At Erve Group, collaboration isn’t just a concept—it’s the driving force behind our success. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming two of our design colleagues from the Bangladesh office, Shuvo and Fatima, to our headquarters in Belgium. Their visit was an opportunity to strengthen global teamwork, exchange knowledge, and create lasting memories. Here’s a glimpse into their experiences, insights, and takeaways from their time with us.
A Visit with Purpose
For both Shuvo and Fatima, the trip was more than just a work visit—it was a chance to connect with colleagues in person and gain a deeper understanding of the Belgian team’s workflow. Shuvo’s main objective was to collaborate directly with the design team, aligning practices across offices and exchanging insights to enhance creativity. Fatima, on the other hand, aimed to familiarize herself with how the design team structures style pages, manages customer interactions, and brings creative visions to life.
Their expectations were high, and by the end of their stay, they were met—and even exceeded. “It was more than I ever expected,” Fatima shared. “The opportunity to learn, collaborate, and experience the Belgian office culture firsthand was truly special.”
First Impressions: Warm Welcomes and Creative Spaces
Stepping into the Belgian office for the first time, both Shuvo and Fatima were struck by its welcoming atmosphere. “The team is incredibly open and collaborative,” Shuvo noted. “The creative energy is contagious, and the environment encourages continuous idea exchange.”
Fatima was particularly captivated by the greenery within the office. “As a plant lover, I was thrilled to see plants everywhere—it adds such a refreshing touch to the space!” she said.
Key Learnings and Global Vision
During their visit, Shuvo and Fatima gained valuable insights into the Belgian team’s way of working. Shuvo was particularly inspired by their structured approach to design sprints and user-centered thinking. “The iterative process and continuous feedback loops are incredibly effective,” he said. “It’s something I hope to implement more in our workflow back home.”
Fatima, meanwhile, valued the hands-on learning experience, especially during a Disney meeting. “I gained a better understanding of Disney’s character guidelines and how we ensure our designs align with their brand identity,” she explained. Visiting stores to see Erve’s products firsthand was another highlight, giving her a tangible connection to the final outcome of their work.
Their visit also deepened their understanding of Erve Group’s global vision. “Seeing firsthand how different teams innovate and collaborate across regions gave me a new appreciation for our shared mission,” Shuvo reflected.
Cultural Exchange: Work and Beyond
One of the most eye-opening aspects of their visit was experiencing cultural differences that shape work habits. Shuvo appreciated the Belgian team’s direct approach to feedback, describing it as refreshing and constructive. “It made me rethink how we can improve our own feedback processes in Bangladesh,” he said.
Fatima, on the other hand, loved the Belgian tradition of having lunch together. “It’s a beautiful way to connect on a personal level, recharge, and return to work with a fresh perspective,” she said. “I’d love to see this practice become more common in our office.”
Memorable Moments: Collaboration Beyond Work
Beyond the office, the visit was filled with moments of camaraderie and fun. For Shuvo, a key highlight was a collaborative design session with Disney, where he experienced firsthand how open dialogue fuels creativity.
Fatima fondly recalled a team dinner organized by the design team. “The warm hospitality, delicious Belgian food, and lively conversations made it such a special evening,” she said. “A big thank you to Jurgen, Fay, Stefanie, Eva, and Jana for making me feel so welcome!”
A Lasting Impact
As they return to Bangladesh, both Shuvo and Fatima take with them valuable lessons and strengthened connections. Shuvo is eager to apply the Belgian team’s structured design approach to his own work, while Fatima looks forward to fostering stronger cross-office communication.
Their advice to future international visitors? “Be open to learning, embrace new ways of working, and take the time to connect with your colleagues beyond just work,” Shuvo said.
Exploring Belgium: A Cultural Journey
No trip to Belgium would be complete without some sightseeing! Fatima made the most of her visit by exploring Brussels’ historic landmarks, including the Grand Place and the Royal Palace. “The beautiful architecture, well-organized streets, and serene open spaces left a lasting impression on me,” she said. She even managed to take a quick trip to France—an unexpected but exciting adventure!
A Heartfelt Thank You
Both Shuvo and Fatima expressed their gratitude to the Belgian team for their warm hospitality. “A special, heartfelt thank you to Erve and Beconnected—for making this unforgettable experience possible,” Shuvo shared. Fatima echoed the sentiment, adding, “I’m so grateful, it’s an experience I’ll cherish forever.”
As Erve Group continues to strengthen its global connections, visits like these remind us of the power of collaboration, learning, and cultural exchange. Here’s to many more cross-office experiences that inspire and unite us all!
About ERVE:
Erve is a European leader in character licenses and brands. We produce branded fashion and apparel featuring TV, film, cartoon and video game heroes. As part of Erve Group, we have eight offices across three continents and we control the supply chain between raw materials and stores. Starting with our in-house design team and portfolio of licences – we source, produce, pack and transport collections at the request of major fashion retailers. With 37 years in the industry, our dynamic team values growth, transparency and customer focus. Our exceptional quality and sustainable practices have earned us a reputation for excellence.
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