MY STORY

For more than 17 years, I've worked alongside franchisees and franchise networks, helping them build businesses that perform without consuming their lives.

But I haven't just studied franchising from the outside.

I've lived it.

I started my own journey as a franchise owner, launching my first business on an army base in Germany while my husband served in the forces. I moved and rebuilt that business around the UK with every posting, eventually building and running three successful franchises in Wales from scratch.

I know what it feels like to put everything into a business you've created. The excitement, the pressure, the responsibility and the constant feeling that everything depends on you.

After years as a franchisee, I moved into franchise development, spending 17 years supporting franchise owners.

I recruited and developed franchise owners, helped them grow, and worked at head office level overseeing hundreds of franchise groups. 

I've sat in every seat.

The franchisee trying to make it work.

The leader responsible for supporting others.

The head office team trying to help a network succeed.

So whatever position you're in, I understand the challenges because I've lived them.

But here's the part people didn't see.

From the outside, my career looked like a success story.

Inside, I was running on empty.

I was experienced. I was capable. I was helping other people build successful businesses.

But somewhere along the way, I had built my entire working life around everyone else's success and forgotten to ask whether my own business and life were working for me.

That was one of the biggest lessons I've ever learned.

Burnout wasn't a sign that I wasn't capable.

It was a signal that the way I was operating needed to change.

And that realisation changed the way I work with franchisees and networks today.

Because many of the people I support are in exactly that place.

They aren't failing.

They've built something real.

They have clients, experience and a reputation.

But the business has grown, and the way they lead it hasn't grown with it.

They've become the person holding everything together.

The decision maker.

The problem solver.

The person everyone relies on.

And eventually, success starts to feel heavier than it should.

That's where I come in.

I help franchisees and franchise networks create businesses that are stronger, more sustainable and less dependent on one person carrying everything.

We don't start with hustle.

We start with honesty.

What's working?

What's costing you more than it should?

Where is the gap between the effort you're putting in and the results you're getting back?

Then we fix it.

Not by making you work harder.

By helping you lead better.

Because the goal isn't just a bigger business.

It's a business that hits 6/7 figures and gives you back the life you wanted when you started.

THE COURAGE TO GROW™ FRAMEWORK

Most franchisees and franchise owners don't need more information.

They need a way to make better decisions, lead with confidence and build a business that doesn't depend on them carrying everything.

That's why I created the Courage to Grow™ Framework.

A practical framework built around the four areas that create lasting change for franchisees and the networks around them.

CLARITY Know where you're going, what matters most and what needs to change.

We'll get clear on your vision, priorities, pricing and the role you truly want to play as a leader.

Because you can't build the right business without knowing what you're building towards.

CONFIDENCE Make decisions without constantly second-guessing yourself.

Have the conversations you've been avoiding. Set stronger boundaries. Step into the leader your business needs.

Because growth requires courage before it requires strategy.

CONNECTION Create stronger relationships with your clients, your team and the people around you.

Build a culture where people feel valued, supported and accountable.

Because businesses grow through people, not just plans.

COURAGE What's the conversation you keep putting off?

Have the difficult conversations. Do what's right, not what's easy. Hold yourself and others accountable, even when it's uncomfortable.

Because growth doesn't come from waiting until you feel ready. It comes from doing the thing anyway.

Business Coach for Franchisees & Franchise Networks | Michelle Reade Coaching, Dorset

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

You'll often find me starting the day with a cuppa in my favourite mug, scribbling down ideas before the world wakes up.

When I'm not working, you'll usually find me walking the beach with Fudge — sand in my shoes, fresh air, and the space to think clearly. It's where I reset, reflect and come back with new ideas.

I've always been someone who sees potential in people before they see it in themselves.

I believe most franchise owners don't need someone to tell them they're not good enough — they need someone who can help them remember what they're capable of.

I'll challenge you when you need challenging, support you when things feel difficult, and remind you of your strengths on the days when confidence takes a knock.

If you're ready to build a franchise that feels more confident, more sustainable and more in control, I'd love to have a conversation.

You might be surprised what's possible when you stop carrying it all on your own.

Book a 30 minute Clarity Call to explore ways to work together!