Cover story
“If you’re looking for a career that draws on every aspect of who you are – it’s franchising”
your own business.” This, by the way, was a conversation that went on for two years where I went back and forth weighing up the decision! Then we explored franchising. I made it
very clear from the get-go, if franchising was to be the way forward, it would have to be with a brand that aligns with my values. Turnover and profit are important – but people drive those! They don’t just turn up at your door. I wanted to work with a brand that would support me with achieving that, and with being a good entity in the community, to give back, which is a big part of my value system.
Which of course led you to McDonald’s… Yes. It goes back to how important it was to me to have my values align with the company I’m looking into. For me, the clincher was filling out the McDonald’s application form and the questions I was asked: for instance to share an example of when I’ve been “a vulnerable leader”. I thought: “We’re on to something here.” They asked about when I’d had to open
up to people, as well as when I’d mentored others. All the different scenarios they asked about really showed me that they’re focussed on getting the right personalities. Plus, it’s a model that’s been very tried and tested… and as I’m already a McDonald’s customer – the trust was already there in the brand! They’re basically asking: “Who are you and what are your values?” That was really important to me. Once I was accepted onto the training
programme I absolutely loved it. To go in and see how it all comes together is really exciting. The whole time it went scarily fast, which was an obvious sign I was having fun! And now… I feel like I’ve landed right
where I should be, around real, authentic, genuine people from all walks of life. That’s a privilege in itself and one you don’t always get in your career, but you do at McDonald’s, and I love it. It’s the culture I want, and I’m so excited to be working with them.
18 | The Franchise Magazine 2026
McDonald’s believe in you – almost
more than you believe in yourself, sometimes! They can see something in people, and that’s a very good skill they’ve got – selecting the right talent and growing people. And now that I’m on board, the role fits me hand in glove. It’s a piece of me, it absolutely is!
What advice do you have for other prospective franchisees? It’s not a short-term career, so look at the long term and the journey that you’re on along the way and be sure to build up the right foundations around you. We’re in an age of everything being instant and I’m calling on future franchisees to consider the value of long-term thinking, of delayed gratification – have a more sustained focus on your business. As I mentioned before, you’re planting a seed of growth, one where everybody reaps a reward – the brand, the team, the community, customers, and yourself. My goal overall is to show my son, what hard work and ambition can
achieve, I want him to see me in this capacity, so he can grow his mind and his confidence to become a bit more than what society tells him he is. And showing some of my younger female cousins that yes, you too can occupy a space like this! In conclusion: If you’re looking for a career that draws on every aspect of who you are – it’s franchising!
Can you tell us anything about your plans for the future and what it holds for you and McDonald's? I’m very passionate about McDonald’s being a place where people really want to work. That it’s the right culture and experience for our team, and elevating that employee experience – a business that thrives on the development of people. That development and culture then feeds into our customers, then we can start to work to uplift our community as well. There’s a long-term growth plan … you plant the seeds and hopefully watch them rise – it’s what I’m really looking forward to.
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