MASTER Risk Model - How it works risks

The Science Behind the MASTER Risk Model

Every part of the MASTER Risk Model is grounded in behavioural science. Built on theory. Powered by action. Currently in real-world testing.

The Risk Zones

Not all pressure is helpful.

Where you are, Comfort, Stretch, or Panic, affects how you respond to uncertainty.

By translating each of these forces into a measurable pillar, the model provides a structured way to assess readiness, uncover resistance, and support intentional growth.

Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development shows that you learn best when you are just beyond your current level of skill, but only when enough support is present.

This idea forms the basis of the Stretch Zone: a space for growth, where challenge meets capacity.

The Yerkes-Dodson Law adds that performance improves with moderate levels of arousal, but drops when pressure is too low (Comfort Zone) or too high (Panic Zone).

This creates a curve that maps the transition from stability to challenge to overload.

Together, these theories help define the three Risk Zones, not as emotional states, but as scientifically grounded behavioural states that shape how you experience and respond to risk.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Take the Assessment

Not sure Yet?

The Three Pillars

Behavior is shaped by how you think, what you can do, and the environment around you.

This framework draws on the COM-B model by Susan Michie, widely used in healthcare, education, and organizational change. It shows that Motivation, Capability, and Opportunity must align for meaningful behaviour change.

Lean More

The Risk Zones

You respond to challenge differently, sometimes you grow, sometimes you freeze, depending on the pressure.

The Risk Zones are based on Lev Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and the Yerkes-Dodson Law by Robert Yerkes and John Dillingham Dodson, which together explain how performance shifts depending on the level of challenge or support.

Lean More

Risk Profiles and Strategies

Each Risk Profile reflects a specific combination of Mindset, Abilities, and Situation, and helps determine your most effective strategy.

These strategies are grounded in strengths theory by Donald O. Clifton and Peter Drucker, learning theory from Lev Vygotsky, and systems thinking from Peter Senge and Steven Fink.

Lean More

Minimum Actionable Variables

Big change doesn’t start with big moves, it starts with clear, achievable steps that build momentum.

Minimum Actionable Variables are grounded in Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg and Deliberate Practice by Anders Ericsson, showing how small, intentional actions lead to meaningful, lasting growth.

Lean More

The Three Dimensions of Learning

You grow most when you combine three powerful elements: building knowledge, sharpening how you think, and applying what you learn.

Each can work on its own, but together they create stronger skills and change that lasts.

Lean More