Joining a Remote Team: My Journey with Buffer and the Unforgettable Company Retreat

Imagine landing your dream job live on a call! That’s precisely what happened to me on March 27th at exactly 3:06 PM ET, when Hailley Griffis, now my manager, offered me the role of Senior Brand and Community Manager at Buffer. “We’d love to invite you to join the Buffer journey, Sabreen!” she said, and my heart could have been auditioning for a drum solo.

For context, working at Buffer had been a long-time dream. Growing up in New Delhi, India, I had always admired Buffer from afar. Now, here I was, about to become part of the team. It felt surreal, like waking up to find a unicorn in your living room!

From Dream Offer to Antalya, Türkiye

Accepting the offer was a no-brainer, and I joined Buffer on April 23rd. Just three days later, I was on a flight from Boston to Antalya, Türkiye, for the company retreat. Talk about a whirlwind start! The retreat turned out to be more than just an onboarding experience; it was a heartfelt welcome into the Buffer family.

Welcome to Buffer: From Systems to Stories

The onboarding process was as smooth as butter on a hot pancake. Jenna Meindertsma, Buffer’s Senior People Operations Specialist, made sure everything was in place—from e-visa instructions to a stack of travel support documents. Jenna was the behind-the-scenes hero, ensuring my transition was seamless.

On my first day, I was greeted by a well-organized onboarding doc, outlining everything from Buffer’s culture to my 90-day plan. It was like being handed a treasure map, guiding me through my new role.

Meeting My New Tribe in Türkiye

Arriving in Antalya felt like stepping into a new world. From the moment I saw the Buffer sign at the airport, I knew I was in for something special. My Retreat Buddy, Mick Mahady, had prepped me well, sharing packing tips and a warm welcome even before I arrived.

As we gathered for the welcome event, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. Joel Gascoigne, Buffer’s Founder CEO, gave a toast that resonated deeply with everyone. “These retreats aren’t just about travel or team-building, but about people,” he said, raising his glass to our collective journey.

Connecting Through Stories and Support

One of the most enriching parts of the retreat was the personal stories session. Each of us shared our life journeys, offering a glimpse into our backgrounds and what brought us to Buffer. It was like peeling back layers of an onion, revealing stories of resilience, growth, and transformation.

The Team Wide Support Time was another highlight, allowing us to tackle customer support tickets together. It was a hands-on experience that brought us closer to our users and each other.

Gratitude and Goodbyes

The retreat concluded with a Gratitude Session, where we sat in a circle, sharing our appreciation for one another. It was a moment of profound connection, and I felt truly seen and valued within the Buffer community.

As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. Buffer has not only welcomed me with open arms but has also given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

And if you’re curious about life at Buffer or want to chat about the creator-led brand we’re building, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Here’s to new beginnings and the adventures that await!