Full Course’s Lauren Fernandez on affirmations, work life balance and entrepreneurship

Empowering Restaurant Entrepreneurs: Insights from Full Course's Lauren Fernandez
In the dynamic world of the restaurant industry, emerging brands often face significant challenges in scaling their operations and achieving sustainable growth. Lauren Fernandez, founder and CEO of Full Course, has dedicated her career to addressing these challenges by providing strategic guidance and support to small business owners. In a recent interview on "The Female Founder" with Bridget Fitzpatrick, Fernandez shared her journey and the principles that drive her mission.

Transitioning from Corporate Law to Restaurant Entrepreneurship
Lauren Fernandez's professional journey is a testament to the power of embracing change and continuous learning. After serving as General Counsel for Focus Brands, where she oversaw legal affairs for franchises like Carvel, Cinnabon, and Moe’s Southwest Grill, Fernandez made a pivotal decision to leave her corporate role nearly seven years ago. She ventured into entrepreneurship by becoming a multi-unit franchisee of Chicken Salad Chick, gaining firsthand experience in restaurant operations. Reflecting on this transition, she emphasizes the importance of humility and learning from all team members, stating, "I learned more from our managers and our units about restaurants than I’d ever learned operationally while I was sitting in my chair as a general counsel."

Founding Full Course: A Mission to Support Small Businesses
In the midst of the pandemic, Fernandez founded Full Course with a mission to guide independent restaurant owners toward sustainable growth. The firm offers capital support while empowering entrepreneurs to maintain control over their businesses. Full Course focuses on coaching owners to become exceptional brand leaders and franchisors, allowing them to concentrate on their core operations. Fernandez describes the approach as providing the "playbook to sustainable growth that leads to value for their businesses."

Navigating Male-Dominated Industries
Operating in sectors traditionally dominated by males—legal, private equity, and the restaurant industry—Fernandez has encountered and overcome various challenges. Early in her career, she often held back her opinions due to labels like "too opinionated" or "bossy." She acknowledges the necessity of overcoming such stereotypes and emphasizes the importance of assertiveness and confidence in leadership roles.

The Role of Positive Affirmations and Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for sustained success. Fernandez practices daily positive affirmations, often reciting them while brushing her teeth, to set a constructive tone for the day. She advises entrepreneurs to write affirmations on their mirrors as reminders. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, acknowledging that it's acceptable to seek help and allow certain tasks to be deprioritized when necessary.

Building a Supportive Professional Network
Fernandez highlights the significance of having a reliable support system, both personally and professionally. She refers to her professional support group as her "lifeboat," an unofficial board comprising trusted advisors and subject matter experts. This network provides valuable insights and guidance, contributing to informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Development
Full Course is currently in the process of a $20 million fundraise, aiming to invest in and develop emerging restaurant brands. Fernandez emphasizes the importance of investing in people and building brands thoughtfully to ensure stability during expansion. She expresses enthusiasm for showcasing the dedication and talent of the entrepreneurs they support, stating, "I am so excited to share these folks with you. So you can see their hustle, you can see their determination, you can taste their food."  Read Full Article