Books that shift mindsets and build better leaders.

From fry cook to executive to author.

Three books shaped by twenty-five years of experience, from the front line to the boardroom.

The Great Resignation

INDIGO
BARNES & NOBLE
AMAZON

Quiet quitting. Burnout. High turnover. It’s not just a talent crisis. It’s a leadership crisis.

In The Great Resignation, Laura Darrell delivers a sharp, practical roadmap for building a culture where people want to stay and grow. Drawing on 25 years leading teams from the front line to the executive suite, she demonstrates why coaching and appreciation are no longer soft skills; they're leadership survival strategies.

This book is for leaders who are done managing symptoms and ready to change the system.

Key Takeaways
How to build a coaching culture that retains talent using strategies that engage and motivate a multi-generational team. Real-world leadership examples that drive loyalty, not burnout

  • “The Great Resignation” offers excellent insight into today’s workplace retention issues, breaking them down into manageable buckets, which is very helpful”

    Allison McLaren – National Training Manager, Boston Pizza International

  • "Laura Darrell shows us how to gain an advantage in this labor market. Valuable tools and lessons in an easy-to-read format! This book is now a valuable must-read for all of our management team.”

    Linda McKenna – 42-year Multi-Unit Franchisee – Boston Pizza Restaurants

  • "Team Satisfaction is hyper-important to today’s workers; “The Great Resignation” highlights simple, low to no cost ways to keep your team happy, motivated, and productive. A winning combination in any organization"

    Scott Zulyniak – Regional Manager – Boston Pizza Restaurants

  • ‘The Great Resignation" is crucial for leaders to read as it helps us navigate the complexities of today’s workforce, offering insights into the factors driving employee disengagement and departure and provides valuable strategies on adapting leadership approaches in this evolving workforce”

    Erika Zilkova – District Manager, Starbucks Coffee Company.

  • "If you are a leader in hospitality or retail, this book is a must-read! Growing up in front of screens has changed the motivations of today's youth - in life and at work. If you are not adapting to provide appreciative leadership, you will never inspire your teams to deliver on your vision. “The Great Resignation” unwraps how and why we must evolve our leadership styles and embrace this new reality"

    Darren Flintoff – British Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame Inductee and Multi-Unit Franchisee

  • 'The Great Resignation” is rooted in first-hand experience and research data over Laura's 25+ years leading teams. After COVID, what employees seek from their leaders has changed dramatically. This book is a must-read for any leader wanting to stay ahead of the movement and help build a culture of accountability and appreciation that will help retain the greatest teams and draw the right talent to you."

    Lou Day – Senior Vice President of Operations – MrMikes Restaurants – Franchised Locations

  • "Laura unpacks why the great resignation happened. She holds up the mirror for leaders to honestly assess their role in why employees stay or leave. With practical advice on welcoming, developing, and growing the talent we have worked so hard to attract, Laura’s brilliant advice will serve you well"

    Serge Boudreau & Shelley Billinghurst, co-hosts of The Recruitment Flex Podcast

  • "The Great Resignation” is an invaluable roadmap that guides organizations and their leaders toward effectively attracting and retaining invaluable talent. This book is not just a great read; it's packed with interesting insights about Organizational Leadership and the trends that have the potential to reshape our world in the coming years. A must-read for anyone seeking to stay ahead in this ever-evolving landscape."

    Sebastian Aguirre, Film Editor, Marketing, Sales at NiceJob, Netflix

  •  "In the wake of such a notable shift in professional priorities and work/life balance, Laura Darrell offers leaders a fresh perspective on the wants and needs of today’s workforce.  Prioritizing Culture and Development and filled with comprehensive good human strategies, The Great Resignation is sure to leave its readers feeling empowered and motivated to do better by their people."

    Sherri Reinhart – Vice President of People & Culture, Stonewater Restaurant Group

  • "Simple concepts are often the most challenging to put into practice. Laura Darrell’s pragmatic approach to appreciative leadership offers an incremental and lucid roadmap for new and experienced people leaders who want the upper hand in developing successful teams that commit for the long run."

    Joanne Forrester, President and Chief Operating Officer, Moxies Restaurants, North America

The Principles of 
Franchisee Success

BUY HERE

A Top 75 Franchise Business Book on Amazon

Franchise success isn't built on luck. It's built on trust, alignment, and relentless execution.

The Principles of Franchisee Success draws on Laura Darrell's experience leading from both sides of the franchise relationship, as a multi-unit operator and corporate executive.

Through practical examples and hard-earned lessons, Laura explores what separates thriving franchise systems from those that struggle: strong partnerships, operational discipline, leadership credibility, and a shared belief in where the brand is headed.

Whether you operate one location or one hundred, this book provides a blueprint for building consistency, strengthening relationships, and creating a culture people want to be part of.

Key Takeaways

  • Build trust between franchisees and franchisors.

  • Create operational rhythms that drive consistent execution.

  • Strengthen culture across multiple locations.

  • Lead growth without sacrificing alignment.

The Promotability Gap

As featured in Publishers Weekly’s Indie Spotlight

buy HERE

Talent gets you noticed. Leadership gets you promoted.

You've worked hard, delivered results, and mastered your craft. So why do some people continue to move ahead while others remain stuck?

In The Promotability Gap, Laura Darrell uncovers the invisible behaviors, mindsets, and leadership skills that determine long-term career success.

Drawing on real-world stories and executive experience, she reveals why technical expertise alone is rarely enough—and what ambitious professionals must do to earn trust, expand influence, and step into greater responsibility.

This is a practical guide for anyone ready to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them.

Key Takeaways

  • Identify the hidden barriers holding back your career.

  • Build influence beyond technical expertise.

  • Develop the habits leaders look for in future executives.

  • Turn potential into lasting momentum.