TEAM TALK: FRANCESA GAROLA
As Event Manager at Synergy, Francesca Garola plays a central role in bringing each edition of the event to life. Working closely with Laura, each member of the team, partners, suppliers and the venue, she ensures that every detail comes together operationally and experientially, to create a seamless and truly memorable experience.
We caught up with Franci to learn more about the person behind the role, her passion for travel and wellbeing, and the experiences that have shaped her journey.
Q. What drew you to Synergy and excites you most about your role?
A really good friend introduced me to Synergy back in 2022 and immediately said, “This is so your kind of event — you’re going to love it.” Having already spent a lot of time in the healing and wellness space, it genuinely felt like the perfect fit from the beginning.
I now work as the Event Manager, and honestly, I just love being part of it all — the team, the people, the energy behind creating something so meaningful and magical. Every edition has felt special in its own way, and it has been incredible watching the event grow year after year.
Q. What value or daily practice do you bring to your work?
Probably kindness and respect above everything else. I really believe the way we treat people shapes the entire experience and outcome of what we do. No matter how beautiful an event or project may look from the outside, if it is not built with kindness and mutual respect, then something really important is missing.
Q. What kind of traveler are you?
These days, definitely more of a comfortable traveller! I still love adventure and discovering new places, but I also appreciate beautiful hotels, good food and spaces that feel calming and inspiring.
Q. Favourite country that you have travelled to?
That is such a difficult question because every place leaves something different with you. I absolutely love the Caribbean - the beaches, the white sand, the clear water. Costa Rica and Vietnam were both incredibly special in very different ways, and I also felt so grateful to organise Synergy in Bali. That experience will always stay very close to my heart.
Q. Do you have a favourite hotel or property?
Not one in particular. Over the years I have been lucky enough to experience some truly beautiful properties through work and travel, and of course there are a few that hold special memories for me. Hopefully there will be many more still to come.
Q. What keeps you grounded and centred?
I try to make space every day for breathing practices and somatic exercises. Even small moments of slowing down and reconnecting with the body make a huge difference for me.
Q. A travel moment that changed you?
Probably my first backpacking trip around Madagascar. It was such an extraordinary experience and completely different from anything I had ever known before. It changed the way I looked at life, nature and adaptability. It taught me how little we actually need sometimes, and how much growth comes from stepping outside of what feels familiar. There have been many meaningful trips since then, but that one was definitely life-changing.
Q. What do you love about experiencing places through wellness and connection?
For me it brings together so many of the best parts of life — discovering new places, taking care of your body and mind, creating memories, meeting new people and sharing experiences. Even as someone who is naturally quite introverted, I think aligned connection is something we all deeply need.
Q. What’s most shaped your approach to wellbeing and personal growth?
Without a doubt, my health journey.
After years of being unwell, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, then later another one, alongside several other health challenges linked to autoimmune conditions. At some point I realised I wanted to take my physical and mental wellbeing into my own hands and explore what I could actively do to feel better.
That journey led me into studying many different areas — positive psychology, coaching, health coaching, somatics, and now Ayurveda. Alongside that, my family and I also started researching CBD and far infrared technology to understand whether they could genuinely support health and recovery. We experienced such a positive impact ourselves that we decided to create high-quality products to help other people too.
Seeing how much this work has helped others has honestly been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
Q. What practice or teacher has impacted you in your life?
There have been so many, but one concept that really stayed with me came from my coaching studies: “the map is not the territory.”
In simple terms, it means that we all experience reality through our own personal filters — our past experiences, emotions, traumas and beliefs shape the way we see and interpret the world. Two or three people can live through the exact same moment and walk away with completely different memories or feelings about it.
I think understanding this has helped me enormously, especially when it comes to communication, empathy and relationships.
Q. Your top three travel essentials?
People usually call me Mary Poppins when I travel because I tend to have a little bit of everything with me… so choosing only three is nearly impossible!
But if I had to narrow it down, I would say good skincare and sunscreen, a good probiotic depending on where I am travelling, and always a good book.
Q. What is your favourite book?
It is impossible to choose just one! But a few that really stayed with me are The Celestine Prophecy, The Untethered Soul and The Four Agreements. Each one came into my life at the right moment in a different way.
CONNECT WITH FRANCI