How we started
Leader Edge Academy was founded in 2016 by two former managing directors who had grown frustrated with the leadership training available to them. Most programmes they attended relied on generic slides and abstract theory. Nothing connected to the real pressures of running a business unit, managing a board or making decisions with incomplete information.
They built the first programme in a rented conference room in Manchester with six participants from their professional network. The format was simple: present a genuine business dilemma, work through it together, receive feedback from someone who had faced the same problem. Word spread quickly. Within 18 months the waiting list exceeded 80 names.
Today we operate from our base in Vandervort-Wintheiser-le-Walker and deliver programmes across England, Scotland and Wales. The founding principle has not changed: every minute of training must be directly applicable to the participant's working week.
Our values
Four commitments that shape how we design, deliver and follow up on every programme.
Evidence over opinion
We ground our methods in peer-reviewed research from organisational psychology and behavioural economics. When we recommend a technique, we can point to the study behind it and explain why it works in a corporate setting.
Candour
Our facilitators will tell you what they observe, even when it is uncomfortable. Growth rarely comes from reassurance. Participants value this directness; it is the quality mentioned most often in post-programme feedback.
Small groups
We cap cohorts at eight. Larger groups dilute the conversation and make it easy to hide. In a group of eight, everyone speaks, everyone is challenged and everyone receives individual attention.
Measurable outcomes
If a programme cannot demonstrate observable change in the participant's behaviour within 90 days, we consider it a failure. Every engagement includes a structured follow-up review to check whether the training has transferred into practice.
Our team
The people behind the programmes.
Rachel Underwood
Co-founder and lead facilitator
Former managing director of a £120M manufacturing business. Rachel spent 22 years in operational leadership before launching Leader Edge Academy. She specialises in decision-making under pressure and crisis leadership.
James Hargreaves
Co-founder and programme director
James served as a non-executive director on three FTSE 350 boards and ran a private-equity-backed retail group for seven years. He designs our curriculum and leads the senior team alignment workshops.
Priya Chandra
Executive coach
Chartered psychologist with 15 years of coaching experience. Priya works exclusively with C-suite leaders and has completed over 600 one-to-one coaching engagements. She holds a doctorate in organisational behaviour from the University of Bath.
Our milestones
2016
First pilot programme delivered in Manchester to six participants. All six reported measurable changes in their leadership approach within three months.
2018
Opened our permanent training facility in Vandervort-Wintheiser-le-Walker. Launched the one-to-one executive coaching programme with Priya Chandra joining the team.
2020
Adapted all programmes for remote delivery during the pandemic. Developed 40 new virtual simulation exercises. Participant numbers grew by 35% as organisations prioritised leadership resilience.
2023
Reached 1,000 trained leaders. Introduced the senior team alignment workshop after two years of development and piloting with NHS trust leadership teams.
2025
Expanding into sector-specific programmes for financial services and technology companies. Launched a research partnership with Cranfield School of Management to study the long-term impact of experiential leadership training.