At Intercontinental Trust Limited (ITL), Mauritius’ leading management company, teamwork extends well beyond office walls. Recognising that camaraderie is often strengthened through shared experiences, ITL places great emphasis on its annual team-building retreat — a vibrant mix of competition, creativity, and connection.
While last year’s team building event coincided with the celebration of ITL’s 25th anniversary in December 2024, this year’s team building exercise took place at the same venue, the stunning Ambre Mauritius hotel. The format of Leisure Day at ITL consists of the team undergoing a series of competitive activities – whether physically demanding or mentally stimulating – in the first half of the day, followed by drinks, dinner and dancing in the second half.
Managing a 250-strong staff at the company’s major’s Leisure Day means that plenty of work lies ahead of time for team allocations and people management on the day of the event. Marked by a perfect blend of sun, sea and shared enthusiasm, the team building event took place over a leisurely Saturday in September, and witnessed a day of exciting challenges, bonding and fun moments.
The challenge of growth: Fostering bonds in a diverse team
As ITL grows, it faces the challenge of managing increasingly diverse teams, each with unique strengths and perspectives. These team-building exercises help foster deeper connections and encourage collaboration, ensuring that the company remains united despite its expanding workforce. ITL also organises activities outside the office, such as hiking and bowling, to further encourage bonding among employees from different departments and backgrounds.
While the actual event unfolded over one day, the preparation began two days before the session, with the co-captains for the teams tasked with creating a totem – a team emblem that truly represented their dynamism and reflected their spirit.
On the big day, the atmosphere was electric as teams competed through a series of clue-solving games, a snakes and ladders round, and even a human pyramid challenge that brought everyone, from junior staff to directors, down to the same level — quite literally. Altogether, seven teams got together like the seven colours of the rainbow to play with a dazzlingly united front, and give their best shot in settings outside their usual comfort zone.
Platform Africa spoke with three co-captains — Trisha Ghurbhurrun (White Team, winners), Chitesh Kallootee (Red Team, first runners-up), and Vennila Mooneesawmy (Black Team, seventh) — about their experiences and takeaways from ITL’s exciting team building event.
Trisha Ghurbhurrun (White Team – Winners): At ITL, diversity is a superpower
“This year’s activities leaned more on IQ than physical strength,” shared Trisha. “The colour and team members were pre-selected, but it was up to us to decide what would be the name of the team. We also had to build our own sustainable totem, and ours — the Dodo — symbolised resilience and adaptability. I stayed up till 2 a.m. finishing it, but seeing it on the field filled me with pride.”
Her team’s winning streak reflected ITL’s diversity in action. “It was inspiring to see introverts shine and juniors outperform seniors — it reminded us how varied skills come together beyond the office. Even our directors happily accepted to play the game, getting down on their knees for the human pyramid! It really broke hierarchies and built connections.”
Her biggest takeaway? “Power lies in diversity. Every person brought something unique to the table, and that collective effort made us win.”
Chitesh Kallootee (Red Team – First Runners-Up): Creating lasting memories
As a newcomer, Chitesh found the experience both humbling and energising. “Leading directors and senior managers was intimidating at first, but their willingness to follow directions and collaborate was incredible. Our totem symbolised adventure and thrill — and the creativity of our team brought it beautifully to life.”
Reflecting on the games, he added, “Even when we narrowly lost the first round, we stayed motivated and gave it our all. The teamwork, laughter, and encouragement made the entire experience unforgettable.”
Vennila Mooneesawmy (Black Team – Seventh place): Persistence and positivity personified
Despite her team finishing last, Vennila’s enthusiasm was undimmed. “We called ourselves the Black Mambas, and our team was full of energy — probably the loudest of all!” she laughed. “Even when we were losing, no one gave up. That persistence and positivity were our real victories.”
She also appreciated the leadership dynamics: “No directors were captains — they let others take the lead and supported us throughout. That humility made a big impression on everyone.”
Her biggest takeaway? “Never give up, even when others are ahead. Show up, give your best, and success will follow — in games and in life.”
Game on: Bringing competitiveness, creativity and collaboration to the fore
The day ended with a lively closing game. Everyone joined a circle and the organising team called out allotted numbers. Then, supposing Number 1 was called out, all those who had been allocated that number had to rush to the centre and secure a scarf strategically placed in the middle. All three co-captains agreed that the closing game saw even the quietest team members revealing their competitive sides, forming the foundations for lasting anecdotes that will regale the teams for days to come!
More than just a day of fun, ITL’s annual Leisure Day reaffirm the company’s culture of collaboration, creativity, and resilience — values that continue to define its success story.
