TRUST as a Leadership Model: Charles Watson on Impact and Integrity

In this episode, Charles Watson shares his leadership insights from over a decade with Tropical Smoothie, growing the brand from 250 locations to over 1,500. Charles discusses the challenges and rewards of franchise leadership, focusing on community involvement and the Prosper Forum’s mission to create inclusive opportunities in the restaurant industry. He highlights his personal leadership philosophy, centered around the acronym “TRUST,” which guides his approach to transparency, responsibility, service, and more. Additionally, Charles shares his commitment to social responsibility through Tropical Smoothie’s partnership with No Kid Hungry and the CEO Pledge, which aims to combat childhood hunger across the U.S.