Anisha Sharma transition from a successful career in finance to owning multiple McDonald’s franchises is a compelling story of passion, resilience, and ambition. With a background in Banking and Finance, Sharma’s career spanned Wealth Management and Compliance before she decided to pursue her long-standing dream of business ownership.

A New Chapter: The Shift from Finance to Franchising

Anisha Sharma’s decision to shift from finance to franchising was driven by a deep-seated desire to build a legacy for her family and to challenge herself in a new domain. “I had always wanted to own my own business,” Sharma reflects. “Despite being comfortable in my finance career, the pandemic provided me with the time to reflect on what I truly wanted. I knew I had to take the plunge and pursue my dream.”

Her choice of McDonald’s as a franchising partner was not incidental. “Having explored various franchising opportunities, McDonald’s stood out due to its robust framework, infrastructure, and support,” Sharma notes. Her sister, Shafali Shown-Keen, had applied to be a Franchisee a year before and her success inspired Sharma to follow suit.

Leveraging a Hospitality Background

Growing up in a snooker and pool club owned by her parents, Anisha Sharma was immersed in the hospitality industry from a young age. “I watched my parents work tirelessly, creating a rapport with customers and contributing to the community,” she says. This early exposure instilled in her a passion for hospitality and business. Her hands-on experience, from assisting in the family business to making burgers and fries, laid a solid foundation for her future in franchising.

Ensuring Excellence: Maintaining High Standards

For Anisha Sharma, the core pillars of her McDonald’s franchises are quality, service, and cleanliness. She emphasizes the importance of regular audits and personal involvement in her stores. “I believe there is always an opportunity to improve. I spend a lot of time in my stores, observing staff and customer interactions, and ensuring we deliver the best possible experience,” she explains.

Building and Motivating a Team

Creating a positive work environment is central to Anisha Sharma’s management philosophy. “A happy workplace is crucial for business success,” she asserts. She focuses on empowering and trusting her team, maintaining open communication, and showing genuine appreciation. Sharma also arranges regular team outings and charity events, such as a 25k charity walk and a 5k Inflatable Challenge, to foster team spirit and give back to the community.

Skills for Success in Franchising

Anisha Sharma believes that resilience, humility, and tenacity are essential traits for success in franchising. “This journey is always evolving, and there is always something new to learn,” she notes. Her own experiences reflect these qualities as she continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of running her franchises.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Balancing the demands of running a franchise with personal life is a challenge Sharma meets with determination. “With a four-year-old daughter, life is busy. I prioritize my week and adapt my schedule accordingly, which is one of the perks of being an owner/operator,” she shares.

Reflections on Career Transition

Looking back, Sharma has no regrets about her career transition. “Every setback is a lesson,” she says. The pandemic, which initially seemed like a setback, gave her purpose and direction. Within two years, Sharma has achieved the milestone of owning three McDonald’s restaurants, a testament to her hard work and the support she received from McDonald’s.

Evolving Perspectives on Success

For Sharma, success extends beyond financial metrics. “Success means having a positive impact on those around me and creating an environment where people can be their best selves,” she reflects. Her role as a McDonald’s Franchisee has also allowed her to give back to the community, such as sponsoring a local women’s football league.

Anisha Sharma’s journey from finance to franchising with McDonald’s exemplifies how pursuing one’s passion, leveraging past experiences, and maintaining a commitment to excellence can lead to fulfilling and impactful success.

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