But across franchising, some of the most successful operators are proof that you don’t need a traditional business route to thrive. With the right training, a clear framework and a supportive network around you, it’s possible to grow into leadership confidently – regardless of where you started.
Here, Lisa Stead, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, reflects on two franchise journeys at opposite ends of the timeline – one of the longest-serving Principals in the international network, and one of the newest. Together, their experiences show that success isn’t defined by where you start, but by the support and structure you have around you.
For me, that’s franchising at its best. It isn’t about arriving with every skill already in place – it’s about having the framework to develop them, and the backing to grow in confidence as you go.
One of the strongest examples of that is Edward and Marika Mercieca, Principals of Stagecoach Malta. Edward began his Stagecoach journey as a professional actor and theatre producer – far from business management. Yet together, he and Marika have grown Stagecoach Malta into one of our most successful international franchises – now supporting more than a thousand students and leading a large teaching team.
They started with around 280 students and a handful of classes. Over time, they have expanded Stagecoach Malta to 10 Main Stages schools, more than 16 Early Stages classes and a flourishing Further Stages programme. Beyond weekly classes, they have created overseas opportunities for students, organised international choir performances and developed a biennial charity concert – recently raising €25,000 for hospice care in Malta.
Edward credits their success not to business expertise, but to staying close to families, investing in teachers and always putting students first. “Challenges are constant when you’re the market leader,” said Edward. “Other children’s activities compete for attention, and new providers always want to knock you off the top. But we focus on what matters: being highly visible, knowing our families and creating experiences that build trust. Parents talk. When you go above and beyond for their children, that loyalty lasts.”
That line – “parents talk” – is crucial. In this sector, reputation is built through trust, and trust is built through consistency. It’s not only the standard of teaching that matters, but the reassurance families feel week after week.
“These young people from a small rock in the Mediterranean, standing on one of the world’s most famous stages – how cool is that? It was a real ‘proud Principal’ moment,” Edward added, reflecting on seeing Maltese students perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London.
At the other end of the franchise timeline is Karolina Liçi, Principal of Stagecoach Kronberg, and her journey shows that you don’t need decades of experience – or a business background – to succeed. Karolina’s career began in opera singing, and she was drawn to Stagecoach because she believed theatre should be a space for everyone. Before becoming a Principal, she taught at Stagecoach for six years – gaining hands-on experience across age groups and gradually taking on more responsibility.
“The onboarding process was incredibly structured and supportive,” she said. “I felt guided every step of the way. You learn the teaching framework, the organisational essentials, the safeguarding processes – everything you need to start confidently.”
For Karolina, the network has been just as important as the training itself. “You never feel alone,” she said. “It’s a generous community where people genuinely want you to succeed.”
Her school is already seeing strong momentum – from students surpassing expectations to parents sharing transformational stories and a growing waiting list. Like many new Principals, her biggest challenge has been managing multiple responsibilities at once, but learning to delegate and trust her team has helped her settle into leadership with confidence.
Together, Edward and Karolina’s stories show what franchising can look like when it’s built around support, not assumptions. Experience helps, but it isn’t the deciding factor. With the right framework, the right people around you and a genuine passion for what you do, it’s possible to build something meaningful – and make a lasting impact.
