Work is shifting rapidly – and it’s showing up in the evolving role of middle management in organisations.

Once considered the “glue” between strategy and execution, middle managers are critical in companies as they are closest to day-to-day operations and frontline employees. However, the expectation on this role has increased significantly, and are now expected to champion the culture, navigate complex transitions and be trusted leaders of people through constant change. 

However, according to Capterra’s recent research, 73% of middle managers are overwhelmed, stressed or burned out. 

We’re trying to actively avoid this burnout. 

At Corporate Edge, we’ve been watching these shifts unfold over the last few years and have consistently sought out the unspoken struggles of new and emerging leaders. That’s why we created LEAP – the Leadership Edge Accelerator Program. LEAP is designed to give new and emerging leaders the foundational leadership skills they need to succeed — not just for today, but in the future of work. 

But has ever-evolving AI killed of the need for middle management? 

No, it is just being reimagined. According to Harvard Business Review’s recent article, What’s the Future of Middle Management?, it confirms what many of us instinctively know: “Despite the common narrative that middle management is disappearing, it’s actually growing.” 

The article goes on to highlight the critical shift in roles of middle managers from being seen as administrative layers to vital enablers of culture, clarity and adaptability.  

“Managers are the human connectors between evolving strategy and employee experience,” the authors write. And yet, more often than not, this critical role is under-supported and under-prepared. 

From Capterra’s research, 63% of respondents also said, “they find it impossible to give all of their direct reports the one-on-one time they need”, which is alarming, considering the important influence middle managers have on their direct reports. 

That’s exactly where LEAP makes a difference. 

Introducing LEAP 

LEAP is a self-paced, modern leadership development pathway that gives new and emerging leaders the edge they need to lead with confidence and care. 

Delivered through self-paced, highly practical learning modules, LEAP guides leaders through a journey that starts with personal mastery — developing self-awareness, resilience and purpose-led leadership — and builds into actionable leadership skills that empower leaders to motivate, empower and lead their teams to high levels of engagement and productivity.  

Unlike traditional training programs, LEAP isn’t theory-heavy or overly complex. It’s intuitive, accessible and designed to integrate into real working lives. It leans into a leadership style that prioritises care, growth and accountability — recognising that great leadership starts from within and expands outward through consistent, conscious action. 

Closing the Leadership Gap 

As HBR points out, the expectations placed on middle managers are only increasing — “lead with empathy, drive performance, navigate change, and coach their teams through complexity.” But many new leaders are thrown into the deep end with little preparation or support. Typically, it’s the C-suites and high-level executives that have leadership development, but that’s not necessarily where the biggest shifts are possible. 

LEAP addresses this head-on by equipping leaders early in their journey, before poor habits or burnout take root. It empowers them with not only the what of leadership, but the how — how to hold challenging conversations, how to create psychological safety, how to balance performance with wellbeing. 

It’s about helping leaders feel ready, not overwhelmed. Capable, not just responsible. 

Taking Action, Now. 

We’ve worked with thousands of leaders across every stage of their career. And the message is clear: when people are supported early in their leadership journey, they step up faster, lead more effectively and have the confidence and know-how to contribute to stronger, more sustainable cultures. Read more about why your new leaders are struggling to delegate.

By giving your leaders access to a program like LEAP, you’re not just investing in their success, but you’re building a culture where leadership is lived, not just labelled. 

The HBR article sums it up perfectly: the most progressive companies are “reimagining the role of the manager as coach, connector and culture carrier.” And what we’ve created with LEAP supports this next evolution of leadership. 

The Next Leadership Evolution 

We’re not here to maintain the status quo. At Corporate Edge, we’re helping organisations prepare their next generation of leaders to be great leaders. 

LEAP is more than a learning experience. It’s a leadership transformation that’s built for the real world, anchored in connection and designed to scale sustainable growth across teams and organisations. 

If your people are stepping into leadership, let’s make sure they’re thriving, not just surviving. It’s time to take the LEAP.