Across the mentoring programmes we’ve designed or supported — from multinational donor-funded initiatives to grassroots entrepreneur networks — one question often emerges as a critical factor in long-term success: Who is supporting the mentors? It’s easy to assume that once someone is labelled a ‘mentor’, the development stops. That they’ve already ‘made it’. That their […]
Funders, here’s what too many programmes still miss — and what’s possible when you get it right. Since 2008, The Human Edge has partnered with some of the world’s leading foundations, development agencies and ecosystem enablers to support entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa, the Middle East and beyond. We’ve seen what accelerates meaningful change — […]
Every organisation says leadership matters. And yet, leadership pipelines continue to break down—quietly, persistently, and often expensively. Public and private sector organisations, as well as NGOs, invest millions each year in identifying and developing future leaders. But if you’re honest, how many of those programmes actually translate into long-term, effective leadership across your organisation? How […]
Across borders and sectors, organisations are contending with disruption on a scale that feels both systemic and deeply personal. The usual suspects: funding cuts, geopolitical instability and supply chain volatility have returned with new intensity in 2025. But what’s striking now is the scope. No region is untouched. No organisation is fully insulated. And no […]
Why do some scale-ups stall, even with funding and support?
The missing piece is often human, not structural. This blog explores how mentoring—when done right—provides the self-leadership, relational support, and strategic reflection entrepreneurs need to grow through complexity. If you’re funding or designing programmes for SME growth, this one’s for you.
Recruiting mentors—especially on a pro bono basis—can feel like the hardest part of running a mentoring programme. But often, it’s not about availability, it’s about how the opportunity is framed. Here are five shifts that can make all the difference.
Great leadership starts from within. Kat Bury shares how self-awareness, intentional choices and resilience build confident leaders.
What Non-Monetary Incentives Keep Mentors Engaged? If you manage a mentoring programme, you’ve likely faced the challenge of keeping mentors engaged. Many organisations grapple with this. And while financial incentives can play a role, they’re not the only way to keep mentors engaged. So, what truly motivates mentors? What are some non-monetary incentives that many […]
An organisation launches a mentoring programme with enthusiasm. Mentors are paired with mentees, the programme kicks off, and then… nothing. Engagement drops, relationships fizzle out, and impact is unclear. Sound familiar? Many organisations assume that simply connecting people is enough. But the reality is, mentoring programmes don’t fail because of a lack of good intentions—they […]
In the journey of leadership, the first and most critical step is self-leadership. Before you can effectively guide a team, organisation, or even influence an entire ecosystem, you must first learn to navigate your own inner world. Self-leadership isn’t just about self-discipline or personal productivity—it’s about self-awareness, emotional intelligenceand a deep understanding of how your […]
