VALIDATE Workshop: Unstoppable Confidence
Unstoppable Confidence was a two-day, in-person workshop led by executive coach Peggy Klaus, designed to help women develop greater confidence, presence and resilience in their professional lives.
Through a mix of interactive exercises, personal reflection and group discussion, participants explored the factors that shape confidence and how to build it strategically over time. The workshop focused on recognising and using personal strengths, navigating common challenges such as imposter syndrome and perfectionism, and developing the skills needed to lead with authority and impact.
This practical, skills-based programme was tailored to support women working in research and related fields, with a focus on long-term personal and professional development.
Workshop Topics
Over the two days, participants covered topics including:
- Understanding the confidence gap and the factors affecting women’s self-confidence and performance in the workplace
- Identifying and leveraging personal strengths
- Overcoming barriers to success, such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism and bias
- Enhancing executive presence and developing strategies to project confidence and gravitas under pressure
- Developing a strategic plan to build and maintain confidence
- Building resilience as a leader
Invited participants included VALIDATE Fellows and female pump-priming grant leads, broadening opportunities for networking.
About the Speaker: Peggy Klaus
Peggy Klaus is an executive coach and communication specialist who works with professionals across sectors to develop confidence, leadership skills, and executive presence. She is the author of Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It and The Hard Truth About Soft Skills, and has delivered workshops for scientists, business leaders, academics, and public sector professionals worldwide.
Her approach combines practical tools with a focus on mindset and resilience, helping participants tackle challenges such as imposter syndrome, self-promotion, and high-stakes communication.
