What Franchise - Issue 21.2

E V E N T S , T O O L S & C O U R S E S F R E E C O U R S E S O N C O U R S E R A cultures. He explores how pressure, overwork and outdated ideas of productivity are quietly undermining teams, and offers a more human- centred alternative grounded in purpose, trust and long-term growth. Practical and timely, this book speaks directly to leaders navigating burnout, disengagement and the post-pandemic rethink of what high performance really means. The Unexpected CEO: My Journey fromGas Station Cashier to Billion- Dollar CEO Shirin Behzadi In The Unexpected CEO , Shirin Behzadi offers a refreshingly honest account of scaling a franchise business without following the traditional rulebook. Charting her rise from humble beginnings to leading Home Franchise Concepts through coast-to-coast expansion, Behzadi blends personal storytelling with sharp commercial insight. She explores how systems thinking, trust-led leadership and a performance-driven culture helped grow the business to more than 1,700 territories and deliver a nine-figure exit. Crucially, this is not a victory lap. It’s a thoughtful, practical guide for franchisors navigating complexity, growth and change – and a reminder that leadership doesn’t have to look one way to succeed. The Crisis Casebook: Lessons in Crisis Management from theWorld’s Leading Brands Edward Segal InThe Crisis Casebook , veteran crisis communications expert Edward Segal pulls back the curtain on how major brands handle – and mishandle – moments of reputational risk, examining high-profile crises with clarity, pragmatism and a sharp eye for what really matters when pressure hits and exploring everything from public apologies and backlash culture to the accelerating role of social media in amplifying crises. Practical, timely and grounded in hard- earned insight, this is an essential read for leaders who understand that how a crisis is managed can define an organisation’s future. The Mindset of Success: From Good Manager to Great Leader Jo Owen Jo Owen tackles the often-overlooked shift that separates capable managers from truly effective leaders: mindset. Drawing on real-world examples and decades of leadership expertise, Owen sets out seven core mindsets that define high- performing leaders, from resilience and courage to accountability and growth. Practical and accessible, the book reframes leadership not as a set of innate traits, but as a discipline that can be learned and strengthened over time. Well suited to leaders at every stage, it offers clear guidance for navigating complexity, motivating teams and stepping confidently into greater responsibility in a fast-changing business environment. Hacking the Human Mind: The Behavioral Science Secrets Behind 17 of theWorld’s Best Brands MichaelAaron Flicker and Richard Shotton MichaelAaron Flicker and Richard Shotton offer a smart, accessible exploration of the behavioural science that sits behind some of the world’s most successful brands. Using clear, engaging examples from companies such as Apple, Amazon and Starbucks, the authors reveal how psychology – not just product quality – shapes consumer behaviour. What sets this book apart is its balance of insight and application: each concept is grounded in research but translated into practical techniques marketers and brand leaders can use immediately. Thought- provoking without being academic, it’s an essential read for anyone interested in influence, branding and why people choose what they choose. The British & International Franchise Exhibition LONDON, 30-31 JANUARY 2026 The IFAAnnual Conference LAS VEGAS, 23-25 FEBRUARY 2026 International Franchise Show LONDON, 17-18 APRIL 2026 Brand Management: Aligning Business, Brand and Behaviour UNIVERSITY OF LONDON Strengthen Your Business Savvy HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW Business and Marketing Strategies UNIVERSITY OF LONDON Basics of entrepreneurship: thinking and doing ESSEC BUSINESS SCHOOL Franchise Factor is a sharp, insight-led podcast exploring the realities of UK franchising in biweekly episodes, bringing together franchisors, franchisees and experts to unpack challenges, share best practice and spotlight real- world success stories. A great listen for anyone serious about franchising. Franchise Factor Esemdee 7 Resources WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM