[EP32] How To Solve Big Problems & Choosing The Right Mentor | Darryl Sangster

In this episode, I’m joined by Darryl Sangster of Sangster Franchise Group. Darryl and I have known each other for almost 30 years now and have been through many experiences together both personally and professionally.

I really admire Darryl for how he shows up every day as a leader in his business, his community and for his family. We dove deep into the lessons he’s learned over the years around leadership and learning from the ups and downs that life throws at us.

His multiple decades as a franchise owner and now franchise owner consultant have equipped him to have the tough conversations with people he serves … because at the end of the day, Darryl solves problems. That’s why he’s known as “The Franchise Wolf” 🙂

Episode Topics

5:42 | Darryl talks about embracing hitting home runs and striking out in business and life
7:18 | Trevor and Darryl speak about the emotional rollercoaster of reaching your goals
10:30 | Darryl speaks about “presence” and why it’s more important than just “showing up”
14:10 | Why entrepreneurs struggle to be present with family and how to fix it
16:21 | Darryl reflects on the day he was approved for a $1M loan (and what he learned)
18:18 | Darryl explains his background in franchising and the leadership skills he developed
29:20 | Darryl talks about his late Dad and the lessons he taught him about leading people
39:52 | Who is ONE person/mentor that has been most influential in your life (all time)?
41:28 | Who is the ONE person/mentor that is the most influential in your life (right now)
45:10 | What is the ONE philanthropic cause that means the most to you and why?
51:52 | What is the ONE thing you are most grateful for in your life right now?
52:50 | What is the ONE thing that you are most curious about right now and wanting to explore more in your life?
56:34 | What is the ONE thing that scares you right now that you know you must meet with bravery?
1:01:45 | Where can people find out more about you and connect with you online?

Episode Quotes

“I had an entrepreneurial father. He taught me not to be afraid to fail. Ya it hurts and you feel embarrassed but at the end of the day it’s really cool to hit some home runs. I’ve failed big and I’ve hit some big home runs. And I’m proud of both.” – Darryl Sangster

“I was able to be physically present at my kids dance recitals, but I wasn’t mentally there. I was so pressured and consumed with this professional goal of building and acquiring. At one point my own mother questioned why I was so obsessed with growth – and what it was costing me.” – Darryl Sangster

“When you are so driven, have a value around entrepreneurship and have your identity attached to it…you just keep going and have a really hard time slowing down.” – Trevor Turnbull

“My Dad built up a great reputation in the franchising sector. There’s a lot of people in the Canadian Franchise Association that still bring up his name. He built a reputation as a good, honest, tough business man. He knew how to put on the gloves and go to battle…but always with respect.” – Darryl Sangster

“The hard skills of business are taught through schools, the school of hard knocks and mentorship. But the soft skills of business like empathy & caring are critical. Not trying to make the numbers work on the P&L, but actually looking at the people and considering how you can help them live their best life.” – Trevor Turnbull

“Trevor helped me cross a bridge that I didn’t know I could get across. I had all this experience in franchising, but I didn’t know how to sell myself as a mentor/coach. My question was – I have all this knowledge, what do I do now? He helped me refine my positioning as the Franchise Wolf and my value proposition – I help franchisors expand.” – Darryl Sangster