25/05/2026
Meet Elaine from Curious Edge Ltd 👋
How did your business start, and what inspired you to set it up?
After 20 years as a Director of Market Research, I decided it was time for something new. I invested in coaching, gained new skills through a coaching qualification, and trusted my leadership experience to take a leap of faith. That ‘now or never’ moment led me to create a business that combines everything I loved about my previous career with the skills I’d newly developed.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
My favourite part of what I do is coaching individuals and seeing them grow in confidence and self-belief. Everyone is born with skills and strengths - it’s just about helping them uncover and harness those, so they can thrive both personally and professionally.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in business, what would it be?
My top piece of advice for anyone starting out in business is to build connections and be consistent. Speak to everyone you know and share what you’re doing—not to ask for work, but to ask for advice. People genuinely want to help, and building those relationships is invaluable.
What’s been your proudest business moment so far?
My proudest business moment so far came at the end of last year, when I was awarded a Government Grant to deliver fully funded leadership and neurodiversity training to businesses across York and North Yorkshire. The initiative equips people managers with the skills to better support employees returning to work after sick leave or at risk of leaving employment, and receiving this grant is a huge testament to the value of the inclusive leadership work I’m passionate about.
