This year's annual conference, named 'Gather and Grow' felt like a mix of a family reunion, a brainstorming session, and a launch pad for new ideas. As Marketing Manager, I had the privilege (and occasional chaos) of helping organise it, and while I’m definitely ready for a bit of a breather, I’m also buzzing with the inspiration we walked away with.
Looking back on the event, five key takeaways stood out. These weren’t just ideas or strategies for the moment; they felt like markers for where DorSuite is headed. Let me share those with you, along with some personal reflections.
#1 A Values-Driven Culture is Our Foundation
Recognising our Values Ambassadors during the conference was one of those feel-good moments that go far beyond awards. It was a reminder that our shared values are not just part of the company culture—they are who we are and how we do things. These values are the foundation that guides every interaction, decision, and solution we offer.
We don’t just talk about values, we live them. They’re embedded in everything we do, from how we collaborate as a team to how we support our clients. When our personal values align with DorSuite’s mission, it creates a powerful synergy that drives us forward with a shared sense of purpose. This isn’t just about fostering a positive environment; it’s about creating a culture that defines how we approach every project, every challenge, and every opportunity. That’s what keeps DorSuite strong and future-focused.
#2 ESG is Our North Star
If there’s one thing that was clear, it’s that ESG is a consistent focus, of ours, inspiring everyone to want to contribute as a team. The discussions at Gather and Grow made it evident that sustainability and social responsibility are core to our mission—not just buzzwords for a corporate presentation or pitch deck.
We talked at length about ways to reduce our carbon footprint and increase support for local charities, and I couldn’t help but feel both proud and energised. ESG isn’t just something we aim for; it’s guiding every decision we make. We’re holding ourselves accountable to make a real, measurable impact. It’s a responsibility that challenges us daily, but one I’m excited to embrace. At DorSuite, ESG is our true north, pushing us to grow and do so responsibly.
#3 Collaboration is the Catalyst
Ever wonder what happens when you put a group of talented, driven people in a room and tell them to collaborate? I got to see it first-hand during our brainstorming sessions, and it was electric. Ideas flew, minds connected, and the innovation potential was palpable. Every conversation led to something bigger and better, with teams building off one another's skills and perspectives.
To keep things interesting, we even ran the old classic "spaghetti and marshmallow" challenge. Yes, we handed out boxes of raw spaghetti, marshmallows, and let the teams loose. It was a mix of strategy, improvisation, and, of course, some sneaky sabotage—think “accidental” table bumps or well-timed snack missiles. But watching people work together, even amidst the chaos, was a powerful reminder that collaboration isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the engine of creativity. Whether we’re building spaghetti towers or tackling client challenges, diverse perspectives bring ideas to life.
#4 Adaptability is Our Superpower
In an ever-changing market, adaptability is essential. At this year’s conference, we explored how staying agile and responsive to client needs isn’t just a strategy for survival—it’s a strategy for growth. And a big part of this adaptability comes from our R&D efforts, which keep us at the cutting edge of innovation.
Our discussions highlighted how important it is to stay ahead of trends and embrace new ideas. I was inspired by how our teams are constantly thinking outside the box, not just solving problems but anticipating them. Whether it’s developing new product features or improving processes, this adaptability will help us remain relevant and responsive to the market.
One of our core values, We are human, plays a big role here. It’s not just about tolerating mistakes—it’s about encouraging them. We know that some of our best ideas come from taking risks, and failure is often the first step toward breakthrough innovation. So, watch this space—because when it comes to product development, we’re only just getting started.
#5 Client-Centric Focus is Non-Negotiable
At DorSuite, everything we do revolves around our clients. During the conference, it became clear that our commitment to putting customers first isn’t just a goal—it’s an obsession. But that client-centric focus starts within, with our own team, who are our internal customers. Throughout the day, we used digital interactive questionnaires to gather feedback from our team. These weren’t just quick surveys—they were an essential tool for understanding how our team experiences the company and where we can improve. The insights gained from our internal customers helped us reflect on our practices and sparked meaningful conversations about how we can adapt and grow.
Gathering this feedback isn’t just about identifying problems—it’s about creating a culture where acting on that feedback becomes second nature. We’re committed to making sure our team feels heard and that we continuously evolve based on their input. After all, when our internal customers are supported, it naturally translates to how we serve our external clients.
We’re fostering a growth mindset where we don’t just serve our clients; we immerse ourselves in their experiences. This obsession with understanding their journey drives us to innovate, exceed expectations, and build lasting relationships. It’s about creating solutions that genuinely add value, not just meeting the status quo.
By encouraging this client-first mentality across the company, we’re ensuring that everything we do—from R&D to customer service—stems from a desire to elevate the client experience. So, if you’re curious about what’s next, stay tuned, because we’re not just meeting expectations—we’re setting new ones.
And My Final Thoughts...
Leaving this year’s conference, I felt more connected than ever to DorSuite’s mission. This company isn’t just about manufacturing doors; it’s about innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and, above all, creating meaningful impact.
As we look ahead, these takeaways will guide us through the next phase of our journey. We’re ready to push boundaries, take bold steps, and continue serving our clients with excellence and creativity. If this sounds like a mission you want to be part of, now’s the perfect time to join us.
