In a new episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, host Dave Hansen welcomes Sherri Fishman, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Fishman Public Relations, to explore how women are shaping the franchise landscape. With over 30 years of experience in franchise PR and a deep legacy of leadership, Sherri brings practical insights about the power of mentorship, empathy-driven leadership, and community-building in franchising. As a longtime franchise industry veteran and current Chair of the International Franchise Association’s Marketing & Innovation Committee, her perspective is both credible and timely.
This episode focuses on how women in franchising are stepping into leadership roles in greater numbers, while also changing the way leadership itself is practiced. The conversation also emphasizes how networking and mentoring are essential tools for growth, and why this industry is uniquely suited for women to thrive.
Below, we’ll highlight five key takeaways from the episode and guide you to the most impactful soundbites featured during the conversation. This podcast was presented in partnership with ClientTether, a platform built to streamline operations and sales automation for franchise and multi-location businesses. You can watch the full episode here or listen on Spreaker.
Transformational Leadership in Franchising (6:49–8:10)
Sherri begins by exploring how more women are not only entering franchising, but rising to executive-level roles. She shares multiple stories of women who started in support or coordinator roles and now lead national franchise brands or manage investment funds. This growth is due in part to franchisors embracing the entrepreneurial mindset that values talent regardless of traditional hierarchies. The franchise model itself, with its reliance on structured systems and mentorship, enables women to succeed across a variety of business functions. Sherri’s viewpoint makes it clear that this evolution in leadership is not an accident—it’s a product of opportunity and empowerment.
Leading with Empathy (8:59–11:00)
The conversation shifts to the value of empathetic leadership. Sherri outlines how many women in franchising lead by enabling others, helping team members grow through guided support rather than control. This leadership style creates environments where team members feel valued and encouraged to reach their potential. In franchising, where mentorship and systems are key to growth, empathy becomes a competitive advantage. Women in the space are excelling because they understand how to connect with their teams, clients, and franchisees on a personal level. These emotional bonds build trust and longevity in an industry that thrives on relationships.
Balancing Nurturing and Achievement (14:15–16:20)
One of the most powerful themes in the episode is the balance that women strike between nurturing and achievement. Sherri discusses the dynamic of business partnership within her own company, noting the way different strengths complement each other. She credits much of her success to having strong relationships with her team and being deeply involved in their growth. This hands-on, people-first mindset doesn’t slow down performance—it drives it. For franchise operators, this is a valuable insight: success in franchising doesn’t come from hard systems alone, but from the way those systems are managed and led.
Women Shaping the Future of Franchising (27:03–29:30)
The podcast highlights how women are not only leading within individual brands but helping to shape the future direction of the industry. Sherri describes the informal networks and communities that women in franchising have created—groups that offer professional support, shared ideas, and career guidance. From the “Franchise Girl Gang” to high-level advisory roles, these networks are building a culture of inclusion and excellence. Sherri’s own leadership at the IFA shows how these women are not just supporting each other—they’re guiding strategy at the highest levels. The franchise industry has embraced this shift, and it is helping to drive broader innovation and growth.
The Power of Networking in Franchising (35:36–37:50)
A central theme of the podcast is the importance of networking. Sherri points out that many of the key connections in her career came from simple, human interactions at conferences, roundtables, or even elevator chats. Whether you’re a vendor, franchisor, or supplier, showing up in person is one of the best ways to join the “franchise fam.” These organic connections often turn into lasting relationships and professional opportunities. Sherri recommends that anyone new to the industry make an effort to attend events like the IFA Annual Leadership Conference and reach out to peers or mentors directly. It’s not just about making contacts—it’s about building a network that supports you.
Wrap Up Thoughts
This episode of the Advisory Board Podcast with Sherri Fishman offers a clear picture of how #WomenInFranchising are changing the game. From empathetic leadership to building strong professional communities, women are helping to shape a franchise industry that values connection, innovation, and inclusivity. Sherri’s decades of experience serve as a blueprint for how franchisors can build thriving cultures by elevating the women in their organizations.
For franchise leaders and operators, the message is simple: leadership isn’t just about strategy. It’s about who you empower and how you support them. Recognizing hidden potential, creating opportunities for growth, and investing in people-first systems is how lasting success is built.
If you’re looking to harness the full potential of your franchise organization, this episode is a must-watch. To learn more about the tools that support franchise scalability and operational excellence, visit ClientTether. And to explore franchise PR services that amplify your brand and drive visibility, check out Fishman Public Relations.
You can also stream the full episode on YouTube or Spreaker to hear how the women of franchising are leading the way forward.
