Brian Lanier is a leadership facilitator and executive coach who helps leaders strengthen communication, build trust, and create cultures where people can thrive.
His path to this work began early. Raised as the son of a Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, Brian moved 11 times before finishing high school. Living in constant transition taught him how to adapt, connect quickly, and work across differences - skills that still shape his facilitation today.
Before founding The Leaders Circle, a leadership consultancy, Brian served as Regional VP of Operations for Starbucks. Earlier in his career, after being hired by PepsiCo following its acquisition of KFC Canada, he rose through the ranks to lead more than 50 KFCs in Atlantic Canada and more than 80 in Western Canada. He has also owned and operated a restaurant, giving him practical insight into leadership, service, and performance under pressure.
Today, he coaches and facilitates for organizations ranging from 10 employees to 15,000. A dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., Brian also serves on the boards of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Heritage Park Historical Village.
