Stepping Into Your Stretch Zone: Building Confidence Through Change

Develop your confidence to step outside your comfort zone and adapt successfully to change.

Working in research and insights means dealing with shifting priorities, new challenges, new methods and technologies and client demands that can change at speed. This workshop helps researchers and others working in the industry to understand their own comfort zones, why change can feel uncomfortable and how to build confidence and capability when things stretch them. Using the Comfort–Stretch–Panic model, delegates explore how to manage natural reactions to uncertainty and learn practical techniques for approaching new tasks, responsibilities and environments with greater self-belief.

Through reflection, small-group discussions and real-world examples, delegates build awareness of what holds them back and identify strategies for moving into their stretch zone safely and purposefully. They will also learn how adopting a positive approach to change supports their development, resilience and career progression in a fast-paced industry. By the end of the session, they will feel more equipped to embrace new opportunities and respond to challenges with confidence and curiosity.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the Comfort–Stretch–Panic model
• Identify personal barriers to stepping outside their comfort zone
• Reframe uncertainty as an opportunity for growth
• Build confidence to take on new tasks and challenges
• Apply practical strategies to stay effective during change

Who will benefit?

Graduates, Research Executives, Senior Research Executives and Research Managers who want to build confidence, adaptability and resilience.

Learning method

Interactive discussions, reflective exercises, practical models and small-group scenario work.

Course delivery mode

Online – half day

Trainer biography

Nickie Rose is a professionally certified executive coach and leadership development specialist with over 30 years’ experience in the research and insights sector — 25 years as a researcher and 5 years as Head of Learning and Development and internal coaching. Having built her career as a researcher before moving into L&D, Nickie brings a rare combination of lived experience and development expertise, giving her deep insight into how to support and develop those working in the industry to perform at their best. She partners with researchers and research organisations to help them build the leadership and management skills needed to drive growth and high performance, combining theory with practical tools, thoughtful challenge and a deeply supportive style that helps people think clearly and act with confidence. She brings a practical, engaging and highly personalised approach to her workshops.