The Silent Crisis Draining Your Team
In today's high-pressure corporate environment, your team faces constant demands: tight deadlines, digital overload, and the challenge of staying connected while working at breakneck speed. The Talking Tree offers a proven path to renewal. Where stress dissolves, communication deepens, and teams rediscover their collective strength.
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Burnout is rising among your most talented people
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Working in silos between teams prevents efficient collaboration
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Digital fatigue leaves employees mentally exhausted
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Communication breakdowns slow down projects and create friction
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Engagement continues to decline despite team-building efforts
📱 917-557-6717
☎️ 212-283-7072
📍 New York city
A Different Approach to Team Building
The Talking Tree isn't another trust fall or forced icebreaker. It's a transformative workshop experience rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu: "I am because we are."
Led by designer and anthropologist Vickie Frémont, our workshops combine:
✦ Ancient wisdom traditions that have fostered community cohesion for centuries
✦ Hands-on creative practice using upcycled materials
✦ Intentional dialogue guided by meaningful proverbs
✦ Collaborative art-making that builds tangible results
The Talking Tree is designed for:
✦ Tech companies where employees face screen fatigue and need a human connection
✦ Companies with strong CSR values seeking programming that walks the talk
✦ Corporate teams seeking authentic cohesion beyond surface-level activities
✦ Cross-functional teams that must work together but lack shared language
✦ Organizations in transition (mergers, restructuring, growth phases)
✦ Fast-paced businesses struggling with burnout and retention
The Benefits Your Company Will See
Stress Relief & Energy Renewal
Immediate tension release through creative work. Teams leave recharged, not depleted.
Deeper Team Connections
Collaborative creation breaks down silos and builds authentic relationships beyond work roles.
Enhanced Communication
Shared language from proverbs and art-making leads to clearer exchanges and faster conflict resolution.
Reduced Burnout & Turnover
Creative disconnection combats exhaustion, improving retention and reducing stress-related absenteeism.
Strengthened Company Culture
Ubuntu philosophy embeds mutual support, aligning daily actions with core company values.
Measurable Performance Gains
Quantifiable improvements in satisfaction scores, collaboration metrics, and overall productivity.
How The Talking Tree Workshop Unfolds
1. Before the Session
(15 minutes)
We select a proverb and creative activity that aligns with your team's goals, then prepare all sustainably sourced materials.
2. Opening Circle
(15 minutes)
The "Sage" (team leader or volunteer) presents the chosen proverb, setting the tone for reflection and connection.
3. Ubuntu Dialogue
(20-30 minutes)
Guided conversation inspired by the proverb builds trust and opens authentic communication channels.
4. Collaborative Creation
(60-90 min)
Hands-on work with upcycled materials: basket weaving, fabric collages, puppets, solar masks, team curtains, and more.
5. Showcase & Reflection
(15-20 minutes)
Teams present their creation and share insights, often sparking spontaneous celebration and appreciation.
6. Closing and reflection
(10 min)
Participants write a personal reflection—poem, story, or thought—as a lasting takeaway from the experience.
Ready to get started?
Brian R.
It was such a pleasure meeting you on Friday. Thank you again for leading such a wonderful and engaging workshop for our faculty, students, and staff — it was truly appreciated.
I absolutely love the basket and have it proudly displayed in my office!
Client
Teboho Moja
New York University
The "Talking Tree Workshops" have been an incredible experience. A heartfelt thank you to Vickie for leading such engaging, thoughtful, and inspiring sessions for students and teachers in schools and for colleagues at New York University.. Her ability to weave insight, reflection, and meaningful dialogue created a space where learning felt natural, personal, and transformative.
The workshop sparked new perspectives, encouraged deep listening, and reminded us of the power of connection — with ourselves, with others, and with the environments we move through.
Truly a memorable and enriching experience. Grateful to have been part of it.
Invest in your team
Workshop pricing is customized based on:
✦ Group size
✦ Session duration
✦ Location
✦ Specific creative activities selected
✦ Follow-up sessions or ongoing programming
We also offer:
✦ Multi-session packages for deeper transformation
✦ Quarterly wellness programming to sustain momentum
✦ Custom workshops designed around your specific challenges