Don Darvill · Leadership Change Agent

Better boss.
Far better results.

Practical leadership ideas from a lifelong student of people, business, and the work of building strong brands.

About Don

A career shaped by people.

33 years at McDonald’s

From the company’s early years in Canada to senior leadership and ownership of three restaurants.

Don helps bosses develop their people and build stronger businesses. His approach grew from decades of learning what effective leadership looks like in practice.

  • Started at sixteen: Joined McDonald’s during its early years in Canada.
  • Led employee development: Served as Director of Training and Employee Development for Western Canada and received the President’s Award.
  • Built his own business: Later owned and operated three independent McDonald’s restaurants.
  • Now shares what he learned: Through Better Boss Workshops, Quadrant Leadership, tutorials, and individual consultations.

Personal Motivation for Change

At the height of his corporate career, Don was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar disorder. The challenges he would now face prompted him to rethink the way that he would lead people in the future. He would later call his transition into the role of a people-centric leader Quadrant Leadership.

The work

Build the kind of leadership people can grow with.

Don’s workshops and Quadrant Leadership Model put employee development at the centre of business performance.

02 / MODEL

Quadrant Leadership

A practical framework for adapting how you train, teach, coach, and mentor as people develop.

Learn more from Don
03 / CONVERSATION

People-Centric Leaders

Explore the key differences between traditional leadership and people-centric leadership.

Start a conversation
Watch & listen

Ideas for better bosses.

Short videos from Don on the everyday choices that shape a workplace.

Free book downloads

The books

Open a book to read it online, or download your own copy.

The Entrepreneur’s Apprentice — Better Boss Workshop Edition, by Don Darvill

The Entrepreneur’s Apprentice

Better Boss Workshop Edition

Practical ideas for developing people, strengthening your brand, and becoming a better boss.

Free PDF · No password required

Bipolar And Me — Finding Salvation, by Don Darvill

Bipolar And Me

Finding Salvation

The personal stories behind Don’s leadership journey. A companion to the Better Boss Workshop Edition.

Free PDF · No password required

Get in touch

Let’s talk about better leadership.

Choose the form that best fits your needs. Don makes every effort to reply within three business days.

General enquiries Open form +

Have a question or want to start a conversation? Send Don a note.

Messages are sent to Don’s email address.

Workshop registration request Open form +

Request a group workshop or one-on-one consultation. Don will contact you to discuss availability.

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After you send your request, please wait. You may be asked to complete an “I’m not a robot” check.

Don will contact you to discuss availability and confirm arrangements. An invoice will be sent separately. Submitting this form does not automatically reserve a date or place.