WHITEPAPER

Why Developing Middle Managers Matters

Unlock the Leadership Advantage Hidden in the Middle

Middle managers are the backbone of every organisation, the vital link between vision and execution, culture and performance. Yet they’re often the most under-supported layer in leadership development.

When middle managers thrive, your entire organisation thrives. They drive engagement, productivity, and innovation. They lift teams, strengthen culture, and make strategy happen.

This whitepaper reveals why developing your middle leaders is one of the most powerful and profitable investments you can make.

Why It Matters

Middle managers influence up to 70% of employee engagement (Gallup, 2023).
Developing them isn’t just professional growth, it’s organisational strategy that gives a competitive advantage.

Equip your managers to lead themselves, their teams, and your business to greater success.

Who is this for...

... CEOs and Executives shaping strategic direction

... People & Culture and HR Leaders focused on performance and engagement

... Learning & Development and Talent Leaders building leadership pipelines

... Business owners who want to grow stronger, more capable teams

What You’ll Discover Inside

The Current Landscape
The latest research and statistics highlighting the challenges and opportunities for middle managers today.

What’s Holding Organisations Back
The top pain points CEOs and senior leaders face when middle management capability is underdeveloped.

How Middle Managers Really Feel
Insights into the lived experience of middle managers, and what they need to lead with confidence, courage, and clarity.

The Business Case for Investment
Evidence-based data showing how leadership development at this level improves engagement, performance, and profit.

Practical Strategies for Action
Real-world recommendations to strengthen your leadership pipeline, build culture, and deliver measurable results.

Complete this form to download the whitepaper:

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Because when your middle managers grow, your whole organisation grows.

Thank you for investing in leadership that lasts.

Your Middle Manager Expert

Sally Foley-Lewis MBA CSP

Sally Foley-Lewis inspires and skills managers to be high performing, purposeful and productive. Obsessed with leadership and professional development that ensures people reach their potential, Sally’s presentations and programs positively impact confidence, leadership and results.

2024 Educator Award for Excellence - VSAI

2024 Bronze: ROAR Awards – Leadership Award

2024 Professional Speakers Australia: National President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution

2023 Gold: ROAR Awards – Service Business of the Year

2023 Silver: ROAR Awards – Best B2B Business

2023 Bronze: International Business Award – Thought Leader of the Year: Business Services

2023 Gold: Beam Australia Awards – Emerging Leadership

2023 Silver: Asia Pacific Stevie Awards – Thought Leader of the Year

2023 Woman to Watch in Management – Women in Biz Global

2021 USQ Outstanding Alumnus of the Year – Business and Enterprise

2021 Silver ROAR Success Awards – Leadership Award

Also, named a LinkedIn Top Voice, Breakthrough Speaker of the Year and Female Entrepreneur of the Year, she is a global Certified Professional Speaker, and has authored five books. The drive to support and skill middle managers comes from her own diverse roles, CEO and senior leadership experiences. She has also served on state and national boards. Sally delivers presentations, keynote speeches, workshops and coaching – live online and face-to-face - to skill managers, boost productivity, engagement and self-leadership.

Blending 20+ years of working with a diverse range of people and industries, in Germany, the Middle East, Asia and across Australia Sally has extensive qualifications, a wicked sense of humour and an ability to inspire and energise.