Case Study

Rebuilding Connection and Productivity in a Remote Team

How Fiery Feather helped White Deer Group create shared understanding around work, creativity, and productivity

From First Day to Fully Aligned: A New Approach to Onboarding crop

Professional Services
Remote Teams
Training & Team Effectiveness

Client & Context

Why this Mattered

White Deer Group continued to grow and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the shift to fully remote work changed how the team connected, collaborated, and supported one another.

While tools and systems were in place, the team lacked a shared framework for understanding how different working styles, personalities, and life circumstances influenced productivity and creative output.

What Was at Risk

Without a common approach, differences in work styles could lead to frustration, misalignment, and weakened team connection over time.

The Challenge

Where Friction Showed Up

The team had access to productivity tools, but not a shared understanding of how to apply them in ways that respected individual differences.

Expectations around “good work” varied across the team
Conversations about productivity felt sensitive or difficult to navigate
Remote work amplified misunderstandings and assumptions
Team members lacked a consistent process for addressing friction

What they needed was a way to align around productivity without flattening individuality or creativity.

The Fiery Feather Approach

Creating shared language without losing humanity

Michelle Newcome, Founder of White Deer Group, asked us to design a customized four-part training series tailored to the team’s specific dynamics and needs.

We took the time to understand how each team member approached their work, honoring differences in personality, creative rhythm, and personal circumstance. The training focused on building a shared framework that supported both individual contribution and collective effectiveness.

Throughout the series, we:

Facilitated open conversations about work styles and expectations
Helped the team define what productive, meaningful work looked like together
Introduced practical tools that supported accountability and respect
Created space for honest dialogue without judgment

The result was a training experience that balanced structure with empathy — helping the team reconnect around how they work best.

Client

White Deer Group

Team Involved

Co-founders and a fully remote team

Engagement Type

Customized productivity and communication training

Duration

Four-part virtual training series over two months

Key Outcomes

A shared language for understanding productivity within creative work
Increased collaboration across different working styles
Greater confidence when engaging in honest, productive conversations

Client

White Deer Group

Team Involved

Co-founders and a fully remote team

Engagement Type

Customized productivity and communication training

Duration

Four-part virtual training series over two months

Key Outcomes

A shared language for understanding productivity within creative work
Increased collaboration across different working styles
Greater confidence when engaging in honest, productive conversations

What Changed

Qualitative Outcomes

A common language for discussing productivity and creative output
Increased confidence addressing challenges directly and constructively
Stronger sense of trust and connection across the remote team
Greater comfort navigating differences without tension

Voices from the Client

It can be really hard to honor differences — especially with a fully remote team.

Theresa is one of the best communicators I’ve worked with. She kept everything organized, understandable, and moving forward. She really listened to what we needed.

Michelle Newcome
Founder, White Deer Group