Lead like it matters.

Because it does, now more than ever.

Laura Franchise Speaker

Leadership that’s honest, adaptable, and built to last. For franchise, restaurant, and retail brands ready for real change.


I help franchise, restaurant, and retail leaders build the leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s high-stakes, people-first world. With over 25 years at brands like Starbucks, Apple, and Boston Pizza, and a doctoral focus on leadership development, I bring a unique blend of credibility, strategy, and heart.

At the center of my work is the Lead Like It Matters Methodology, a four-part framework designed for real-world leadership:

Surface the Truth: uncover what’s really going on

Prepare for Action: align teams through adaptive, collaborative leadership

Execute with Flexibility: blend structure and change management to drive results

Revisit and Reinforce: create a culture of reflection and evolution

Whether I’m leading a keynote, retreat, or coaching session, my goal is simple: help leaders shift from firefighting to forward momentum.

Because teams don’t need more slogans. They need leaders who actually lead.

Real leadership isn’t polished. It’s present.

ABOUT LAURA

I partner with franchise, restaurant, and retail leaders who recognize that surface-level training alone won’t address deeper cultural challenges.

With two decades of senior leadership experience and a doctorate in progress, I’ve learned what actually works: leaders who are self-aware, adaptable, and committed to doing the real work of transformation.

That’s why I created the Lead Like It Matters Methodology, a four-part framework that helps leaders get honest about where they are, build buy-in across teams, lead change with intention, and revisit what’s working before it breaks.

This isn’t theory. It’s battle-tested. And it’s built for the complexity of today’s workforce, especially for leaders navigating Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and the growing trust gap in work culture.

If your team’s ready to lead with more clarity and less spin, let’s talk.

MY SERVICES

You can’t transform what you’re unwilling to face.

I work with franchise, restaurant, and retail leaders 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.

  • Keynotes and event talks that challenge assumptions, unlock insight, and equip leaders with tools they can use the moment they leave their seat.

  • Immersive experiences that combine strategy, culture work, and practical leadership development—tailored for executive teams, multi-unit leaders, and culture builders.

  • 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 Restaurant 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.

Book Laura Darrell — speaker, facilitator, and author with 25 years of leadership results.

  • "Simple concepts are often the most challenging to put into practice. Laura Darrell’s pragmatic approach to appreciative leadership offers an incremental and lucid roadmap for new and experienced people leaders who want the upper hand in developing successful teams that commit for the long run."

    Joanne Forrester, President and Chief Operating Officer, Moxies Restaurants, North America

  • 'The Great Resignation” is rooted in first-hand experience and research data over Laura's 25+ years leading teams. After COVID, what employees seek from their leaders has changed dramatically. This book is a must-read for any leader wanting to stay ahead of the movement and help build a culture of accountability and appreciation that will help retain the greatest teams and draw the right talent to you."

    Lou Day – Senior Vice President of Operations – MrMikes Restaurants – Franchised Locations

  • “The Great Resignation” offers excellent insight into today’s workplace retention issues, breaking them down into manageable buckets, which is very helpful”

    - Allison McLaren – National Training Manager, Boston Pizza International

  • "Laura Darrell shows us how to gain an advantage in this labor market. Valuable tools and lessons in an easy-to-read format! This book is now a valuable must-read for all of our management team.”

    Linda McKenna – 42-year Multi-Unit Franchisee – Boston Pizza Restaurants

  • "Team Satisfaction is hyper-important to today’s workers; “The Great Resignation” highlights simple, low to no cost ways to keep your team happy, motivated, and productive. A winning combination in any organization"

    Scott Zulyniak – Regional Manager – Boston Pizza Restaurants

  • ‘The Great Resignation" is crucial for leaders to read as it helps us navigate the complexities of today’s workforce, offering insights into the factors driving employee disengagement and departure and provides valuable strategies on adapting leadership approaches in this evolving workforce”

    Erika Zilkova – District Manager, Starbucks Coffee Company.

  • "If you are a leader in hospitality or retail, this book is a must-read! Growing up in front of screens has changed the motivations of today's youth - in life and at work. If you are not adapting to provide appreciative leadership, you will never inspire your teams to deliver on your vision. “The Great Resignation” unwraps how and why we must evolve our leadership styles and embrace this new reality"

    Darren Flintoff – British Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame Inductee and Multi-Unit Franchisee

  • "Laura unpacks why the great resignation happened. She holds up the mirror for leaders to honestly assess their role in why employees stay or leave. With practical advice on welcoming, developing, and growing the talent we have worked so hard to attract, Laura’s brilliant advice will serve you well"

    Serge Boudreau & Shelley Billinghurst, co-hosts of The Recruitment Flex Podcast

  • "The Great Resignation” is an invaluable roadmap that guides organizations and their leaders toward effectively attracting and retaining invaluable talent. This book is not just a great read; it's packed with interesting insights about Organizational Leadership and the trends that have the potential to reshape our world in the coming years. A must-read for anyone seeking to stay ahead in this ever-evolving landscape."

    Sebastian Aguirre, Film Editor, Marketing, Sales at NiceJob, Netflix

  •  "In the wake of such a notable shift in professional priorities and work/life balance, Laura Darrell offers leaders a fresh perspective on the wants and needs of today’s workforce.  Prioritizing Culture and Development and filled with comprehensive good human strategies, The Great Resignation is sure to leave its readers feeling empowered and motivated to do better by their people."

    Sherri Reinhart – Vice President of People & Culture, Stonewater Restaurant Group

SUCCESS STORIES

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Lead with clarity.

Grow as a team.

Leave changed.