SKO 2.0: Breaking Tradition, Amplifying Results

Just wrapped up an electrifying Sales Kick Off event at CockroachLabs for FY25, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of epic! ??

This year's theme was Amplify, and we certainly did just that. As someone with a reputation shaking things up, I'm thrilled to share how we put a fresh spin on the traditional SKO experience and made this year's event unforgettable.

Gone are the days of monotonous executive speeches and never-ending slide decks. Instead, we focused on keeping main stage presentations punchy, with a strict 20-minute limit. Our presenters delivered content that was both inspirational and informative, setting the stage for action.

But the real magic happened in our Sales Lab. We ditched the traditional break out format and introduced a dynamic space where functional groups hosted booths. Here, our sales teams engaged in meaningful 1:1 conversations, getting their burning questions answered directly. To amplify the experience, we incorporated "stage" areas for TedTalk-style presentations, complete with silent disco headsets to manage noise and keep the energy high.

Consolidating all activities into one room was key to maximizing engagement. By eliminating unnecessary distractions, we ensured every minute was spent productively.

Another highlight was our Win Rally, where we celebrated a multitude of sales victories from around the globe. These wins were grouped into high-value categories, showcasing the diverse strengths of our sales organization. And yes, we kept the energy soaring with our silent disco twist!

Of course, no SKO is complete without a healthy dose of fun and recognition. This year, we hosted a thrilling pickleball tournament that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The climax? Sales executives channeling their inner '80s rockstars to challenge the winning team—a moment that will go down in SKO history.

And let's talk about the awards ceremony! We pulled out all the stops, leveraging AI to create custom walk-up songs for each winner, reminiscent of the Academy Awards. It was a celebration of teamwork, with winners acknowledging the invaluable support of their colleagues.

Last but certainly not least, we showered our top performers Presidents Club with the recognition they deserve. From special medals to confetti cannons, we made sure every moment was filled with joy and appreciation.

Here's to amplifying success, camaraderie, and innovation in FY25 and beyond!

Here's to flipping the script on those old-school SKO traditions and ushering in a new era of sales success! #SKO #AmplifyTheFun #OutWithTheOld