Introduction: Embrace the Mask, Enter the Flow

Venice, the birthplace of Commedia dell’Arte, offers a unique stage for leaders ready to embark on a transformative journey. This exclusive three-day experience, guided by world-renowned storyteller Peter de Kuster, draws on the timeless archetypes of Commedia dell’Arte and the Hero’s Journey story model. Inspired by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory, you’ll discover how the stories we tell ourselves and the roles we embody create the conditions for deep engagement, creativity, and leadership mastery. Step into the masks of Venice’s legendary characters and learn to lead with passion, presence, and playful resilience.

Leadership Journey Summary

Over three days, you will:

• Explore Venice’s historic sites linked to the Commedia dell’Arte tradition.
• Embody the 12 archetypes of the Hero’s Journey through Commedia characters like Arlecchino, Colombina, Pantalone, Il Dottore, Il Capitano, and the Innamorati.
• Engage in workshops combining storytelling, improvisation, mask-making, and reflection.
• Experience flow states by balancing challenge and skill in creative leadership exercises.
• Craft your personal leadership legend and learn to sustain passion beyond limits.

Timeline

Day 1: The Call to Adventure & Crossing the Threshold

• 09:00 – 10:30 | Welcome & Introduction at Piazza San Marco
  Overview of Hero’s Journey, flow theory, and Commedia archetypes. Receive your personal mask.
• 10:30 – 12:30 | The Ordinary World & Call to Adventure
  Guided walk exploring Venice’s theatrical history. Reflect on your current leadership story.
• 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch & Discussion: The Masks We Wear
• 14:00 – 16:30 | Crossing the Threshold: Mask-Making Workshop
  Create your own Venetian mask, symbolizing your archetype and leadership identity.
• 16:30 – 18:00 | Improvisation & Roleplay: Tests, Allies, and Enemies
  Embody Commedia characters in team challenges around hidden Venetian squares.

Day 2: The Ordeal & Reward

• 09:00 – 11:00 | Approach to the Inmost Cave: Theatre Workshop
  Visit Teatro Olimpico or a historic Venetian theatre. Practice embodying vulnerability and courage.
• 11:00 – 13:00 | Ordeal: Facing Leadership Shadows
  Explore your inner “Pantalone” or “Il Dottore” through guided storytelling and peer feedback.
• 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch by the Grand Canal
• 14:30 – 16:30 | Reward: Flow in Action
  Design and perform a short leadership scene integrating flow principles and archetypes.
• 16:30 – 18:00 | Reflection & Sharing Circle

Day 3: The Road Back, Resurrection & Return

• 09:00 – 11:00 | The Road Back: Integrating Passion into Daily Leadership
  Workshop on sustaining flow and passion beyond the journey.
• 11:00 – 13:00 | Resurrection: Personal Leadership Legend
  Craft your leadership story map using the Hero’s Journey framework.
• 13:00 – 14:30 | Farewell Lunch
• 14:30 – 16:00 | Return with the Elixir: Commitment Ceremony & Gondola Ride
  Symbolic ritual and celebration on the Venetian canals.

Why This Journey Works

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory shows that peak performance and creativity arise when challenge matches skill, and when we feel fully engaged in meaningful activity. The Hero’s Journey and Commedia dell’Arte’s archetypes provide a narrative and role framework that naturally create these flow conditions. Venice’s rich theatrical heritage offers the perfect backdrop to embody these timeless lessons and transform your leadership.

Exclusive Offering: Limited Availability with Peter de Kuster

This three-day journey is a rare opportunity to work in an intimate setting with Peter de Kuster, one of the world’s most sought-after storytellers and leadership guides. With his limited availability, this is your chance to experience a truly transformative adventure in the heart of Venice.

Investment:
Three-Day Leadership Journey in Venice: €2,950 per person (excl. btw & hotel)
Includes all workshops, materials, mask-making, theatre visits, curated meals, gondola ride, and personal coaching by Peter de Kuster.

Dates: On request for individuals, teams, and organizations (limited spots available).

To book or inquire:
Contact Peter de Kuster at peter@wearesomeone.nl

Conclusion: Lead Your Story, Live Your Flow

This journey is more than a workshop—it’s a call to live your leadership as a heroic story, filled with passion, play, and purpose. By stepping into the masks of Commedia dell’Arte and embracing the flow of the Hero’s Journey, you’ll unlock new depths of creativity and influence. Venice invites you to become the hero of your own legend.

Reflective Questions for Your Leadership Journey

• Which Commedia archetype resonates most with your leadership style?
• When have you experienced flow in your work or life?
• What story about yourself is ready to evolve?
• How can you bring more creativity and presence to your leadership?
• Who are your allies and mentors in your ongoing journey?

Step into the mask. Step into your flow. Venice—and your legend—await.