I’ve got some exciting news to share with you.

We’re kicking off a new Virtual Team TIE with Arla Foods!

Imagine transforming a team into a space where ideas flow freely, every voice is heard, and innovation grows from genuine connection.

That’s exactly what Arla’s Consumer Intelligence Team is setting out to do.

This week, 6 members from different departments around the Consumer Intelligence Team begin their Virtual Team TIE Programme. This is a powerful complement to the Global TIE Leadership journey already underway across the wider Consumer Intelligence team (which kicked off in September and runs until June 2026).

Over the next six weeks, these six participants will work together with Iracambi Rainforest Research and Conservation, a Brazilian social enterprise conserving the Atlantic Rainforest.

Through this Virtual Team TIE experience, this smaller team of six will tackle a real-world challenge facing Iracambi, learning to listen deeply, create space for every voice to matter, and recognise the unique value each person brings.

And in the process, they’ll strengthen how they then collaborate and lead back at Arla.

Here’s what some of the team had to say as they embark on this journey:

“Meeting new people and solving complex problems is one of the best ways to grow and develop new skills.”

“We rarely find the time to reflect on how we act and work – this programme creates that space.”

“I hope to gain fresh perspectives on adaptive teamwork and learn new ways to help diverse teams overcome distance and cultural differences.”

“It’s a huge opportunity to learn, grow and share, bringing energy and curiosity to how we evolve both individually and as a team.”

Whether you’re deep in the Atlantic Rainforest or leading a team in a busy office in Denmark, the principles are the same:

Slow down.
Ask more questions.
Listen. Really listen.
Bring in the quieter voices.
Notice what’s not being said.

Because that’s often where the real insight lies.

A huge thank you to Michael Swaisland, VP Consumer Intelligence at Arla Foods, for supporting TIE Leadership and believing in its power:

“For me, this is what our transformation in Consumer Intelligence is really about. Not just new tools or processes, but how we work together with open minds. When we lead with curiosity, empathy, and real connection, that’s when true ah-ha insight happens.”

Here’s to the start of an inspiring and impactful journey. And to imagining a different way of working, leading, and connecting.

And let’s not forget.

Collaboration isn’t about agreeing on everything. It’s about creating a space where our differences build something stronger than any one of us could alone.