Lead like it matters.
Because it does, now more than ever.
We’re leading in an age of constant change and competing narratives—when people are craving honesty, connection, and meaningful direction.
It’s never been harder—or more necessary—to lead with clarity and conviction.
I’m Laura Darrell, author of The Great Resignation and a former senior executive with over 25 years of experience leading people, operations, and culture at world-class brands like Starbucks, Apple, and Boston Pizza.
Now pursuing my Doctoral Degree in Executive Leadership, I help organizations build leaders who can navigate uncertainty with clarity and empathy—and the confidence to shape culture in real time.
Here’s the truth. As AI reshapes how we work and polarization tests how we lead, human-centric leadership is no longer a soft skill. It’s a competitive advantage. The future belongs to leaders who can think critically, adapt quickly, and connect meaningfully.
That’s why I developed the Lead Like It Matters Methodology, a grounded, research-informed framework born from decades in the field and refined through study. Built to turn leadership theory into everyday practice that gets results in the real world.
At its core, the Lead Like It Matters Methodology teaches leaders to name the truth, unite their teams around purposeful action, adapt with agility, and build a culture where reflection drives learning and lasting change.
Whether I’m leading an executive retreat, facilitating a high-stakes session, or coaching your frontline leaders, I help organizations close the gap between where they are and what they want to be.
Because culture isn’t declared. It’s demonstrated. It lives in the everyday conversations and decisions your people make today.
Real leadership isn’t polished. It’s present.
ABOUT LAURA
I partner with senior leaders and executives who know that surface-level discussions won’t fix deeper cultural challenges.
With over 25 years of experience in senior leadership and a Doctor of Executive Leadership in progress, I’ve learned what truly drives transformation: leaders who are self-aware, adaptable, and willing to do the real work of change.
That’s why I developed the Lead Like It Matters Methodology. A four-part framework that helps leaders face reality, build alignment, lead change with intention, and revisit what’s working before it breaks.
This isn’t theory. It’s battle-tested and built for the complexity of today’s workforce, especially for leaders navigating generational shifts and the growing trust gap shaping our workplaces.
If your team’s ready to lead with more clarity, courage, and honesty, let’s talk.
MY SERVICES
You can’t transform what you’re unwilling to face.
I work with senior leaders and executives who want more than motivation. They want movement. Together, we transform leadership into a practice that cultivates culture, fosters trust, and drives sustainable results.
My Lead Like It Matters Methodology is woven through every offering, a four-stage framework that surfaces the truth, aligns action, drives change, and builds lasting momentum.
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Keynotes and event talks that challenge assumptions, unlock insight, and equip leaders with tools they can use the moment they leave their seat.
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Immersive experiences that combine strategy, culture work, and practical leadership development—tailored for executive teams, multi-unit leaders, and culture builders.
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Hands-on, highly relevant training for franchise, restaurant, and retail leaders focused on adaptability, collaboration, and the leadership skills today's teams actually need.
Built on Truth. Powered by Action. Trusted by Top Brands.
Trusted by Top Brands to Shape the Future of Franchise and Hospitality Leadership
Read Laura's work in these industry-leading publications
I know the franchise world because I’ve lived it. From fry cook to executive, I’ve led teams for multi-unit franchisees and sat at the corporate table as an operations and training executive, helping shape systems and develop brands.
That journey, from the back of house to the boardroom, gives me a unique lens on what franchise leaders truly need:
practical tools, adaptable systems, and leadership that actually works in the real world.
I speak the language of franchisees and franchisors, and my work bridges the space between the two, building cultures of trust, accountability, and long-term success.
My insights and strategies, featured in the industry's top publications, help brands lead with clarity and grow with purpose.
THE GREAT RESIGNATION
Lead in a Way That No One Wants to Leave
Quiet quitting. Disengagement. Churn. The Great Resignation shows leaders exactly how to turn it around.
Coaching and appreciation are essential for retention and performance.
Leadership behavior decides whether talent stays, joins, or leaves.
Human connection, trust, and meaning now drive workplace success.
Drawing on 25 years of leadership experience, Laura Darrell reveals how great cultures aren’t found. Tey’re built, one conversation at a time.
SUCCESS STORIES
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Inspiring Frontline Leaders: In-Person Retreats That Drive Culture Shift
Four Leadership Retreats. Two Years. Measurable Impact.
In the Canadian casual dining sector, I led four in-person, two-day retreats for frontline leaders — blending tactical training with open dialogue in Situational Leadership, Servant Leadership, Coaching, and Appreciative Leadership. Each retreat was designed to build practical skills, strengthen leadership confidence, and create alignment between daily operations and long-term strategy.
The results:
35% reduction in turnover
More internal promotions, building stronger bench strength
A motivated leadership culture, ready to adapt and grow
When you invest in a retreat, you want measurable change, not just a good experience. That’s exactly what I deliver — and the impact lasts long after the session ends.
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Strategic Executive Leadership Retreat: Profitability Through People
Retreats That Turn Leadership Teams Into Growth Engines
In just two days, I help leadership teams align strategy, execution, and culture — and leave ready to perform at their highest level.
For a mid-sized, multi-unit restaurant group, my retreat bridged clarity, accountability, and adaptive leadership. The shift was immediate: leaders stopped reacting and started leading with focus and intention.
The results:
More consistent execution, elevating the guest experience
Lower turnover through trust-based leadership
Higher profitability from clear priorities and ownership
Whether hosted in the world-class hospitality of La Condesa, Mexico City or premier venues across Canada, every retreat is built to deliver measurable, lasting change.
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Restaurant Leadership Conference: Equipping 1,200+ Leaders for What’s Next
From Stage to Store: Leadership Content That Drives Action
I designed and delivered custom sessions for a major North American casual dining brand’s annual leadership conference, engaging over 1,200 attendees.
Every session was built for immediate, real-world application across stores, with a focus on:
Gen Z Engagement
Team Dynamics & Culture
Community Impact
The goal: to equip leaders with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and the confidence to stay results-focused, resilient, and relevant in a rapidly changing workforce landscape.
When you bring me to your conference, you get more than an engaging speaker — you get actionable content that connects in the room and sticks long after the event is over.
