Today, I want to share a personal insight into one of my core values as a leader: the importance of building a strong, cohesive team culture. From the very beginning of ARTE, I knew that success wasn't just about hiring talented individuals. To truly thrive, we needed our teams to feel connected, heard, and engaged—even when separated by distance.

Our organization started off spread across four cities: London, Paris, Dublin, and Luxembourg. The geographical distance presented unique challenges in creating a cohesive workplace culture. But for me, overcoming these challenges was non-negotiable. I wanted to create an environment where every individual, regardless of their location, felt like an essential part of a bigger, unified family. And that’s where the power of small gestures comes in.

Breaking Traditional Barriers: The Rituals that Brought Us Together

In the corporate world, particularly in finance, traditional team events often revolve around the "front office"—those in trading, management, or client-facing roles. Support teams, like HR, IT, and administrative staff, are often left out. But at ARTE, I was determined to change that dynamic. I wanted every employee, from any team, to feel included and valued.

To foster this sense of community, we established a ritual—a simple yet incredibly effective quarterly dinner and social night. Every quarter, we would gather for an event hosted in one of our office cities. Whether it was in London, Paris, Dublin, or Luxembourg, each team took turns being the proud host. Unlike typical corporate events, these gatherings weren’t just about networking or status—they were about real connection and appreciation for every individual who contributes to our shared success.

And this ritual wasn’t exclusive to front-office teams. Everyone, from IT to HR to operations, was invited. This inclusivity was a deliberate choice, and one that I believe has had a significant impact on the culture of ARTE.

Healthy Competition: Choosing the Best Host City

To make things even more engaging, we introduced a bit of healthy competition. At the end of each year, all the teams would vote on which city had hosted the best event. It quickly became a highly anticipated tradition. Every team wanted to win, and the competition was fierce—in the best possible way.

The winning team received a trophy, presented during our annual January "Kickoff" seminar. It was a simple yet powerful way of acknowledging the effort each city’s team put into welcoming everyone and creating memorable experiences. It also added a layer of fun and camaraderie, sparking enthusiasm and motivation among the staff.

How Small Gestures Transformed Our Company Culture

These gatherings, while seemingly simple, transformed the internal dynamics at ARTE. On a surface level, they allowed our teams to meet regularly, socialize, and share moments of connection despite the geographical distance. But on a deeper level, they helped break down barriers that often exist in corporate environments—barriers between different teams, levels of seniority, and areas of expertise.

For our support teams—those often in the background of traditional finance settings—these events were particularly impactful. It gave them a seat at the table, both literally and metaphorically. HR, IT, and administrative teams felt seen, heard, and appreciated. And when people feel valued, they naturally contribute more, engage more, and feel more invested in the company’s success.

These moments of togetherness helped to tear down the invisible walls that often separate teams within companies. Hierarchical, cultural, and functional barriers began to dissolve, making way for a culture of collaboration. We saw support teams forming closer relationships with front-office teams, and those bonds facilitated smoother, more effective collaboration in our day-to-day work. The impact was clear—employees who once felt sidelined were now more proactive, communicative, and engaged.

Why Small Gestures Matter: Lessons in Building an Inclusive Culture

Creating a cohesive company culture is not about grand, expensive gestures. Instead, it is about the small, meaningful actions that add up over time. Dinners, shared drinks, and celebrations of successes are not just social events—they are investments in the emotional and professional well-being of the people who make ARTE what it is.

This focus on inclusivity and connection is what distinguishes ARTE from other organizations. It’s easy to overlook the power of small gestures, especially in fast-paced industries like finance or consulting, where the focus is often solely on deliverables and results. But the truth is, a team that feels connected and supported will always deliver better outcomes. People work better when they feel they are part of something larger, when they know their contributions matter, and when they feel genuinely connected to their colleagues.

Creating a Sense of Belonging: Breaking Down Barriers

In addition to fostering team spirit, our rituals helped create a sense of belonging among employees. It’s one thing to know intellectually that you’re part of a company—it’s another thing to truly feel it. By hosting quarterly gatherings and rotating the locations, we ensured that every team and every city felt special and included.

The ritual also encouraged a broader understanding and appreciation of what each team does. It’s common in many organizations for different departments to operate in silos. The IT team might not understand the challenges the finance team faces, and vice versa. Our gatherings helped break down these silos. Through casual conversations over dinner or a drink, our employees began to understand each other's work better, empathize with each other's challenges, and find ways to collaborate more effectively.

These gatherings fostered a more inclusive and empathetic work environment. The administrative team, the IT team, HR, and others were no longer behind the scenes—they were central players in our journey. And when employees from all functions feel valued and celebrated, they’re more likely to give their best effort, show up with enthusiasm, and support their peers.

Team Unity and the Bigger Picture

In the long run, it’s these small acts of inclusion that contribute significantly to our broader mission. When I started ARTE, I knew I wanted to build more than just a company—I wanted to build a community. And building a community takes effort. It requires acknowledging every person's contribution, making sure no one is left out, and finding ways to bring people together even when physical distance makes it challenging.

The sense of camaraderie that has developed through our regular gatherings has had a direct impact on our success. Projects run more smoothly because teams know each other on a personal level. Issues are resolved more quickly because there’s trust and openness among colleagues. And above all, there’s a sense of shared purpose. Our people know that they’re not just working for a paycheck—they’re part of a group of individuals striving towards common goals.

Final Thoughts: The Lasting Impact of Small Gestures

Reflecting on the journey of ARTE, I am proud of what we have built—not just in terms of our business achievements, but in terms of our company culture. The quarterly dinners, the friendly competition, and the inclusive gatherings have all played a significant role in shaping who we are today.

These small gestures have helped us build a workplace that is not only productive but also supportive, fun, and connected. They’ve allowed us to overcome the challenges of distance and to create a real sense of family across cities and countries.

At ARTE, we’ve proven that a successful team isn’t just about having talented individuals. It’s about making sure those individuals feel seen, heard, and appreciated—no matter where they are. And it’s about making sure everyone, from the front office to support teams, knows they have an essential role in our shared journey. This, more than anything, is what will continue to drive our success in the years to come.

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