Final answer:
Edward is acting as a mentor to the junior VP, utilizing his business expertise to foster managerial development, reflecting modern trends in business management and investment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edward, who is assisting a junior VP at a financial services firm by providing direction, instruction, and training in the development of personal competencies, can best be described as a mentor. Edward leverages his experience as a retired businessman to guide and develop the managerial skills of the junior VP. This relationship is indicative of a shift from traditional hierarchical models to a more cooperative partnering approach in business management. This approach emphasizes the value each party brings to the organization and aligns with the broader trends in business where information about products, revenues, and profits is more available, allowing for a diverse range of investors to offer financial capital to firms.