‘‘Great leadership extends beyond achievement — it is anchored in empathy, trust and genuine connection.”
The Leadership Book - Achieving the empathetic Edge
About Neil Francis
I’m a leadership advisor and thinking partner to CEOs, founders and senior leadership teams.
With over 30 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and CEO, I’ve founded, grown and successfully exited businesses. I’m the author of five books on leadership, creativity and entrepreneurship, with a sixth, The Leadership Book: Achieving the Empathetic Edge, publishing in early 2026.
My work is delivered through three premium leadership advisory programmes:
The Empathetic Edge™, focused on emotional intelligence, clarity and confidence;
The Creative Edge™, supporting creative thinking for leaders and teams; and
The Entrepreneur’s Edge™, providing advisory support for founders and early-stage leaders.
My approach is reflective, practical and human, grounded in lived leadership experience.
Who I Work With
Senior leaders and executives
CEOs and directors
NHS and public sector leaders
Professional services partners
Creative and innovation leaders
Charity executives
People who want to:
lead with emotional clarity
improve communication and presence
make better decisions under pressure
unlock new ideas and possibilities
rebuild confidence after challenge or change
develop a more human, grounded leadership style
“Success in entrepreneurship doesn’t come from answering the ‘how’ questions — it comes from understanding the ‘why’.
The Entrepreneur’s Book
My Books
My thinking is informed by five published books on leadership, creativity and positive psychology, including:
The Leadership Book – Achieving the Empathetic Edge
The Creative Thinking Book - How to ignite and boost your creativity
The Entrepreneur’s Book - The Crucial ‘why’ questions that determine success
…alongside other works exploring meaning, identity and possibility.
If you’re navigating complexity, growth or change and would value a trusted thinking partner, let’s talk.
📞 0771 252 7158
✉️ neil@neil-francis.com