamic is. Everyone showed up authentically and participated fully, fueling an impressive flow of creativity and ideas. We also laughed a lot, which speaks to the trust, ease and genuine connection with this team. Through conversation and connection, it was clear how

vibrant and full our lives are outside the office—raising kids, caring for pets, supporting aging parents, crazy cool hobbies and commitments—and how Pivot's values make space for us to show up meaningfully in all of those roles. When a team functions this well together, that strength extends directly to our clients. This retreat reaffirmed that our alignment isn't just internal, it's a core part of the value we deliver.”

—Molly T, Senior Account Manager

As the year comes to a close, we’re focused, energized, and curious—ready as ever to turn your prospects into students. Ready to work with us? Send us an email!