Connecting and learning at Coupa Camp Bogota
In February, many of my colleagues in Bogotá and I had the chance to participate in the 1.5-day in-person experience program Coupa Camp. This program, led by Matt Dack, is designed for employees who have been in the company for a few months or less, making it a valuable step in the onboarding process and, for some of us, the last one.
Why Coupa Camp
At Coupa Camp, we didn't just learn about our company and its values; we also had the opportunity to forge deeper connections with our colleagues. Whether working in the office, hybrid, or remote like myself, the camp provided a perfect setting for us to interact and bond as Coupanians, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Coupa Camp was about learning about our company and each other and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Such activities can be daunting for introverted types like me, but Matt Dack created a safe and comfortable environment encouraging everyone to participate and share their unique perspectives. This emphasis on individual strengths and the value of diverse backgrounds was genuinely inspiring.
First-Day Activities
On the first day, we learned about our core values, culture, and company vision and the impact each of us makes on its success and that of our customers. The sessions were dynamic and exciting, with presentations, activities, and tasks that taught us the importance of listening and learning from everyone we work with, from colleagues to clients. We also gained a solid understanding of tools and resources to help us in our daily routines.
We collaborated with people from different areas, hearing and learning from their voices about the aspects of their roles and departments. This experience was insightful, as we recognized how each of our roles is meaningful and how each of us contributes to Coupa’s success.
Final Team Challenge
The final challenge was one of the most exciting and enjoyable activities at Coupa Camp. Matt tasked each group with choosing one of Coupa’s products and presenting it creatively to the whole group. This activity tested our knowledge and sparked our creativity and teamwork, making it a fun and memorable experience.
We gathered into our pre-formed groups and, through a mix of different ideas, personalities, and points of view, learned how to work together and reach an agreement. My group decided to create a play, and everyone put their best efforts into their roles, even those working behind the scenes.
On the second and final day, we saw the results of each group's hard work. Some took a more traditional approach, while others, like us, chose a creative path and surprised everyone with a funny rap.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
In the end, Matt Dack did an incredible job making the camp engaging, fun, and a compelling way to learn and remember our place and purpose at Coupa, a space where he reminded us of the value in ourselves and the people around us. We even left with some new friendships.
