Team Building Testimonials

Canada's Auditor General, Sheila Fraser, at the Ark, addressing a team of auditors from her office.

The following are team building testimonials received from clients of Corporate Synergy:

"At the outset of planning our Group Day (the first event of the sort for us after being brought together to work under Neil Maxwell as our Assistant Auditor General), the Staff Committee immediately established a goal of organizing something unique. This proved to be a considerable challenge since the number of years of service at the OAG largely varies among Group members - meaning that some members have participated in many other Group Days whereas others wouldn't have participated in a single one (up until the one we were organizing, of course). The theme deemed appropriate for the occasion was identified as "coming together as a new group". As such, the Committee set out to find an interesting yet educational suite of possible teambuilding activities.

We were lucky enough to happen upon Mike's website after a bit ofInternet research. Convinced that The Ark was the choice venue for what would be a Group Day to remember, the Staff Committee proceeded to convince upper management accordingly. Thanks to Mike's teambuilding expertise as well as those of his colleagues, February 29, 2008 will go down in history as a success. When we first arrived, there was certainly some visible hesitation among Group members but as the day progressed even the most hard-to-convince types were fully engaged - and having a grand time participating in activities we would never haveimagined they'd be willing to do. The atmosphere, the personalities of the facilitators, the array of activities - not to mention the fantastic food - all contributed to an entirely positive experience; one that few of the Group will soon forget!

Cheers,Amanda B.
Office of the Auditor General

Kevin
Co-Executive Director
La Siembra Co-op

Craig
Senior Research Officer
Priorities, Planning and Research Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

It is with great excitement and anticipation that my team looks forward to our return session with you later this month.

It has been a year since I first brought my department of 10 to our corporate development team building program. My team still talks about the many lessons we learned about each of our communication styles, our ability to cooperate and work together, and our roles within the team. The program was full of fun activities, which made us all think and work together. What a great combination of skills to build a strong corporate team. And in such a fantastic outdoor setting!

We look forward to another great teambuilding session with Corporate Synergy Inc."

Yours truly,

Ann
NFP NGO

Merition Networks would definitely consider Corporate Synergy for future team building or team bonding events and would recommend them to anyone who is looking to improve team dynamics."

Max
Sr. Hardware Designer
Meriton Networks Inc.

On September 5th, twenty-four brave souls departed from H-110, CFB Petawawa and headed toward Low, Quebec in search of adventure. We completed the mandatory swim test and a refresher in repelling. Then we embarked on a seven-day excursion filled with fun and adventure that would include repelling, canoeing and trekking through the Gatineau Hills. We arrived at our destination and were met by the enthusiastic and motivational staff from Corporation Synergy. They were determined to push us both mentally and physically through various challenges and obstacles for the remainder of the week.One particular highlight of the trip was the modified version of the game "Fear Factor". Our menu consisted of gourmet dining such as live worms and boiled chicken feet! The majority of our taste buds have since returned to normal. The really courageous participants dared to walk across a twenty-foot high wire blindfolded. Indeed the fear factor experience was empowering and enabled us to work as a team to adapt and overcome various obstacles. This accomplishment added a strong level of competitiveness that would be required for our final day.Repelling off the sixty-five foot cliff proved to be overwhelming to some while others relished the adrenalin rush. However, everyone was appreciative of the comfort of the harnesses over the Swiss seats. Our knowledgeable staff instructed us on the skill of ascending the cliff and how to make successful rescues using a pulley system.The most relaxing part of our adventure was the 18 km canoe trip up the picturesque Rivičre Gatineau. We docked at a remote island to be dazzled by Pte John Hancock and Pte Ian Blundon's near Olympic performance in cliff diving. To Capt Radmore's delight there are no CF 98's forthcoming.The week concluded on a competitive edge with teams competing against each other in a gruelling Adventure Challenge Race. The race consisted of the following events: trekking approximately 10 km to various check points, then canoeing another 2 km, followed up by a 4 km run back to camp for some archery shooting and repelling. Congratulations to everyone who successfully completed an exceptional race and benefited with a memorable experience."

Captain
CFB Petawawa

I just wanted to thank you for the two terrific days of team building that you provided for our two Algonquin College Social Work Services student classes. Given Canadian weather it certainly was risky for us to choose the end of March to hold these events, but your Challenge by Choice policy was up to the task. Admittedly, I was hoping for sunshine and warmth, but ultimately I think the adversity faced with the snow, rain and cold increased the team building effect instead of taking away from it.

It was interesting to watch as initially it looked like very few of the women were willing to venture outside. But as the enthusiasm and excitement increased, more and more of the participants gained the confidence to leave their comfort zones and try something new. In the end I think all but four women ventured outdoors to face those challenges.

I also wanted to commend you on your inclusive programming. Our one wheelchair bound student said she couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun or felt so truly accepted as one of the group. I know this day meant a lot to her and I doubt it is a day she will soon forget.

Thank you for providing us with such a unique and memorable experience. I would not hesitate to recommend you or your program to any organization looking to improve on their team dynamics or leadership skills.

Maria Schnurr, Manager
International Projects
International Education Centre
Algonquin College

I wish to convey my sincerest thanks on behalf of the Policy Research Group (PRG) with Canadian Heritage, for facilitating our 2007 Staff Retreat and the follow-up session. Both you and your Corporate Synergy colleagues provided excellent experiences for teambuilding, which have further solidified the strength of our team.

The choice of activities were enlightening and challenging, while maintaining a distinct sense of lightheartedness and fun. They provided invaluable situations in which to explore our group’s cohesiveness and teamwork abilities. It was an instructive experience to learn more about ourselves, both individually and collectively, to better understand how we can work together more effectively.

