Off The Rails Success

Ceridian was planning a huge event. For the first time ever, the company was combining the Global Leadership Meeting (GLM) and the Global Sales Meeting (GSM) into a multi-day event, including joint sessions that brought together attendees from both. For several months, the Brave New Workshop Creative Outreach worked with the teams on everything from the event theme to décor to speakers, entertainment, breakout sessions, videos, you name it. Then, six days before the event, the CEO left the company.

Improvisation to the Rescue

We brought levity to an intense environment, because the attendees had just lost their leader. We used the experience we’ve gained over the last ten years participating in hundreds, perhaps thousands, of events and initiatives to help guide the agenda; for example, taking into consideration the length of general sessions and non-stop meetings to help determine best practices for evening events. We suggested they avoid the executives-presenting-something-in-powerpoint and instead have Caleb host a number of talk-show format interviews with key executives. And as the finale, Sweeney delivered a keynote focused on the behaviors of an improvisational toolset, and how these skills can be used in a rapidly changing environment. To say it hit the nail on the head would be an understatement.

The Result?

“Thank you!!! I cannot thank you [Sweeney], Caleb and your entire crew enough. I truly believe things could not have gone better - you guys are superstars and have many new fans (and some new business as well!). It has been an absolute pleasure and I am certain we'll work together again. Thanks for everything! You guys absolutely made these meetings!”

- Liza Sayre, Senior Vice President, Implementation