In this encore episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam reshares a conversation with Lauren Fernandez, founder and CEO of the investment firm Full Course. Lauren joined Sam in person last summer to share her tips for emerging brands looking to secure capital and her thoughts on how to get more women and minorities involved in foodservice leadership. If you enjoy this conversation, you’ll have a chance to connect directly with Lauren and other investors at NRN’s Investment Summit, part of the CREATE event this October in Nashville; visit create.nrn.com for more details.

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• Training in your restaurants gives you a foundation to know what the brand needs
• Servant leaders don’t talk about doing the work — they just do the work 
• Leaders should seize the moment to invest in themselves
• Most American restaurants are independents who just need resources to get to the next level
• Global fast casuals are the category to bet on 
• You never know where the next best idea for your brand is going to come from
• If you’re looking for capital, prepare by having clean books and a clear purpose

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at [email protected].