Stephanie McLean We sat down with Grazina Fechner of Front and Centre to chat about how to navigate the next step in your career.
Whether you’re a beauty therapist, dermal clinician, or nurse, considering your next move can feel like standing at the edge of something big; equal parts exciting and overwhelming. But according to Grazina Fechner, Director of Front and Centre, it doesn’t need to be a giant leap.
As we curated our latest issue’s education feature, we couldn’t ignore a shift in the air. After months of uncertainty and regulatory tension, the industry has turned inward; reflecting, reassessing, and recalibrating. In that stillness, we’re sensing what’s next: a return to growth, and a renewed focus on upskilling.
Because while the rules may have changed, your ability to lead, evolve, and back yourself hasn’t.
Everyone in Clinic is a Leader
“We believe in taking one small, powerful step forward,” says Grazina. “Upskilling isn’t about doing it all at once, it’s about backing yourself and creating a culture of consistent, achievable growth.”
At Front and Centre, leadership doesn’t belong only to those with the title. “Everyone in clinic is a leader,” Grazina explains. “Our work is about building confident communicators, people who inspire trust and take action.”
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
When it comes to stepping up, emotional hurdles are real. “Fear, doubt, comparison… it all comes up,” Grazina says. “We hear a lot of, I’m not ready?” or “What if I train them and they leave? But if you wait until you feel totally confident, you’ll never start.”
Instead, she encourages practitioners to take small, consistent steps. “Just one win, a good mentor, a solid training, or a shift in mindset can flip that fear on its head.”
Choosing the Right Course for You
With so many education options out there, where do you begin?
“Start with your why,” Grazina says. “Do you need a new qualification, more hands-on skill, or just to feel confident again? When you know what you need, the right course becomes clear.”
She also stresses the importance of choosing the right trainer. “It’s not just about the content, it’s about the person delivering it. Can they translate both the science and the soft skills? Do they understand the industry and the reality of what you’re navigating?”
Time, Cost & Commitment
Let’s talk logistics. “Time and money are the big ones,” Grazina acknowledges. “But so is learning style. Are you someone who thrives in a group? Do you need feedback in real-time, or does online suit you better?”
She also recommends asking about post-course support. “Will they be there when things get wobbly in the real world, or do they leave you hanging? That makes all the difference.”
And most importantly? “Give your learning the space it deserves,” she says. “Don’t wedge it in—honour it.”
How Upskilling Changes Everything
According to Grazina, upskilling is about far more than just ticking a box on your CV. “It shifts your energy,” she explains. “You speak with more certainty, lead with more clarity, and the people around you: your clients, your team, all feel that shift. It expands your mindset, builds momentum, and yes, it often grows your business too.”
She poses the question: “What’s scarier… starting, or staying stuck?”
You don’t need to take a giant leap. Just one step. One course. One shift. That’s all it takes. Because confidence, she says, “isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about backing yourself to figure it out.”
And if you’re still hesitating? “Your future self is already clapping.”
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