The Leadership Studio

Inspiring leaders to change their world

At Muskoka Woods, we believe leadership is about moving forward with thoughtful and positive impact.

We also believe it is an important character trait to develop at all ages and stages of life. The Leadership Studio provides an inspiring space for our CEO Leadership Program in the summer and transformative team building programs for corporations, organizations, schools and churches in the fall, winter and spring. Gaining global recognition, The Leadership Studio is a place where the leadership journey finds new life, breath and meaning. The space has been described as having a sense of movement and embodies the very spirit of innovation. This gorgeous building sits on Lake Rosseau’s sparkling shores, surrounded by pristine Muskoka wilderness.

OUR VISION

In an ancient Welsh tale, the king’s daughter marries an Irish king and is treated harshly. The king decides to avenge her honour. The Irish, seeing a king the size of a mountain and his army coming across the sea, burn all of their bridges and retreat into their city. So, the king chose to humbly lie down across the rivers and allow his men to walk across him to the other side to rescue his daughter. From this story we learn, “The one who would be a leader must also be a bridge.” Our vision is that every Leadership Studio participant will understand that it’s vital to not only build bridges, but, as leaders, to also be the bridge. We use this definition of a leader: “A leader is someone who looks at the world and says, ‘It doesn’t have to be this way,’ and does something about it.”

A PLACE DESIGNED TO FOSTER THE LEADERSHIP JOURNEY

Within the space, you’ll find a hands-on art studio, 1,000-volume library, meeting room that doubles as a bookbindery and both indoor and outdoor amphitheater-style seating spaces. You’ll also find spaces for unwinding, and a central kitchen for baking bread and sharing meals, along with almost 1,000 acres of recreational space. Many of the activities and amenities of Muskoka Woods’ summer camp are a part of the innovative programs only offered at The Leadership Studio.

EXPERIENCES FOR THOSE WHO LEAD

Whether you are looking for an experiential add-on, a fully-facilitated retreat, or a co-created customized program, we have something for you. Contact us to discuss the many large group experiences we offer, too.

VIEW PROGRAMS

JOHN MCAULEY, President and CEO of Muskoka Woods & THE LEADERSHIP STUDIO LEAD FACILITATOR

John McAuley’s creativity and ingenuity propels the Muskoka Woods vision forward. He has an extensive background in the camping industry and experience in organizational leadership. He serves as a lead facilitator of The Leadership Studio at Muskoka Woods. An adult learner, John recently augmented his credentials in organizational leadership by completing his certification as an Adler Trained Coach. Together, John and his wife Lori have more than 36 years of senior leadership experience at Muskoka Woods.

Hannah Cunningham, leadership program manager & FACILITATOR

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, in 2013 Hannah graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with joint honours in French & Spanish. That same year she joined Muskoka Woods as part of the Outdoor Recreation program where she met her husband Marc. Having spent 3 years as a member of our year round leadership team (in both the Schools & Groups and Leadership Studio departments) Hannah has now joined our full time staff in the Leadership Studio. With over a decade of youth leadership experience in various positions and organisations, she has a passion for developing young leaders which drives her to ensure our guests’ experiences are significant and relevant.

MARC CUNNINGHAM, LEADERSHIP PROGRAM COORDINATOR & FACILITATOR

Having first joined Muskoka Woods as part of the Outdoor Recreation department in 2009, Marc has worked full time both for the Schools and Groups department as the Challenge Course Manager and Program Coordinator, and now the Leadership Studio as a Facilitator and Program Coordinator. A graduate of College of the Rockies Adventure Tourism Business Operations program, Marc knows the value of experiential learning. With a passion for developing and coaching young leaders, Marc brings energy and enthusiasm to the programs he runs. Marc also met his wife Hannah at Muskoka Woods in 2013 and they have been happily married since 2016.

GREAT ACCOMMODATIONS

Tucked away from the bustle of camp life, our all-season Hillside Inn is designed to help guests unwind in the Muskoka wilderness. The Hillside Inn and Studio are linked by a trail and the Studio is accessible from the rest of camp by a 210-foot-long extension bridge.

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WHY LEADERS RECOMMEND A RETREAT AT MUSKOKA WOODS™

I had the privilege of connecting with three separate groups at the new Leadership Studio at Muskoka Woods. In each case, the Studio did more than simply provide us with a safe, spacious location in which to explore leadership and friendships. The facility itself is actually a place of inspiration, calling people to deeper community, service and growth.

Carl Nash

Launch