A year ago, a group of talented new colleagues joined Fronteer, stepping into the world of co-creation and strategic innovation. Over the past 12 months, they’ve worked on diverse projects, collaborated with experts from different industries, and navigated the challenges that come with a fast-paced, creative environment. Now, as they reflect on their first year, they share their biggest lessons, unexpected surprises, and the challenges that helped them grow.

Collaboration is key

One year in, one thing is clear: collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Working in a project team, helping clients, and connecting with external experts have been some of the most valuable lessons for our colleagues. While many joined with experience in innovation and strategy, they quickly realised that the magic happens when different perspectives come together.

Silke, one of our expert connectors, experienced this first-hand while speaking to tons of experts for her past projects:

“One day, I’m talking to a corporate leader, and the next, a young artist shares her inspiring story. That contrast keeps things exciting and makes every project unique.”

Nina, too, saw her understanding of innovation expand. Having always worked on ideas before they became reality, she’s now part of the process that brings concepts to life—an eye-opening shift that deepened her appreciation for what happens after the initial spark.

Meanwhile, Samesa discovered something she hadn’t expected: the importance of relationship management. Beyond strategy and creativity, guiding a project is about building trust, fostering open communication, and creating an environment where every voice is valued.

“A good process is about balancing human connection with expertise, that’s something I really want to grow in.”

Through all of this, our colleagues have seen just how much collaboration shapes the way we work. Whether it’s aligning with clients, bouncing ideas off teammates, or learning from unexpected sources, innovation is never a solo act.

The Power of Perspective (and Fun!)

No matter how much you prepare for a new job, some things will always take you by surprise. For our colleagues, one of the biggest revelations has been the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of their work. One moment, they’re deep in a strategy session, and the next, they’re facilitating a creative workshop or sparring with industry experts. The diversity of projects, challenges, and people they encounter keeps things dynamic—there’s no such thing as a typical day.

Silke felt this unpredictability early on when, just a few months into the job, she found herself on the train to Zürich for a project. Exciting? Absolutely. Nerve-wracking? Definitely. But more than anything, it was a valuable lesson in embracing new experiences, stepping outside her comfort zone, and trusting the process.

“It was scary and exciting at the same time,but looking back, it was one of the most valuable experiences of my first year.”

For Samesa, the biggest surprise wasn’t just the variety of projects—it was the energy they create. Co-creation sessions, have a unique buzz. Seeing clients light up when an idea clicks, or feeling the collective excitement in the room, has been a reminder of why we do what we do. And then there’s Annelot, our HR manager, who discovered something a little different: the sheer amount of laughter at work.

“I didn’t expect so much fun in the office, but honestly, we laugh a lot, and it makes every day better.”

On to the next year

Looking back, the past year has been a mix of learning, adapting, and plenty of unexpected moments. From tackling complex projects to figuring out the right balance between structure and creativity, our colleagues have picked up valuable skills that will stay with them for years to come. The challenges were real—juggling multiple projects, working across different cultures, and keeping the energy high in fast-paced co-creation sessions. But with each challenge came new insights, more confidence, and quite a few good laughs along the way. One thing is clear: a year at Fronteer is anything but boring—it’s a crash course in collaboration, strategy, and innovation, with a healthy dose of fun.