We recently connected with Gina Tomasetti and have shared our conversation below.
Gina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Thank you for the invitation! Yes, I remember the day the idea was born. My business partner Maylise and I were good friends and both coaches at the time, but weren’t working together yet. We were spending time together, and reflecting on the fulfillment we both experienced from our work and coaching in general. One-on-one sessions have such a special impact and the takeaways can be extraordinary. I remember feeling grateful and playing with our imagination that day, coming up with creative ways to share that fulfillment with more people. We started thinking about teams that work together and how they could have significant breakthroughs together, or share a meaningful experience of some kind together, and inevitably that would result in them going beyond several of their limitations in the workplace too.
There would be an edge to a team who was committed to collective well-being. There would be almost a superpower within the team who could communicate effectively, truly connect, and inspire each other’s creativity.
We dreamt up Kaleidoscope Teams to totally re-imagine team building. We actually both started having actual dreams about it, so we knew we had to jump in.
What we’d experienced so far with team-building was more of an active, fun day, but not necessarily coupled with meaningful programming that gave us tools to grow as a team after that day was over. That was really the foundation of everything from Day 1: connection. Connection with ourselves, each other, our vision, the work we do, the choices we make, the practices we have, and life beyond. By bringing the mind, body, spirit connection into team-building, it was like the final piece clicking into place.
The name Kaleidoscope dawned on us as the perfect metaphor. When light enters the kaleidoscope, all the colors, elements, and connections come alive and begin to flow together and create a masterpiece. Similarly, teams are made up of several valuable contributors, and the stronger the connection between them, the more successful they are together.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
Of course! I am a PCC certified executive coach and life coach, and my background is in ontology: the study of being. I’m most inspired and fascinated by human connection and all the meaningful things that come with it – acknowledgement, intimacy, joy, etc. I believe that total presence and active listening are two of the greatest gifts we can offer others. This is part of what we practice in our Kaleidoscope experiences.
What I love most about Kaleidoscope Teams is the opportunity to be in a space where people are lighting up, connecting to their true nature, expressing and re-introducing themselves – it’s magnificent. It’s an honor to witness.
The last few years have completely reframed the way we work. With more teams working virtually, communication and connection are changing, and people are looking for new ways to relate to each other and their teams.
Our experiences range from half day team-building to week-long well-being retreats. We work with each client to determine where the best value is for their team. We also offer an executive coaching program: The Deep Dive. More info can be found on our website: https://kaleidoscopeteams.com.
Here are some of our key programming elements:
– Well-being inspired somatic exercises
– Research-based applied positive psychology strategies
– Leadership coaching
– Integrated company vision, mission, and value exercises
– Multi-sensory experiences
– Embodiment practices to move through stress, anxiety, and disconnection
– Self reflection, accountability, and resolution practices
– Yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques
– Creative, impactful exercises for authentic relating and empowerment
The tools we learn from meaningful play and committed teamwork leads to a new energy in the workplace — motivated and grateful people working toward a shared vision
We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.
Maylise is a passionate embodiment coach and certified yoga teacher. Her expertise is in embodied awareness, designing experiential learning programs, and facilitating impactful experiences for leaders and corporate organizations. We actually met 5 years ago through transformational leadership training! It’s a full circle moment now that we’re here, building our own concept and programming, yet always drawing inspiration from the tools we’ve learned together. Kaleidoscope is a true collaboration between us, and I think that’s really what makes our offer so unique and innovative.
The first time I was in a sound bowl meditation led by Maylise, I knew she had a special gift. Her commitment to loving kindness and human connection is felt in every interaction. She inspires me to play and breathe, to express, and to move through versus power through. Saying I’m grateful for her is an understatement.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Team success, personal fulfillment, and collective well-being. That’s our vision for every team. Check in on these with your own. Where might there be a blind spot?
Powerful leaders are those who trust and empower their teams. We believe that empowered teams produce maximal results. Are your team members encouraged to contribute creative ideas? When’s the last time you were all in the same room, inspired toward the same mission, fully committed to what you do together? Prioritize connection.
Acknowledge people for their unique contributions and give credit where it is due. Highlight the value that you see in each team member whenever there is an opportunity. This leads to people feeling positive about their role, themselves, and each other. People stay where they feel valued. People are inspired to contribute at the highest levels when they feel recognized, seen, and respected. Make sure you are communicating with your team clearly and regularly.
Final (slightly biased) suggestion: reach out to us! We would love to get to know your team and explore the possibilities together.
Contact Info:
- Website: kaleidoscopeteams.com
- Instagram: @kaleidoscopeteams
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Milena Mikic