Global Franchise 9.1

Clearly articulating the brand’s overarching mission resonates with diverse audiences when discussing Neighborly’s Code of Values and the company’s culture centered on Living R.I.C.H. around the principles of Respect, Integrity, Customer Focus, and Having Fun in the process. This mantra, coupled with a hardcore belief in how ethics drive profits, reverberates throughout the organization, spanning over 30 service brands. Moreover, Mary Thompson has influenced the private equity journey and Neighborly’s collective $4.3 billion in system-wide sales by always highlighting the strong values that have underpinned the company since its inception. When Thompson underscores organizational success with the assertion that “we are the dream makers,” her conviction is palpable and convincing. This statement reflects the essence of a leader who understands how to rally a united team on a winning mission, with clear and measurable values serving as the driving force behind her words. Does possessing a robust mission make life easier? Far from it. In reality, it sets a higher standard in an age where society is growing increasingly disillusioned by subpar customer service, diminishing brand loyalty, and a persistent labor shortage that continues to lower expectations. Consider the impact of declaring to the world that your organization’s ultimate aspiration is “to be so remarkable that we become a household name.” Such a statement carries immense power and significance in today’s landscape. Live R.I.C.H., indeed. 3 Passion for mentorship and the power of connection According to an article in Harvard Business Review, women don’t need rescuing in the business world. Instead, “inclusive leaders are learning that women perform better, advance faster and choose to stay at their organizations when they have effective mentors and sponsors in their life.” Likewise, numerous female franchise leaders attribute their success to the guidance of influential mentors. They view their own journeys up the leadership ladder as compelling motivation to assist future mentees in their paths to success. In a recent interview on the Second in Command podcast with host Cameron Herold, Stacey Ryan, COO of School of Rock said: “When I was awarded the COO role a few years back, I felt an increased level of responsibility... for the women who were coming up after me.” In addition to her busy day job for a global franchise brand that stretches across 19 countries and includes more than 65,000 enrolled students, Ryan made time to establish an organization called FrontWomen. org to support and encourage other women in leadership roles. “A lot of it is just knowing you’re not alone,” Ryan explained. “We’re going to continue to push and break the barriers.” Today, FrontWomen functions as a community resource group, offering a platform to share experiences, lessons, mentorship, and more. This sense of community is fundamental to School of Rock as a whole. Renowned as the foremost music education franchise globally, School of Rock not only promotes the arts in a vibrant and impactful manner but also advocates for diversity, inclusion, anti-bullying, suicide prevention, and a judgment-free environment for talented individuals. This inclusive ethos provides an ideal environment for female mentors to flourish, whether they’re rocking it on stage, in schools and educational settings, among female franchisees, or yes, in the c-suite at headquarters too. Rock on! 4 Resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world Lastly, who can resist falling in love with grassroots success stories that symbolize what is achievable on a larger scale every day? At the franchisee level, numerous small business owners make the monumental decision to take charge of their lives, careers, and future fortunes, often due to unforeseen circumstances. One can’t help but admire the women leaders who navigate this path while balancing work and family, equipped with a mindset that carries them through tough times. These are the stories that underscore a vital leadership quality: sheer grit and “Numerous female franchise leaders view their own journeys up the leadership ladder as compelling motivation to assist future mentees in their paths to success” LESSONS IN LEADERSHI P 72 GLOBAL FRANCHISE | ISSUE 9.1