We launched our brand refresh earlier this year — new colors, new energy, same JCW heartbeat. With that fresh identity came a renewed commitment to connect, not just as coworkers, but as humans who make the work happen.
One way we’ve always nurtured that connection is through our annual retreat. Last year, we packed our bags for Lumberton, Mississippi. This year? We went back because when you find a place that inspires reflection, creativity and a little bit of chaos (the good kind), you don’t mess with it.
So what makes for a great retreat? For us, it’s a mix of real conversations and intentional reflection. Here are just a few of the sessions that sparked ideas, connections and a whole lot of “aha” moments this year.
The Theme Behind the Retreat
This year’s retreat theme, “Titan Up,” might ring a bell for Tennessee Titans fans, symbolizing grit, discipline and mental sharpness. At JCW Creative, we embrace that same spirit — only our playing field is filled with creatives instead of athletes.
For us, “Titan Up” is a call to action to bring our A-game every day: to think bigger, work smarter and approach every project with the competitive drive and relentless focus it takes to win.
Your Why, Our Why
We kicked things off with “Your Why, Our Why,” a group discussion turned breakout session designed to zoom in on purpose. Each person shared their “Titan Moment” of the year, a time they stepped up, grew or led. Each person also unpacked what’s fueling them right now, what needs to shift and what they want to start, stop and continue.
It was equally vulnerable and motivating, reminding us why knowing your personal “why” makes the team’s “why” even stronger.
How You Show Up
Another session dove into “How You Show Up.” This was less formal and more real-talk. We swapped stories about our day-to-day rhythms, the habits that keep us grounded and the ways we want to start showing up differently, for ourselves and for each other.
Conversations flowed from career growth to personal support systems, all sprinkled with tips, tricks and habits we’ve been loving lately. It was a reminder that how we show up every day matters as much as the big moments.
From Ideas to IDS
Of course, no JCW retreat is complete without tackling the big stuff. Our IDS (Identify, Discuss and Solve) session brought the whole company together to surface challenges, spot opportunities and align on where we’re headed. From there, each department and each individual sets their “rocks” for the quarter.
These are team goals and intentional commitments to level up in ways that create real, measurable impact for our team and the clients we serve.
Why It Works
So, what makes a great retreat? Every conversation, every brainstorm and every shared laugh adds to a collective sense of purpose. Our refreshed brand identity may live on our website, our decks and our socials, but it’s built on moments like these — moments where we invest in each other so we can show up even stronger for the people we serve.
As always, we left Lumberton with fresh ideas, fuller hearts and one clear call to action: Titan Up.
