My First Offsite @ Fyle

Here’s a story of how my first offsite turned into a journey of growth, fun, and connection.

Hey Everyone, I’m Vaibhav Singh, an Engineering Intern at Fyle. Over the past four months of working at Fyle, I’ve primarily connected with my colleagues through virtual meetings and messages. That’s why my first offsite experience felt so transformative—it was an opportunity to meet incredible people face-to-face and step far outside my comfort zone.

A Leap Beyond Comfort Zones

As an introvert, stepping into the lively energy of an offsite was both exciting and slightly daunting. Fyle, being a remote-first company, had given me the chance to connect with my colleagues virtually, but meeting them in person at Club Mahindra, Pondicherry, was an entirely new experience.

The offsite pushed me to step out of my usual routines and engage with my team in ways I hadn’t before. From group activities to spontaneous conversations, each moment was an opportunity to build connections, learn, and grow. Even Cyclone Fengal, with its unexpected challenges, turned into a lesson in adaptability and team spirit, making the experience all the more memorable.

From Screens to Reality: Meeting the Team

The offsite was my first chance to meet the Fyle team in person, moving beyond virtual interactions to face-to-face conversations. From the moment I arrived at Club Mahindra, the atmosphere was filled with energy and excitement.

The journey began with a long trip from my college, Army Institute of Technology (AIT), Pune to Chennai. After a tiring day of travel, I checked into Ginger OMR, where I could finally unwind and recharge for what lay ahead. The next morning brought a three-hour bus ride to Pondicherry. The scenic route, lined with lush greenery and glimpses of the coast

The journey from college to Pondicherry may have been long, but it gave me time to bond with my fellow interns. Sharing stories and laughter along the way made the transition from screen to reality even more seamless. Arriving at the resort felt like stepping into a new chapter—one filled with the promise of connection and unforgettable experiences.

Breaking the Ice: From Colleagues to Friends

The first evening set the tone with a round of icebreaker games that quickly dissolved any awkwardness. We were split into two teams and given cards with words to act out or describe—minus certain restricted clues.

The room echoed with laughter as people fumbled through creative gestures and clever hints. What struck me most was how easy it felt to connect. Titles and roles melted away, leaving behind genuine interactions and shared joy.

These games weren’t just about breaking the ice; they were the start of turning colleagues into friends and strangers into teammates.

Defining Moments of the Offsite

• A Magical Beach Experience

  Club Mahindra’s private beach access added a touch of exclusivity to our offsite. Standing by the shore, with the rhythmic sound of waves and the gentle ocean breeze, was an experience of pure serenity.

  Although Cyclone Fengal later restricted access, I’m grateful for those serene moments—it was a beautiful way to kick off our time in Pondicherry.

• Games, Laughter, and Healthy Rivalries

  Back at the resort, I discovered the joy of games like foosball, air hockey, and carrom—all firsts for me. These games weren’t about competition; they were about bonding over shared laughter, cheering each other on, and sometimes just laughing at our own missteps.

• A Fun and Mystical Magic Show

  One of the surprise highlights of the offsite was a small magic show at Club Mahindra. We were mesmerised by tricks involving cards, balls, and even word-guessing from books. The magician’s skill and humour kept us entertained and left us in awe.

• Inspirational Moments with the Founders

  Hearing the founders speak during the address was incredibly inspiring. Their words reinforced the shared mission that unites everyone at Fyle and gave me a deeper sense of belonging to this remarkable team.

Cyclone Fengal: An Unexpected Twist

Cyclone Fengal made an unexpected appearance, altering many of our plans. The much-anticipated Fyle Cricket League (FCL) was cancelled, and outdoor activities were restricted as the pool and other facilities closed down.

Yet, instead of dampening our spirits, it gave us an opportunity to adapt and improvise. We turned to indoor games, long conversations, and spontaneous hangouts. What could have been a setback became a chance to deepen bonds and create lasting memories.

Fyle’s Culture: A Warm Welcome

What stood out most was Fyle’s inclusive and approachable culture. Everyone—from my manager, Dimple, to the founders and senior team members—was genuinely welcoming and supportive. The lack of rigid hierarchies and the open, collaborative atmosphere made me feel valued, even as an intern.

What truly amazed me was how approachable the founders were. Their willingness to engage with us just like any other team member reinforced the sense of equality and respect that defines Fyle. This wasn’t just a workplace; it felt like a community of people united by shared goals, mutual respect, and a genuine eagerness to help each other grow.

Takeaways from the Experience

This offsite wasn’t just a fun getaway; it was a transformative experience.

• Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: Though I usually stick to familiar activities, I surprised myself by joining the excitement of DJ Night. Dancing to the lively beats and soaking in the vibrant energy of the evening was a refreshing and unforgettable experience, unlike anything I’d tried before.

• Building Meaningful Connections: Transitioning from virtual meetings to face-to-face conversations helped me gain a deeper understanding of Fyle’s culture and forge stronger relationships with my colleagues.

• Embracing Adaptability: Cyclone Fengal reminded me to embrace the unexpected and find joy in unplanned moments, proving that challenges often lead to the most memorable experiences.

Conclusion: More Than Just an Offsite

My first offsite with Fyle was far more than a collection of planned activities—it was a journey of discovery, connection, and growth. From meeting inspiring people and building meaningful relationships to embracing challenges and creating unforgettable memories, every moment added a unique chapter to my story.

This experience taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, seizing opportunities, and cherishing the present—rain or shine. It wasn’t just an offsite; it was a reminder that the best experiences often come from moments where you choose to embrace the unexpected.

A special thanks to the Offsite Committee and Yitzhak for their incredible effort in planning and organizing this event. Their dedication and hard work made this offsite not just possible but truly extraordinary.