Beyond the comfort zone: how challenge sparks growth and empathy, guest blog by Elevator CEO Rachel Ross

In a wet and midge-infested Aberfoyle, an invigorating July weekend unfolded - not just in the rugged Scottish landscape, but in the hearts and minds of the entrepreneurs taking part in the annual Elevator Challenge Weekend.

This unique event, which has been run by volunteers from the Dundee-based social enterprise Elevator for the last 20 years, is designed to test the mettle of entrepreneurs and budding business owners, encouraging them to push beyond their comfort zones, embrace vulnerability, challenging themselves to think and act differently.

At its core, the challenge is about fostering a growth mindset - a concept that has become increasingly critical in both personal and professional development.

Young people and new business owners often face the daunting task of navigating an unpredictable world, where market dynamics, technology and customer preferences are constantly changing. For them, a growth mindset is more than a personal trait; it is a tool to thrive in the face of adversity.

But what does it really mean to step outside your comfort zone?

And why is it essential for the development of not just a business, but the leadership skill to lead and work with an entire team?

When participants come together at the Elevator Challenge Weekend, they are thrown into collaborative situations with individuals they have never met before.

The result? A remarkable synergy that highlights the importance of diversity - of thought, experience, and perspective.

It is easy to feel secure within the confines of our familiar circles - be it in our workplace, educational institution, or even our friendships.

However, growth doesn’t happen in a bubble.

It is through the exchange of ideas with people from different walks of life that we gain fresh insights, innovative solutions and sometimes even unexpected opportunities. In Aberfoyle, participants were given the chance to challenge their assumptions, pivot their thinking and see their ideas through the lenses of others.

They also had to learn to support each other through physically and mentally challenging tasks. Sometimes, however, it is easier to be vulnerable and open with strangers than with those that know us best.

The key to turning these diverse inputs into progress lies in trust.

The kind of trust that allows someone to present an idea to a group of strangers and recognise that it will be heard, understood and respected.

This doesn’t happen by accident. It takes empathy - an essential ingredient for building strong, cohesive teams. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and, in doing so, create an environment where collaboration, rather than competition, thrives.

It’s this concept of empathy and trust that creates a fertile ground for teams to flourish. As businesses grow, so too must their capacity to nurture diverse viewpoints, resolve conflict and celebrate differences.

A business isn’t just a collection of tasks - it’s a team of people, each contributing their own strengths. The Elevator Challenge Weekend provides a rare and valuable opportunity for participants to experience this in action, and many left the event not only with new business strategies but with new relationships that would propel their ventures forward.

As one recent participant, Victoria Lane of Solway Blankets, reflected: “The Elevator Challenge Weekend pushed me mentally, physically and emotionally.

“It has given me the clarity to see what kind of team I need around me to facilitate the growth of my business, helped me realise the power of communication, trust and letting go of control to move forward.

“The whole experience was undeniably life changing and a pivotal moment in my life and business - I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone willing to get uncomfortable and grow.”

As we look at the future of entrepreneurship in Scotland, one has to ask: are we doing enough to provide young people with opportunities to develop these critical skills?

Are our schools and colleges fostering environments that encourage risk-taking, collaboration and growth mindset?

More importantly, how can we build an impact culture, where young people and experienced professionals alike can contribute to each other’s development?

At Elevator, we believe that by encouraging an impact driven culture, we can provide young entrepreneurs with the chance to gain hands-on experience, network with diverse mentors and build teams that are adaptable, resilient and capable of thriving, creating sustainable outcomes both economically and socially.

The skills that students learn from these experiences will not only benefit them in business, but will contribute to the larger goal of creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem where trust, empathy and growth are at the forefront.

Encouraging the growth and development of more enterprises that have give-back and impact embedded into them is arguably one very strong way to maintain and increase these type of community activities.

The Elevator Challenge Weekend is more than just a weekend - it is a testament to the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing diverse perspectives, and trusting others to help you grow.

As we look ahead for the future of Scotland’s economy, let’s continue to ask ourselves: how can we build more of these opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs and how can we ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and how can we use economic development opportunities to deliver more than just GDP output, but a mindset that permeates both the economy and society.