Bill Watkins takes more than 200 employees away every year, usually to New Zealand. The week-long bonding event, involving staff from all levels, is about creating a corporate culture. But it’s not everyone’s idea of fun: the week culminates in a gruelling 35km race that involves 10-12 hours of hiking, cycling, abseiling and kayaking.

“To change a person and create a culture, it has to be an emotional not intellectual experience,” says Mr Watkins, chief executive of Seagate Technology. “We challenge you to look at yourself. The first thing I say to people on the first is: ‘You’re going to die. Live life like you know that.’ ”