Authentic leadership has gained attention in recent years; individuals and professionals are shifting from the norm of the usual leadership to what is more real. Josh Rathweg gets this, and that is what makes him stand out.
Running a business is often pitched as “easy and cool” to get rich, and authenticity is traded for likes on the ‘Gram—but Josh sees through the noise with a combination of grit, empathy, and purpose to transform the conventional wisdom of leadership.
Although based in Southern California, he has worked as an entrepreneur addressing challenges in other parts of the world. He has a strong background in business and is dedicated to mentoring and philanthropy. His experience provides a new perspective on what it takes to be an impactful leader.
His journey from corporate executive to franchise owner and mentor offers a fresh take on leading with impact. Rathweg’s experience may be of interest to those exploring authentic leadership.
Rathweg worked as an executive at the largest financial organization in the US for over 13 years. Under seasoned mentors, he developed his strategic decision-making and team-building abilities.
He decided to become an entrepreneur in 2017 and opened his first franchise. Since then, he has grown to run ten franchise locations across multiple states, bringing in $25+ million annually, according to Rathweg.
The call center units and supporting management firm have contributed to his organization’s performance in revenue, innovation, and guest experience. He transformed his first location into an exceptional performer with shoulder-to-shoulder guidance for employees and streamlined procedures.
Creating Opportunities Out of Adversity
Rathweg renovated a second franchise location in 2019 with an investment of more than $1 million. The grand opening drew crowds, but COVID restrictions forced a 16-month closure just weeks later. Financially devastated after spending all that he had to his name during the extended restrictions, he supported his family through unemployment.
Despite that, Rathweg stayed focused on his long-term vision during these struggles, adapting through sheer personal resolve. In 2022, his franchise business reopened to the public and was successful following his period of persistence.
According to Josh, he owes this discipline and an entrepreneurial mindset to a B.S. from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business and his experience as a Division I soccer athlete.
His grit and steadfast demeanor come from his daughter’s diagnosis at ten months when she was battling a malignant brain tumor, which made his private life much more difficult. He gained steadfast resolve from the hardships. His humanitarian activism through board positions at Ronald McDonald House Charities and Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation is further fueled by her entire recovery and the absence of any signs of the illness.
Leading with Empathy and Accessibility
Rathweg’s leadership is notable for being approachable. He thrives on face-to-face interaction, in contrast to reclusive leaders. He states, “I get energy from working side-by-side with my team.” He develops a culture in which mistakes lead to growth rather than condemnation.
High achievers are given the chance to succeed regardless of their background. He freely discussed his difficulties during the COVID closure and helped staff members find relief resources.
Following in his footsteps, aspiring leaders say that “he equips, empowers, and excites individuals and professionals under his guidance to discover more of who they are so they can lead with greater impact in business and beyond.” This fostered trust and guaranteed a cohesive team upon reopening.
His sympathetic approach is also shaped by his daughter’s health battle. He provides tools to help people lead with purpose, handle crises, and make a lasting difference to more than 1,000 people he mentors. “He provides cutting-edge resources, life-changing encounters, and a nurturing environment that fosters personal development.” One of the mentees says.
Building a Legacy of Impact
Rathweg envisions a national platform for leadership development. He aims to create a community where aspiring leaders find practical, values-based guidance. “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about being present,” he says.
Focusing on sustainable growth, he opposes approaches that promise rapid fixes. Like his franchise success, he also hopes to use his position to enable leaders to align actions with purpose.
He oversaw a network-wide operational revamp while serving as Chairman and member of the Franchise Advisory Council for the 2022–2024 term. By using data to solve franchisee complaints, he improved the brand and was awarded a second term for 2025–2027.
Rathweg’s tale provides an honest, inclusive, and experience-based leadership model for everyone, but especially for those who have tried everything they could.