‘‘At the end of the day, outstanding leaders are defined not by their titles but by the culture and legacy they create.’’

The Leadership Book - Achieving the empathetic edge

Services

Leadership Advisory & Thinking Partnerships

I work with senior leaders by providing structured space to reflect, think clearly and navigate complexity with confidence.

My work avoids formulaic answers, creating the space for leaders to slow their thinking, challenge assumptions and make clear, well-judged decisions in the moments that matter most.

I offer a small number of focused programmes, each grounded in real leadership experience, reflective practice and practical insight.

How I Work

My approach is:

  • Reflective - creating space for deeper thinking

  • Practical - grounded in real leadership experience

  • Human - focused on the person behind the role

  • Confidential - trusted, one-to-one or small group work

I work with a small number of clients at any one time to ensure depth, quality and impact.

Below are the three core programmes that shape my work.

The Empathetic Edge™

Executive Leadership Advisory Programme

The Empathetic Edge™ is a programme for senior leaders navigating complexity, pressure and responsibility. It provides a confidential, reflective space to deepen emotional intelligence, sharpen judgement and strengthen leadership presence.

This work supports leaders to:

  • Think clearly under pressure

  • Lead with emotional intelligence and confidence

  • Navigate complex people and organisational challenges

  • Strengthen trust, influence and presence

Delivered through a series of one-to-one advisory sessions, paced to suit the leader.

Download the Programme Overview

The Creative Edge™

Creative Leadership Advisory

Creativity is not a soft skill but a core leadership capability, enabling leaders to see challenges differently, uncover new possibilities and respond more effectively to change.

The Creative Edge™ supports leaders and teams to expand perspective, remove common thinking blockers and approach complex challenges with fresh insighst.

This work helps leaders and teams to:

  • Break out of habitual thinking patterns

  • Generate new ideas and perspectives

  • Strengthen creative problem-solving

  • Lead with greater confidence and clarity

Delivered through one-to-one advisory work, team sessions or bespoke workshops.

Download the Programme Overview

The Entrepreneur’s Edge™

Advisory Support for Founders & Early-Stage Leaders

The Entrepreneur’s Edge™ offers a structured thinking partnership for founders and early-stage leaders, supporting clarity, resilience and better decision-making as their businesses grow.

This work supports founders to:

  • Clarify purpose and direction

  • Navigate uncertainty with confidence

  • Strengthen decision-making and focus

  • Develop a sustainable leadership mindset

Often delivered in partnership with accelerators, innovation hubs and professional services organisations.

Download the Programme Overview

Working Together

If you would like to explore any of these programmes, or simply have an initial conversation, you are very welcome to get in touch.

📞 0771 252 7158
✉️ neil@neil-francis.com

I’m always happy to talk things through

“The future of leadership has one word at its core: empathy.”

The Leadership Book - Achieving the empathetic edge