What makes a great leader: Craig Preston on leadership, mentoring and the human touch
Craig Preston has spent over 30 years leading in environments most of us will never experience, from military command to corporate boardrooms, from Northern Ireland to the Middle East. Now, as The Human Edge’s newest board member, he’s bringing that hard-won wisdom to our mission of making mentoring accessible and transformative. We sat down with Craig to explore what truly makes a great leader, why […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
How to Lead Remote Teams Effectively: Leadership Skills for the Digital Age
Remote work isn’t a passing trend—it’s here to stay. Whether it’s flexible work policies, the aftermath of global disruptions, or the drive for more inclusive teams, remote work has become a permanent feature of how we operate. But here’s the thing: leading a remote team isn’t just a matter of applying the same old leadership […]
How to Build Emotional Intelligence as a Leader: 5 Practical Steps
Emotional intelligence (EI) is often hailed as one of the most important qualities of effective leadership. However, while it’s widely discussed, it’s often underexplained in a way that makes it practical for leaders to develop. At its core, emotional intelligence is about understanding and managing your own emotions, while also being attuned to the emotions […]