Navigating Change: Insights From The Workshop

In a period of rapid transformation across Switzerland’s organisational landscape, Project Managers are being asked to do more than deliver projects; they are being asked to lead people through uncertainty with clarity, empathy, and confidence. 

On this foundation, the workshop Navigating Change: How to Thrive in Times of Uncertainty as a Project Manager, held on May 27, brought together a group of professionals at SIX ConventionPoint in Zürich for an evening of learning, reflection, and collective insight - building.

Facilitated by Matt Lanfear, PhD, Executive Coach to leaders navigating complex changes, the session offered co‑creation, peer exchange, and hands-on exercises. 

One of the workshop’s greatest strengths was its emphasis on collective intelligence. Participants had the opportunity to:

• Reflect on their own leadership mindset
• Share experiences and challenges with peers
• Explore new perspectives through group exercises

Throughout the workshop, participants explored themes related to change management. 

Change Agility

Participants reflected on how they want to “show up” as leaders during uncertainty. The collaborative boards quickly filled with ideas such as openness, calmness, clarity, adaptability, and proactive problem‑solving. Many highlighted the importance of embracing ambiguity rather than resisting it, and of modelling the mindset they hope to inspire in their teams.

Resilience & Wellbeing

The second theme invited participants to examine how they sustain themselves while supporting others. Sticky notes captured honest reflections: relaxing after mistakes, having a plan B, listening more, walking, humour, and prioritising mental health. The conversation reinforced that resilience is not a fixed trait but a set of habits and choices that can be strengthened over time.

Leadership Behaviours

The final theme focused on the behaviours that enable leaders to navigate change effectively. Participants identified qualities such as integrity, clarity in communication, empathy, transparency, role‑modelling, and bringing people along the journey. The boards showed a pattern - effective leadership during transformation is less about control and more about connection, courage, and consistency.

Looking Ahead

As organisations continue to evolve, Project Managers will remain at the forefront of guiding teams through complexity. This workshop was a reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about staying grounded, adaptable, and connected to others.

For those who joined us, thank you for your openness, your contributions, and your willingness to learn together. For those who couldn’t attend, we look forward to welcoming you at future events focused on growth, collaboration, and thriving through change.

We are immensely grateful for the generous support of the SIX PM Community, whose sponsorship of the venue made this learning experience possible.

Authored by Maja MANDIĆ