Today, business leaders are more connected than ever. Yet many have never felt more alone in their roles.
The pressure to constantly perform, the responsibility of guiding teams through change, the isolation that can come with success—this emotional weight of leadership doesn’t just impact presidents and CEOs. Few spaces in British Columbia are dedicated to key associates, second-in-command leaders, C-suite executives, vice presidents and directors.
And for entrepreneurs like Shima Fasihi, this gap became too noticeable to ignore.
“These leaders are often the backbone of companies,” she explains. “They are shaping culture, driving execution, leading teams and helping organizations grow, yet many don’t have access to trusted peer communities designed specifically for them.”
That realization became the foundation for edge Organization.
Founded in Vancouver in 2024, Fasihi started edge to redefine leadership development through peer learning, meaningful relationships and purpose-driven impact. This mission is reflected in the organization’s four pillars— Empower, Develop, Grow and Engage—which spell the name “edge.”
Fasihi describes edge as a “network of hearts and minds,” a curated executive community dedicated not only to professional success but also to helping leaders become more grounded, connected, resilient and purpose-driven humans.
Person-forward leadership
edge reflects the changing perspective on leadership that’s happening across the business world: exceptional leaders require more than business acumen; it takes emotional intelligence, creativity, adaptability and the ability to lead people.
While the noise in the leadership development ecosystem can be loud, edge was never intended to become “just another networking organization,” Fasihi notes.
“In a world filled with transactional networking, leaders are craving something deeper,” she says. “They want trusted relationships, meaningful conversations, high-level learning and spaces where they can continue evolving personally and professionally.”
Today, edge has rapidly evolved into one of British Columbia’s emerging executive leadership communities, bringing together an intentionally curated network of high-performing leaders through peer-learning forums, educational workshops, executive dinners and mini retreats.
At the heart of edge are its professionally facilitated peer-learning forums, confidential groups where executives gather regularly to discuss real business and life challenges in high-trust environments designed to foster accountability, growth and connection.
“These forums create something incredibly powerful,” says Fasihi. “When leaders hear how others have navigated similar challenges, it creates comfort and offers perspective. You realize you’re not alone, and often the wisdom in the room helps you navigate challenges with greater confidence and insight.”
Through keynotes, educational events, leadership dinners, executive workshops and immersive conversations, edge is creating environments where executives gain more than just strategic insight.
“We don’t want people leaving simply motivated for a day,” Fasihi says. “We want leaders walking away with meaningful relationships, expanded thinking, practical tools and conversations they can bring back to their teams.”
Enduring leadership legacy
Indeed, for many members, the impact extends far beyond business strategy. “edge creates a level of trust and connection that’s incredibly rare in executive spaces today,” says Ryan Hill, director of education at The Fraser Institute, in a testimony on edge’s website. “The conversations are real, the learning is meaningful, and the relationships continue far beyond the meetings themselves.”
That sense of belonging has become one of the organization’s defining strengths. “The community at edge has had a meaningful impact on both my leadership and personal growth,” says Paula Catoira, chief marketing officer at Rival Group, in her testimony on edge’s website. “It’s a space where leaders can challenge themselves, learn from one another and build genuine relationships rooted in trust and shared experience.”
What also sets edge apart is its commitment to combining leadership development with social impact. The organization actively collaborates with nonprofit and community partners to support empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, equity and leadership development. Through partnerships with organizations such as Dress for Success Vancouver and PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs, edge works to align leadership with meaningful contribution and community impact.
With expansion plans for Toronto, the organization’s most ambitious vision might be what lies ahead.
Fasihi is currently developing a nonprofit initiative dedicated to youth belonging, emotional wellbeing, leadership, resilience and human connection in a generation increasingly impacted by digital isolation, anxiety and disconnection.
“As leaders, we have a responsibility to think beyond business,” says Fasihi. “The future of our communities depends on how we support the next generation—not only academically or professionally, but emotionally and socially as well.”
In a world moving faster than ever, edge offers leaders something they are quietly searching for but rarely find: a trusted room to grow together.
“Leadership was never meant to be navigated alone,” reflects Fasihi. “When leaders support one another, businesses become stronger, communities become healthier and the impact reaches far beyond the boardroom.”
Learn more about edge Organization at edgeconnect.ca.
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