Leading with Empathy and Ethics with CEO Catherine Monson

The Franchise Leaders Forum Podcast

What if the key to success lies in changing your mindset?

Today's guest, Catherine Monson, shares invaluable lessons on leadership, the importance of a positive mental attitude, and effective communication within franchises. Catherine’s leadership journey is marked by dedication to franchisee profitability and a profound commitment to ethical leadership and meaningful franchise support.

Catherine also shares her personal struggles and triumphs, such as overcoming depression and maintaining a positive mindset despite difficult circumstances. Her candid reflections on her "Undercover Boss" experience reveal gaps in company operations and how she addressed those challenges head-on.

Catherine Monson brings more than 40 years of franchising and leadership experience with multiple brands. Catherine is the CEO of Propelled Brands, a multi-franchisor with over 1,200 locations globally including FASTSIGNS, My SALON Suite, Camp Bow Wow and NerdsToGo. Catherin is a past chair of IFA and a member of the IFA Board of Directors from 2008 to 2023 and was an IFA Hall of Fame inductee in 2024.

So, if you are ready to listen in as Catherine shares how she turned challenges into triumphs, her powerful mindset techniques, and the pivotal moments that have shaped her career then today's episode is for you.

Connect with Catherine Monson:

Catherine’s YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/catherinemonson

Catherine’s Email - [e-mail]

Catherine’s assistant - [e-mail]

The sign that Catherine holds up during the interview is a framed picture with 5 texts of line. It read as

PMA

GPB

SM

SoU

NSL

Episode Highlights:

• Catherine Monson’s career journey
• Importance of transparent communication
• Victim vs victor mindset
• Importance of positive mental attitude
• Weekly motivation videos for franchisees
• Balancing act of leading multiple brands
• Balancing empathy with business decision-making
• Characteristics of highly successful people
• Catherine’s experience on Undercover Boss

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [e-mail]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale