The Disruptive Franchise Podcast

Stacey Cann | The Franchise Strategist

The Disruptive Franchise Podcast takes a peek behind the scenes of the franchise industry with key insight, origin stories and industry innovation centered around those involved in the Disruptive Franchise Awards. It's perfect for anyone in the franchise industry as well as those thinking about franchising their business.

  1. 3D AGO

    Why Personal Branding Matters In Franchising

    In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey discusses the critical role of personal branding for franchisors and why authenticity and trust are key in a market where potential investors are increasingly skeptical.  Stacey explores how mapping out a strategic content plan, franchisors can effectively communicate their values and build relationships with potential franchisees. The episode highlights the importance of being visible and building emotional connection as the franchisor, as well as the necessity of integrating content into the sales process to foster trust and understanding. Key Takeaways Potential franchisees want to know the person behind the brand.Content should reflect authenticity and real experiences.A strategic content plan can enhance franchise recruitment.Franchisors must show what it's like to partner with them.Franchisors are their own most powerful marketing tool.Commitment to content creation leads to franchise growth.Want help with this?  Check out Stacey's franchise marketing framework, SPEAK PAIN. It's free and it will help you create exactly the same kind of content that Stacey is talking about in this episode https://staceycann.com/frameworkKeywords personal branding, franchising, trust, content strategy, authenticity, marketing, franchise success, visibility, sales process, franchise recruitment, franchise marketing ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.  Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    11 min
  2. APR 2

    Creative Activation & Cowboy Hats With Katie Bullon

    * Get your early bird tickets for the Disruptive Franchise Awards now: https://disruptivefranchiseawards.com/tickets* On this week's episode, Stacey talks to our biggest awards winner from 2025 and judge for the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards, Katie Bullon. Katie is franchisor of Activ Marketing Group and a shining light in the franchise world. She champions franchising from Excel London to the muddy fields of Ideas Fest whilst running one of the top 100 franchises in the UK. Listen to her story and how she made the change from franchisee to franchisor after a complicated exit from her corporate career. Key Takeaways: Activ Marketing Franchise provides a comprehensive support system for franchisees.Katie Bullon's journey from franchisee to franchisor showcases resilience and adaptability.The importance of fun in business can enhance brand identity and customer engagement.Franchising offers a viable path for self-employment and business ownership.There is significant potential for growth in the UK franchise industry.Innovative franchise models can cater to diverse demographics and skill sets.Education about franchising is crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs.Franchising is not just about location; it's about building a brand and community.The balance between fun and structure is essential for a successful franchise.Katie's vision includes promoting franchising in schools to inspire future entrepreneurs.Contact Katie: Website: https://www.themarketingagencyfranchise.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activmarketingfranchise/Keywords:  franchising, marketing, business growth, franchisee, franchisor, innovation, entrepreneurship, industry champion, awards, self-employment ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.  Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    31 min
  3. MAR 26

    Something That Was Mine With Sarah Horton

    In this episode, Stacey chats to Sarah Horton, the franchisee at Little Movers Warrington. Sarah shares her journey of becoming a franchisee during the pandemic, the challenges she faced, and how she built a community space that supports families.  Sarah discusses the importance of innovation in franchising, the impact of her business on her personal life, and offers advice for aspiring franchisees. The conversation highlights the significance of love and passion in business, the value of community support, and the lessons learned from failure. Key Takeaways Sarah bought Little Movers Warrington in December 2020 during the pandemic.She fell in love with the concept of active parent participation.Overcoming personal challenges helped her grow as a business owner.Building a community space was a key focus for her franchise.Innovation and creativity are essential in franchising.She emphasises the importance of support from the franchise network.Failure is a part of the journey and a learning opportunity.Her business has significantly impacted her personal life and family time.She encourages aspiring franchisees to take risks and try new things.Love for what you do is crucial for success.Contact Sarah: Instagram: @Littlemoverswarrington TikTok: @littlemoverswarringtonFacebook: @littlemoverswarringtonWebsite: www.littlemovers.netKeywords franchise, Little Movers, community, innovation, personal growth, parenting, business journey, overcoming challenges, franchisee of the year, support system ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.  Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    26 min
  4. MAR 19

    Mission Lead Disruption In Education Technology With Jack Curtis

    In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey talks to Jack Curtis from Pebble about the importance of engaging with customers to identify their needs and solve problems effectively.  They discuss Pebble's ethos and how listening to customer feedback, businesses can develop solutions that truly address their challenges, leading to better decision-making and marketing strategies. Key Takeaways: 99% of your problems can be solved by talking to your customers.Listening to customers helps in building effective solutions.Customers may not know what they need until prompted.Instant reconciliation of payments can transform business processes.Franchisors can make informed marketing decisions based on customer insights.Engaging with customers leads to better business outcomes.Probing customer feedback is essential for innovation.Understanding customer pain points is key to service improvement.Effective communication with customers enhances satisfaction.Customer insights drive strategic business decisions.Contact Jack: Website: https://bookpebble.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookpebbleuk/Keywords: customer feedback, problem-solving, business decisions, marketing effectiveness, customer insights ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.  Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    31 min
  5. MAR 12

    How To Sell Franchises In a Trust Recession

    In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey talks about how AI is eroding trust in the market and how that impacts franchise sales. She also talks about how franchisors can navigate this to continue to sell franchises. key topics Impact of the trust recession on salesImportance of authenticity and transparencyStrategies for building trust onlineRole of personal branding in franchisingLong-term nurturing and lead qualificationContact Stacey: Website: www.staceycann.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceycannfranchisestrategist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceycann/keywords trust recession, franchise sales, online marketing, authenticity, branding, lead nurturing, digital trust, franchise marketing, personal branding, consumer behaviour, franchising, AI ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.  Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    13 min
  6. MAR 3

    Disrupting Franchise Photography With Sarah Aires

    * ANNOUNCEMENT *: You can enter the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards right now - head to www.disruptivefranchiseawards.com/awards In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey Cann interviews Sarah Aires, a photographer specialising in remote headshots.  Sarah discusses the innovative technology behind her work, the psychological impact of photography on individuals, and the importance of authenticity in presenting oneself.  The conversations emphasises the need for self-acceptance and the value of celebrating individuality within the business community, particularly in the franchise sector. The episode also touches on the role of AI in photography and the significance of maintaining a human connection in an increasingly digital world. Key Takeaways 92% of people feel awkward about having their photo taken.Photography can significantly boost confidence in individuals.The way we look is often the least interesting aspect of who we are.Self-acceptance is crucial for personal and professional growth.AI can enhance photography but should not replace authenticity.Celebrating individuality is important in business culture.Photography should be a compassionate and enjoyable experience.Sarah aims to transform how people view themselves through her work.How To Contact Sarah: Website: https://www.cadenz.media/remote-headshots/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahairesphotographyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadenzremoteheadshotsandbrandphotography/Keywords: remote photography, headshots, AI in photography, self-acceptance, franchise community, professional portraits, psychological impact, innovation in photography, authenticity, business culture, disruptive franchise awards ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.  Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    25 min
  7. FEB 19

    The Surprising Aspects of Being a Franchisor - With Charlotte Hill

    * ANNOUNCEMENT *: You can enter the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards right now - head to www.disruptivefranchiseawards.com/awards In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, host Stacey Cann interviews Charlotte, the founder of Baby Band. Baby Band were winners at the 2025 Disruptive Franchise Awards - taking home Lifestyle Franchise Of The Year!  Listen as Stacey & Charlotte discuss the journey of Baby Band from its inception to becoming a successful franchise, the challenges faced in franchising, the joy of winning a lifestyle franchise award, and the importance of involving family in the business. Charlotte shares insights on the Baby Band festival, advice for aspiring franchisors, and the significance of having a vision and putting in hard work to achieve success. Key Takeaways Baby Band is a music group for babies and their parents that use real instruments.Franchising was initially unfamiliar but became a goal as the business grew.Challenges in franchising often stem from a lack of proper guidance.Winning awards can validate hard work and boost morale.Involving family can enhance the business dynamic.The Baby Band festival is a passion project that reflects the brand's ethos.Aspiring franchisors should take risks and gather knowledge.Consistency and hard work are key to success in franchising and it's crucial to have a long-term visionContact Baby Band: Website: https://www.babyband.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babybandmusic/Keywords: Baby Band, franchising, music for babies, lifestyle franchise, entrepreneurship, family business, music festival, business growth, franchisor challenges, early childhood education ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.  Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    30 min
  8. FEB 12

    The Challenges Of Being A Risk-Taker - With Helen Wilson

    * ANNOUNCEMENT *: You can enter the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards right now - head to www.disruptivefranchiseawards.com/awards In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise podcast, host Stacey Cann welcomes Helen Wilson, a dynamic franchisee and the owner of Gootopia, the UK's leading slime entertainment venue.  Helen shares her journey in franchising, highlighting her transition from running holiday clubs to embracing the world of slime. She emphasises the importance of having a supportive network in franchising, discussing how collaboration and shared experiences can lead to success.  Stacey & Helen also delve into the concept of disruption, explaining how it has evolved from a negative connotation to a positive force for innovation and creativity in business.  Helen reflects on her experiences as a judge for franchise awards, stressing the significance of evidence-based entries and the need for franchisees to recognise their own disruptive potential. How To Contact Helen: Website: www.gootopiacheshire.co.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gootopiaofficialTakeaways: "You can't do it all on your own.""Disruption shows that you're daring to do outside the box.""Every win is a win.""It's about getting the right people around you.""The pressure of entering awards needs to come off people.""You need to enjoy it.""Everything is dependent on a partnership.""Find the right franchisees, invest in them, and they will grow.""You need to have a purpose, you need to have a point.""Whatever your superpower is, share it out there."Keywords franchising, disruption, entrepreneurship, Gootopia, franchise awards, business growth, support network, innovation, collaboration, franchisee, disruptive franchise awards ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place.  Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    44 min

Trailer

About

The Disruptive Franchise Podcast takes a peek behind the scenes of the franchise industry with key insight, origin stories and industry innovation centered around those involved in the Disruptive Franchise Awards. It's perfect for anyone in the franchise industry as well as those thinking about franchising their business.

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