Team alignment and self-leadership for Gitlab

Context 

GitLab is a global DevSecOps platform that enables organizations to plan, build, secure, and deploy software in a single application. As one of the world’s largest all-remote companies, GitLab brings together talent across regions, cultures, and time zones, with a strong emphasis on autonomy, transparency, and sustained high performance. 

At the close of the fiscal year, GitLab convened its top-performing EMEA Sales team in Athens for an in-person off-site. The multinational group included senior sales professionals from across the world, many of whom collaborate daily in a remote environment but rarely meet face-to-face. 

GitLab engaged us to design and facilitate a full-day leadership session as part of this off-site. The intention was not to address performance gaps, as the team was already delivering exceptional results, but to support continued excellence through stronger alignment, deeper connection, and a conscious transition into the next phase of work. Several participants were preparing to move into new roles following the off-site, making this a timely moment to consolidate learning and carry momentum forward. 

The objective 

The objective of the session was to support a high-performing team in sustaining performance and collaboration as they transitioned into new roles and responsibilities. More specifically, the session aimed to: 

• Reinforce alignment and shared ways of working at the close of a successful year 

• Strengthen connection, trust, and relational quality across a multinational, remote-first team 

• Strengthen self-leadership through greater awareness of how to lead oneself effectively under pressure 

• Cultivate a winning mindset and a growth mindset in the face of challenge, uncertainty, and high expectations 

• Enable the team to define, together, what helps them deliver exceptional results 

Our methodology 

Our methodology combined insights from neuroscience, psychology, and team dynamics, with a strong emphasis on self-awareness and collective responsibility. The session was designed as an experiential process rather than a purely conceptual discussion. 

We began by exploring how nervous system regulation directly affects focus, decision-making, and performance, particularly in high-stakes sales environments. Through short, guided practices, participants experienced how states of regulation support clarity, presence, and effective action, while dysregulation narrows perspective and reduces collaboration. This created a shared language around performance that extended beyond effort and willpower. 

Building on this foundation, we explored growth mindset and how high performers relate to challenge, uncertainty, and increased expectations. The conversation focused on adaptive responses when facing obstacles, emphasizing learning, responsibility, and effective action under pressure. 

A central theme of the session was the role of connection and positive emotion in sustained performance. Participants explored how trust, enjoyment, and a sense of shared purpose support resilience and execution, particularly in distributed teams. Joy was framed as a source of energy that enables teams to move into action more effectively when demands increase. 

Through guided reflection and group exercises, the team explored the idea that people and relationships are often the most powerful lever for overcoming obstacles. Working in small groups, participants identified what they need from one another in order to perform well, collaborate effectively, and navigate challenge. As a result, the team articulated: 

• The conditions that support their best work 

• The behaviors they want to see more of when under pressure 

• What helps them stay aligned and effective as a team 

The session concluded with a focus on integration and ownership. Participants reflected on how they could carry these shared principles into their new roles and teams, ensuring continuity and momentum as responsibilities evolved. 

The impact 

The session supported the team in closing a strong year with clarity and alignment, while preparing for transition and continued performance. 

Key outcomes included: 

• A shared understanding of how to perform well under challenge 

• Stronger connection and alignment across regions 

• Team-defined principles for effective collaboration 

• Greater clarity on how to carry momentum into new roles 

Leadership feedback highlighted the value of reinforcing what was already working well, while equipping the team with language and practices to sustain excellence over time. 

Closing reflection 

This engagement with GitLab’s EMEA Sales team illustrates how high-performing organizations can use moments of transition intentionally. By integrating nervous system awareness, growth mindset, connection, and collective reflection, the session supported continuity, alignment, and purposeful action during a critical phase of change. 

Testimonial

“Myrto was incredibly assertive with the workshop. Her ability to transfer information while adapting to the group dynamic kept the team engaged from beginning to end - high energy in the room and full participation throughout. One Breath offered valuable insights about how we can overcome stress by gaining better control of our emotions and body, along with practices that help with longevity. An incredible experience”

- Tatiana Just Fernandez, Senior Manager | Business Developement

If you’d like to explore how similar trust-based work can support your teams or leadership groups, check out our work and schedule an introductory call.