I went in to the retreat excited and a bit terrified. I don't normally step outside my comfort zone but have lately been pushing myself to do so - for personal and professional growth. So I flew on a plane alone (first time) and navigated unfamiliar roads to a place where I knew no one. But guess what... It was awesome! I didn't die! In fact, I laughed with strangers who became my friends. I learned from other admins. I shared my experiences. We collaborated on team projects. It was beyond anything I could have expected. I'm so glad I stepped outside my bubble!! – Nicole L.
The OfficeNinjas retreat was FANTASTIC! The 24 hours was extremely empowering and uplifting and I walked away with a whole new admin team to reference, lean on and call friends. I look forward to fostering the relationships created and putting what I learned into action in my office. – Kristina C.
I loved meeting 'my' people!! It was so nice to share stories with everyone and support one another in the work we do. And while we may not always be appreciated by our coworkers and bosses, it's nice knowing that all the people I met would remind me of how awesome I am at what I do and the service I provide. It was an amazing, smart, funny, group of people who I'm excited I have the honor to meet and spend a retreat with. I'm looking forward to staying connected with everyone!! - Imelda J.
This was the perfect opportunity to learn about OfficeNinjas HQ and what they are doing to bolster the profession, to build bonds within the OfficeNinjas community and to have a great time in a beautiful setting! – Katy F.But, the next morning, we were up and at ‘em!
Most well spent 24 hours learning with an amazing team who have each other's back and will continue to grow with the help of OfficeNinjas. The beautiful location and accommodations served perfectly to enhance the experience. – Corinne A.
Quite the experience! Memories I will always cherish, knowledge I will retain (or resources to refer to ;) I found myself challenged to be bold, think selflessly, and grateful to be in a group that did just that. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful, like-minded people who were open, encouraging yet competitive. I am also inspired to gain knowledge in areas that do not pertain to my position as an EA or OM, but also the development of business and as an individual person. A great environment to grow in and a support group to always connect with. Thank you everyone for your efforts to plan or be involved! <3 – Cheyenne L.
The opportunity to connect with like minded individuals was amazing. I am absolutely amazed by all the wonderful new connections I made and look forward to many events like this. I couldn't say enough positive things about Brynn and everyone else at the Chaminade Resort & Spa. – Chandra M.[caption id="attachment_7267" align="aligncenter" width="625"]
The final session was a ninja-powered roundtable discussion that tackled perhaps the most important topic of the weekend: how Office Ninjas can make sure they’re treated respectfully in the workplace. Our Ninjas shared stories of disrespectful bosses and rude colleagues, but quickly moved on to what we do best: coming up with solutions. The Ninjas devised strategies for engaging HR, avoiding burnout, and teaching managers how to treat their Office Ninjas from day one. It was inspiring to end on such a note of empowerment!
Wonderful and informative retreat at Chaminade, where conversations flowed as smoothly as the libations. The activities were well thought out and thought provoking. Best of all, we realized that even if you're in a one-person office, you're not alone! – Linda P.
Okay, so there was one more little thing—a mimosa toast!
We toasted to building networks, making new friends, learning about new technology, and always pushing ourselves to be better Office Ninjas!
The OfficeNinjas Retreat was awesome. Meeting and networking with other office professionals was a lot of fun and shows that we are not alone out in the admin world. We all have similar struggles and ideas. When we come together it's like there is nothing we can't accomplish. This weekend was a perfect example of that. I feel I now have a wonderful network of like minded, hard working, arse kicking partners to reach out to when I need help. – Leticia V.
Before we wrap this up, we want to thank our amazing photographer, Huy Pham, who captured a play-by-play of our inaugural retreat. Check out the complete photo album here! We also asked the Ninjas to take pictures and we’ve assembled a digital “scrapbook” of the retreat through their eyes. Check it out here!
Where should we hold our next Admingling retreat? What types of sessions would you find most interesting?