Breaking the Bias: Why Inclusive Leadership is Critical in Social Impact
In the social impact world—where the mission is to shift systems, reduce inequality, or build more inclusive economies—leadership bias can quietly sabotage even the best-designed interventions. Not bias in the loud, obvious sense. But the kind that shows up in who gets selected as a mentor. Who is trusted to lead a project. Whose voice […]
Reframing Risk: Why Funders Should Prioritise Mentoring in Fragile Markets
In fragile markets, risk is often treated as a constraint—something to be minimised, avoided, or borne reluctantly. But here’s a thought: what if we reframed risk not as a reason to hesitate, but as a reason to invest differently? For funders navigating volatile environments—where instability, inequality, or weak infrastructure complicate traditional development approaches—mentoring offers a […]
What Most Funders Overlook When Commissioning Mentoring Programmes
How to move mentoring from a box-ticking activity to a system-wide intervention Most mentoring fails quietly. Not because the idea was wrong, or the people weren’t committed—but because the structure was missing. In our work designing and delivering mentoring programmes across 30+ countries, we’ve seen this pattern repeat itself. Funders invest in well-intentioned mentoring elements […]
Who Mentors the Mentors? Why Even Experienced Leaders Need Guidance
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 […]
The Hidden Power in Your Portfolio: Why Mentoring Deserves a Front Seat in Entrepreneurship Support
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 — […]
The Missing Link in Leadership Development: It’s Not Another Training
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 […]
The crisis we’re not talking about
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 Scale-Ups Fail (Even with Funding): What Economic Development Programmes Keep Missing
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.
Struggling to Recruit Great Mentors? You Might Be Approaching It All Wrong
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.
Strong Leadership Starts with You: Kat Bury on Self-Leadership
Great leadership starts from within. Kat Bury shares how self-awareness, intentional choices and resilience build confident leaders.