Callaway Gardens Resort in Georgia played host to 73 team members from across Aventum Group, gathered for the first-ever Dare to Discover USA. The three-day event was designed to spark ideas, deepen connections, and ultimately drive the next chapter of Rokstone’s stateside journey.
The idea was simple. To continue building something outstanding in the United States, we need to make space to discover what is possible together. So we invited everyone, from every corner of the US team including senior leadership from Rokstone and Aventum, to create D2D US.
Setting the Tone
Now, this was not a conventional corporate affair with a stuffy, rigid atmosphere. The agenda was shaped by the US team, incorporating a blend of thought-provoking sessions with hands-on, practical challenges and big-picture conversations with small group interactions.
The first day got underway with participant arrivals, followed by a drinks reception and a group dinner in the evening. The main event took place the following day, during which David Bearman introduced the theme for the day: 'The Power of You'.
This theme first introduced at the UK Dare to Discover in London goes beyond your typical company townhall event. It instead explored the real sense of power that comes from our choices and is held within our mindset, actions, and efforts.
Exploring the Bigger Picture
In the fast-paced ‘Shark Tank’ session, each Portfolio Manager had just four minutes to pitch their division. Elevator pitches included a snapshot of appetite, focus, and opportunity so the audience could better understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture at Rokstone and Aventum.
James Potter and Ian Anson also took on the big questions in a panel discussion, diving into what it means to redefine risk in today’s market and how our people play a part in that.
Power Hour took the energy in a new direction - this time towards impact and giving back. Teams rolled up their sleeves to build Solar Buddy lights, helping bring safe, sustainable light to people living in energy-deprived areas around the world - serving as a reminder that building a business with purpose means making room for moments that matter.
Applaud Award Winners 2025
Of course, no Dare to Discover would be complete without our Applaud Awards - an evening to shine a spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond in recent months, reflecting the values we live every day.
The winners were:
Nick Gentile // Improving Continuously
Colton Kovar // Owning Commitment
Bailey Roberts // Prioritizing Customers
Annika Roney // Maximizing Collaboration
Emilie Giles // Demonstrating Courage
Karla Naujokat & Ester Gramegna // Accelerating Action
Aligned for the Future
The next day, in Core Conversations, each Rokstone Portfolio Manager sat down for focused 20-minute sessions with key support teams from across the group, including Technology, Claims, Compliance, HR, Operations and Finance.
These quickfire meetings created opportunities to connect the dots, solve practical issues, and share perspectives from across the business. After this session, lunch was provided for the group before the event came to a close.
Dare to Discover was a statement of intent. As Rokstone continues to grow in the United States, events like this are key to staying connected, aligned, and energized. Because when we understand each other better, we build better.