In particular, I believe that PRG will benefit greatly from the mission statement exercise we started in the follow-up session. The exercise itself was important for the team – it really helped to incorporate our individual views into a cohesive expression. This will encourage the ‘buy in’ from team members in our work, by having a clearer sense of purpose for our group. Knowing who we are, and why we are, is of tremendous value.

Once again, my thanks to you and your colleagues, from both myself and the whole Policy Research Group team!

Sincerely,

Mark McDonald
Research Officer
Policy Research Group
Department of Canadian Heritage

On behalf of the staff members from Historica Encounters with Canada program and all participants from the Ecology and Environment week, I want to thank you from the for your assistance during the development and unfolding of this new theme week. It was offered for the first time this year and its success wouldn’t have been possible without your help.

Hoping we can work again together next year to give the opportunity to other young Canadians to learn more about Ecology and Environment and how their choices have a huge impact on our future.

Yours truly,

The Encounters with Canada Team

What individual staff members had to say about their day at the Ark:

“It provided everyone with an opportunity to become more aware about their role in the team”.
“It was a place to freely express our feelings and gave us the opportunity to grow as a team”
“The location was beautiful!”
“I learned a lot about myself and coworkers”
“The activities allowed me to move out of my comfort level and experience something new”
“The activities showed us how important it is to work as a team if we are to reach our goal in the end”
“The themes that emerged during the debriefing are important to the future of the organization”
“The food was just awesome, homemade bread was – wow. Just so much fun, unexpected and greatly appreciated”
“I enjoyed the debrief session at the end. It was nice to have everyone contribute to the group; it made us more as a team”

Year round team building fun!

V.E.A.R. Toward Success^TM Testimonials

Thanks Mike for such a great presentation. It was certainly inspiring! I don't know if I'll be sleeping in -30C conditions to reach my goal, but I'm definitely more focused and motivated now. - Tim B.

Gina and TK
10km leaders

Thank you for a most inspiring talk on Friday night. I like what you had to say, especially regarding energy and the ability that we have to feed off the energy of those around us. Several participants in the clinic commented that they found your talk to be very thought provoking. They found the concepts you shared very useful and applicable to all aspects of the their lives. Thank you again for sharing your energy with us!

Barbara M
Learn To Run Instructor
Running Room (Slater Street)

I also appreciated the fact that he respected the time frame advertised; so often, speakers don't and not everyone can get away for the hour plus. Thank you again for your organizing this session and all that you do to keep employees healthy and motivated here at STC. Blessings, Donna

Thank you again for your time on Saturday....your presentation was absolutely amazing...usually after about a 30 min I can see everyone's attention drifting away...but not this past Saturday...you had their attention for the full hour....While running on Sunday, I developped a stitch in my stomach...it went away when I stopped thinking about it and thought about how blessed I was that I was healthy and able to run....Everyone did well on Sunday...it was very windy... more importantly everyone was happy with their results..

Gina and I will be instructing the half marathon clinic in Feb. for the National capital Race weekend at the end of May...we would love to have you back on the last day of our clinic which would be Wednesday May 21st at 6:30 Pm.. I realize this is far away...when can I request you for that date...

As well,,every year at the Ottawa police , we have a health fair...Im going to suggest they might want to touch base with you to possibly hire you for next year..the fair is at the beg of October...Im not sure what type of budget they have..but Im certain the organization would benefit from your presentation...

Thanks again for you time and energy level!!!!

TK

I wanted to write to let you know how much I enjoyed Mike Caldwell's V.E.A.R. presentation today. Thank you for organizing the event and letting everyone know about it. I found it quite informative and uplifting; especially the dancing part :-D I will certainly be checking Mr. Caldwell's site for further information. It was a very positive hour spent with someone who truly believes that the achievement of dreams and goals aren't just a possibility, but a probability.

Thanks again, Suzanne.

Thank you for organizing this wonderful motivation seminar. I hope more will come on the way!

But I only could stayed for half an hour in between my lunch hour French test. I was one of the person who left the room during the standing up dance. But I was so wanting to stay… I saw you video the whole seminar. Is it possible I could get a copy of the video or the presentation slides? Or are you going to post it on the internet?

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

Sarah

More comments on your talk......

I was talking to some people who attended and they were quite motivated and inspired by your presentation.

Thank you,

Lydia

I could speak of the many aha! moments I had during the session but the one that had the most immediate impact on me, and that I’ve applied many times since, occurred when Mike talked about Vision. He described a simple exercise to help us figure out if what we thought we wanted was what we truly desired. When visualizing ourselves in the moment, were we able to “hold the thought” for longer than a few seconds? Could we see the thought through to the end? By applying this simple exercise, I realized that I was wasting energy on projects that weren’t really important to me.

Thanks to Mike for helping me identify what it is I want to focus my time and resources on in order to have a happy and fulfilling life.

Kristine - Chair, Ottawa Physio Race

The first time I ran with Mike, I ran longer and further than I ever had but I believe that the true strength of his message becomes obvious not with that individual achievement but rather in how he has permanently changed how I view the challenges I set for myself. The principles I learned from Mike have enabled me to find the energy and motivation within myself to set goals I once believed impossible and follow through on them consistently and with a smile.

Mike's attitude towards the challenges he's faced is refreshing and contagious. The stories he has shared with me have encouraged me to re-evaluate my own dreams and the limitations I've set on them.

Thanks Mike!

Wendy M.

I can't thank you enough for spending time with our teams last night. I've heard some fabulous feedback and know these folks will be eager to put the V.E.A.R. approach to work!

Tina T.
Accenture

Corporate Synergy Client List